7 Things I WISH I Knew About PAINTBOX YARNS Before CROCHETING AMIGURUMI: An HONEST Review

In 7 Things I WISH I Knew About Paintbox Simply DK Before Crocheting Amigurumi, we will explore the pros, the cons and everything in between about this popular yarn for crocheting toys.
For crochet enthusiasts and amigurumi aficionados, choosing the right yarn can be just as important as the pattern itself. The texture, color, and overall quality of yarn can significantly impact the final look and feel of your adorable creations.
Recently, I embarked on an exciting adventure: testing new yarns for my amigurumi projects. I'll share my experience and insights about Paintbox Simply DK and help you decide if this is the right yarn for your next amigurumi project.
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LINKS from the Video:
Amigurumi People Book: amzn.to/46wiLk7
LINKS from the Video:
Amigurumi People Book: amzn.to/46wiLk7
16 FACTS to KNOW ABOUT YARNART JEANS for Crocheting AMIGURUMI: eliserosecroch...
Is DOLLAR TREE YARN Worth the HYPE? An HONEST Review: eliserosecroch...
Paintbox Simply DK: www.lovecrafts...
Paintbox Cotton DK: www.lovecrafts...
Paintbox Wool Mix Aran: www.lovecrafts...
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[@rabiahabib7139]

I really like paintbox yarns and I think I'll stick to it because of my low budget because the cotton dk has A LOT OF YARDS I was actually shocked but I do agree with the acrylic, it's not THE BEST for amigurimi but I do still prefer it because of the colours and since I'm not exactly looking for a job with crochet dolls and animals I don't really mind too much about quality. Thank you so much for highlighting these points so I can look for it in other yarns. Hope you find the yarn for you soon!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! I love their Cotton DK, I just wish it loved me back, lol. It's just too hard on my hands anymore. 🧶🧶🧶

[@TheTugboatgirl]

I love paintbox yarn. I don't make amigurumi but i have made several blankets. The color pallet is incredible and the yarn seems very consistent in thickness.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

They really do have a lot of colors! 🧶🧶🧶

[@lacy5890]

Every one of your videos has been a gem. I never knew there were so many things to know and learn about yarns, amigurumi, and such. Even though I have been knitting for over 60 years, I've only taken one class on amigurumi. What a fun yarn craft to learn, your videos have helped steer me in the right direction without having to find my own way. I appreciate you and the time you take to help each of us out here in cyberland. I hope you and yours are well and in good spirits ~ Lacy xo🤗

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos! 🧶🧶🧶

[@KatyKing-tj2yi]

Thank you for explaining about why the lighter colors are slightly thicker. I’ve noticed that, too, and when I asked someone else (who dyes her own yarns), she told me it was probably my imagination 😮. So glad to be vindicated!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I love being vindicated too! Glad it helped! 🧶🧶🧶

[@cassiecrocheted]

I love Bernat baby blanket yarn for my amigurumi! It’s so soft and I love using it

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@aliciagomezpastor9844]

When I started I used Scheepjes Softfun, and I still love it. Now I use mostly Schachenmayr Catania (mercerized). Amigurumi made with Catania turn out to be of a sharper look. It depends on the result I want the toy to have, or if it's going to be a toy for a kid or an adult.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@dignafortuna5768]

Miss, I find your ideas about thread/yarn to be use in crocheting/knitting amazing and something really proper and it so much give me lots of ideas valuable enough to me .

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Wonderful! ❤️

[@bergermary917]

I have just started doing amnigarimi but have been crocheting for a while. My goal is to get my stitch definition down half as good as Elise Rose She is amazing

[@Me_Ewe_and_Yarn_Cheryl]

It was interesting to find out why yarn thickness can vary within the same product. I don't make amigurumis (I made one, it turned out well, but it's not for me) but it was still good to hear your impressions of the yarn. There's one yarn that everyone seems to love but to me it feels rough and feels like it's sucking the moisture from my skin. Individual differences in tactile experiences and perceptions is real! I love Austin the Astronaut. He's so stinking cute!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! Yarn preference is so individual! 🧶🧶🧶

[@gayle1055]

Great video, Elise. I’m certainly not a professional crocheter but I have noticed in a lot of white yarns vs the color yarns there was a difference. I thought because I’m not that experienced I was doing something. You have put my mind at ease; so thank you. Now I know I’m not coo- coo😂😂

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I felt the same way!! I love learning the why behind the things I observe! 🧶🧶🧶

[@cherylfarnhill2140]

Hi Elise, I agree with you on the Paintbox dk, I haven’t been doing Amigurumi very long but I had some paintbox dk and did experiment with it at first and being a beginner had a terrible time finding my stitches. I do love it for blankets and bigger projects. Thanks for all your informative video’s, they have helped me immensely, hugs Cheryl

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks, Cheryl! I do think it would make a great blanket yarn! 🧶🧶🧶

[@micheledaniels6073]

What a great review! You are exactly right that what is important to you might not be as important to me. Now I’m with you - I need to be able to see the stitches because my eyes don’t work like they used to but 10 years ago, that might’ve been the perfect yarn for me in my budget. Thank you so much for all that you do!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

So true! And yes, it might have been a great yarn for me 10 years ago too!😂

[@CrochetWithTiffany]

Love the idea of a test ball 👍🏻🩷🧶

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you, Tiffany! It has been helpful for me! 🧶🧶🧶

[@janeybeasley9525]

