Most people who give up on crochet or knitting were beaten by their yarn, not by the stitches. A fluffy, dark or splitting yarn hides every loop you are trying to learn.
Choose a yarn that shows you what your hands are doing, and the same stitches suddenly make sense. Here is what to look for, and four yarns on our shelves that make learning easy.
What makes a yarn easy to learn with
Smooth, not fluffy
A smooth strand lets you see each stitch and pull it out cleanly when you make a mistake.
A light, plain colour
Stitches are far easier to read in cream, yellow or sky blue than in black or navy.
Medium to chunky thickness
A thicker strand is easier to see and to hold, and your work grows quickly enough to keep you going.
A low price
Your first project is practice. Choose a yarn you will not be afraid to unravel and start again.
Four yarns we recommend
Where we start our learners
Robin Chunky
KES 200 a ball
This is the yarn we give people who are learning. It is made in Kenya by Spin-Knit in Nakuru, the mill behind the Robin brand since 1982, and it costs so little that you can practise, unravel and try again without a second thought. The chunky strand is easy to see and quick to work.
100% acrylic · Chunky · Made in Kenya · 51 shades
See Robin Chunky
Best for a first garment
YarnArt Adore Dream
KES 700 a ball
A soft, smooth acrylic that resists the little bobbles which form where clothes rub. It is gentle on your hands, forgiving when you unravel it, and one ball goes a long way.
Anti-pilling acrylic · 280 m per 100 g · 4 mm needles or hook
See Adore Dream
Best when you are ready to step up
YarnArt Jeans Plus
KES 800 a ball
A matte cotton blend with a firm, round strand. Every stitch stands out clearly and it does not split when your hook goes in, which makes it the natural next step for toys and bags once the basics feel comfortable.
55% cotton, 45% acrylic · 160 m per 100 g · 5 mm hook
See Jeans Plus
Best if you have never held a hook
Alize Puffy
KES 700 a ball
A loop yarn you knit with your fingers. The strand is a row of ready-made loops, and you simply pull one through the next. There are no needles and no hook, which makes it a lovely first project for children too.
Loop yarn · No tools needed · Blankets and scarves
See Alize PuffyTwo yarns to save for later
Velvet and chenille yarns are wonderfully soft, but the pile hides your stitches. Mohair blends are beautiful and almost impossible to unravel. Enjoy both once the basic stitches feel natural.
Your first stitches
Every crochet project begins with a slip knot and a chain. DMC shows both in under two minutes.
Video: DMC
Learning to knit instead? Start with DMC's video on casting on.
Come and feel the yarn first
Softness does not show in a photo. Visit us on the 1st floor of Sarit Centre, tell us what you want to make, and we will put the right ball in your hands.
Shop beginner yarnsOr call us on +254 798 316860
Prices correct at the time of writing. Shades sell quickly, so check the product page for current stock.
