Ordinary yarn makes a floppy bag. Fill it with your phone, keys and a bottle of water and it sags to your knees. If you want a crochet bag or basket that stands up and keeps its shape, you need a different kind of yarn altogether.
That yarn is t-shirt yarn: thick strips of cotton jersey, the same fabric as a T-shirt, wound onto a cone. It is strong, it has body, and it is so thick that a basket takes an afternoon and a rug takes a weekend. Whether you spell it crochet or crotchet, this is the fastest way to make something you will use every day.
Why makers love it
It holds its shape
Baskets stand up by themselves and bags do not stretch out of shape under weight.
It is fast
Worked on an 8 to 12 mm hook, every stitch covers real ground.
It is recycled
Hoooked yarns are made from offcuts left over by the clothing industry, which would otherwise be thrown away.
It sells
Bags, baskets and rugs are among the easiest handmade items to sell at markets and online.
The yarns
Best for bags and neat baskets
Hoooked Ribbon XL
KES 1,000 a cone
A flat cotton tape with just a little stretch, even in width from start to finish. That evenness is what gives you tidy, regular stitches, so it is the one to choose for handbags, clutches and baskets where a clean finish matters. It comes in 32 shades, from neutrals to brights.
Recycled, 80% cotton · 250 g, 120 m · 8 to 12 mm hook
See Ribbon XL
Best for rugs and big baskets
Hoooked Zpagetti
KES 1,750 a cone
The original t-shirt yarn: real jersey fabric cut into one continuous, stretchy strip. Each cone is a hefty 700 g or so, which is what you want for a floor rug, a laundry basket or a pouf. Because it is cut from fabric offcuts, cones are sold by shade family, and no two are exactly alike.
90% recycled cotton · About 700 g a cone · Stretchy jersey
See Zpagetti
Best for a natural, rustic look
Hoooked Jute
KES 2,400
Pure natural jute, twisted and stiff, so plant pot covers and baskets keep their form with no lining at all. Use it for placemats, coasters and storage baskets when you want that earthy, woven look in a modern colour.
100% jute · 4 to 6 mm hook
See Hoooked Jute
A softer alternative
DMC Natura Just Cotton XL
KES 1,300 a ball
Not a t-shirt yarn, but a super chunky pure cotton that does many of the same jobs with a softer, rounder stitch. It is a good choice for cushions, soft baskets and bags you want to feel gentle in the hand.
100% combed cotton · 100 g, 75 m · 6 to 7 mm hook
See Natura XLWhich yarn for which project
| You are making | Choose |
|---|---|
| Handbag, clutch or tote | Ribbon XL |
| Small storage baskets | Ribbon XL or Jute |
| Floor rug, pouf, laundry basket | Zpagetti |
| Placemats, coasters, plant pot covers | Jute |
| Soft cushions and baskets | Natura XL |
| Plant hangers and wall hangings | Macramé cord |
Tips for working with t-shirt yarn
Use a big hook. An 8 mm hook gives a firm, dense fabric for baskets, and 10 to 12 mm gives a softer one for rugs.
Crochet tightly for baskets. Tight stitches are what make the sides stand up.
Take breaks. Thick yarn is harder on the hands than fine yarn, so an ergonomic hook is worth having.
Join a new cone by sewing or knotting the ends firmly and working over them, because the thick strip is hard to hide.
Finish bags properly. Our bag accessories include the handles and fastenings that make a bag look bought.
See the colours on the cone
Zpagetti cones are all a little different, so they are worth choosing in person at our shop on the 1st floor of Sarit Centre.
Shop all yarnsOr call us on +254 798 316860
Prices correct at the time of writing.
