How to Choose Yarn for Crochet Toys

In this 19-page MonoxaToys PDF tutorial, I explain how I choose yarn in my own practice. Over the years, designing and testing toys has shown me that material choice directly affects durability, shape, and long-term appearance. Because of that, this guide focuses on real decisions, supported by real examples — not abstract theory.

What you’ll learn

In this tutorial, you’ll learn about:

• How to choose yarn for crochet toys based on age, use, and design intention

• The differences between cotton and acrylic, and when each option makes sense

• Two common caveats of acrylic yarn, along with practical ways to work around them

• How yarn weight and gauge influence size, structure, and durability

• When gauge matters in amigurumi, and when it usually doesn’t

• How to read the gauge on yarn labels and apply it correctly

• A real example of incorrect gauge, shown over time

• Yarn choices for different age groups, from baby toys to adult collectibles

• My go-to yarns, including specific brands and U.S. alternatives

Throughout the tutorial, these topics are illustrated with real crochet toy examples from my MonoxaToys practice, so you can see how each decision plays out in finished work.

Who this tutorial is for

This guide is made for:

• Crocheters who want to design their own toys, not just follow patterns

• Amigurumi makers ready to move beyond trial and error

• Designers who want better control over structure and longevity

• Makers who care about how their toys look years later, not only at first glance

Why this guide is different

Many yarn guides stop at labels and general rules. This tutorial goes further. It looks at how yarn behaves with use — how it stretches, pills, and ages. As a result, material choice becomes part of your design process instead of guesswork.

Ultimately, the goal is simple: to help you choose yarn with confidence, so your crochet toys remain balanced, durable, and visually strong over time.

Format & delivery

• Digital PDF tutorial

• 19 pages

• Language: English

• Instant download after purchase

• No physical item will be shipped

Find my other “How to” tutorials here: https://monoxatoys.com/how-to-tutorials/