Another thing I find important in yarn is being able to get some smaller balls. The beauty of good amigurumi often depends on lots of different colours, so if you have to buy a big ball of every colour it does add to the expense but more yarns to store. ❤

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I totally agree! 🧶🧶🧶

[@DebbyRoad]

Your channel is so entertaining and really informative. You’ve earned your stripes! Thank you 😊

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@GinnySmith700]

Thanks for the info. The little drummers are so cute.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you! That pattern is from Crochet to Play! ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-st1ru6kc9k]

Hi Elise, Thank you for sharing this tutorial…it’s always good to branch out and try other yarns as you may find that one unexpected yarn 🧶 that will e the diamond in the ruff! I’ve not tried paintbox, I’ll have to add it to my list of things “To Do or Try” List 😉 As I’m in Australia the yarn I’ve tried for Amigurumi (back in 2018-2020) on the handful of toys that I’ve done are: 4 Seasons - Flinders which is 100% cotton, Bella Baby - Nippers which is 100% polyester, and 4 Seasons - Marvel which is 100% Acrylic. There are so many Amigurumi I’d like to make especially your Catster, bunnies 🐰 and my niece asked me for bunny ears, and I saw you wearing some that are gorgeous. Hopefully starting in the NY24 I can accomplish this and start perfecting my Amigurumi as I’m still a beginner, and your tips are really valuable nuggets of gold! Take care and stay safe and warm. God’s blessings 🙏🏼💗🧶😻🦋🐶💎

[@DiChannon]

I have been using Drops Safran for my amigurumi. 100 percent cotton. I love the look of it and it feels lovely too.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@goober112]

I like the chunky yarns for plushies. Ive been using bernat blanket & velvet to get different feels.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@janestaselavage1036]

Hi Elise! Thanks for testing so many yarns for us crocheters. I just tried Elize Cotton Gold yarn made in Turkey, 2 weight, cotton/acrylic blend. Sooo nice! Perfect for amigurumi. Soft feel, smooth and non-splitty. Good stitch definition. More detail than with my other favorite Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton. Another favorite is Scheepjes Stone Washed cotton/acrylic blend, sport weight. Love to watch the yarn testing videos, also the new pattern reviews!!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on those yarns!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@beverlyhitchon4901]

Hi Elise, am a new subscriber and have been binge watching all your videos. I’ve just got back into crocheting after a few years break, I have always wanted to do amigurimi but it scared the hell out of me! I did post a comment about this and you kindly replied with a ‘don’t let it scare you, give it a go’. Well I did, I am in the process of making catster and have just changed colours and am super proud of how it’s going and not scary at all. I’ve so enjoyed working alongside your tutorial, you are so good at explaining and your tutorial is such a breeze to follow. I’ve downloaded the bitty bunny pattern and that will be my next project when I’ve finished catster! I would love for you to make more tutorials as you are an excellent teacher, especially for those of us who have skill issues like me! 😂 Thank you for the encouragement really appreciate it.❤

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That makes me sooooo happy!!!!!! 🙌 I have a new design and tutorial coming soon! It will be perfect for that next step for amigurumi making! 🐭

[@beverlyhitchon4901]

@@EliseRoseCrochet I will keep an eye out for that. So happy you are doing another one. Your videos really are so informative and inspiring. ❤️

[@darcypalmer7783]

The astronaut is adorable. You always find the cutest patterns!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! This pattern was a lot of fun to crochet! 🚀👩‍🚀🧶❤️

[@deniseswank6995]

My favorite amigurumi yarn is YarnArt Jeans. A close second is Herschner’s My Ami.

[@Cuttlebuglover]

That’s really interesting info about why a darker yarn may be thinner. I recently bought a yarn pack to make a blanket. 12 of the colours were the same brand, but one dark colour was a different brand and was soooo much thinner (15 WPI instead of 12 WPI). It was hard to make those rows turn out right so the blanket didn’t pull in. There’s enough yarn left to make a second blanket… but I have bought a ball of the nearest colour in the same brand which is the same thickness as the rest.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It really is interesting when that happens! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@ashliepowers6181]

I actually noticed something like this in a recent project; but it was more of a texture difference, and I couldn't figure out why until this video

[@Arri59583]

Hi Elise! Thank you for sharing all this information about paint box yarn! ❤

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome! 🧶🧶🧶

[@kimberlynoble5823]

I, currently using the Paintbox cotton dk to crochet a witch for our granddaughter. Thank you for your reviews

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I bet it will be adorable! ❤️❤️🧶

[@kimberleyarnett-desimone8527]

I haven’t tried paintbox yarn yet, but I do love Scheepjes Catona for my amigurumi projects. I also like Schachenmayr Catania yarn. They work up beautifully with a smaller hook size: 2.0, 2.2, Jo to 3.5.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! I've heard a lot of good things about both! 🧶🧶🧶

[@kelseyfortune5264]

I’m considering buying some Scheepjes Catona! What do you like about it? Convince me to order.

[@kaysimpson4865]

I don’t crochet yet but am going to learn. I use Scheepjes Catona when I’m knitting the clothes in Louise Crowther’s Knitted Animal Friends and Knitted Wild Animal Friends books. The mercerised cotton gives a lovely sheen to the garments. It has excellent stitch definition too and is reasonably priced with over 100 colours.

[@kimberleyarnett-desimone8527]

@@kelseyfortune5264 what don’t I love. . . It comes in practically every color I can imagine; it doesn’t split, it doesn’t hurt my hands even though it’s cotton, great stitch definition, beautiful sheen, and creates a gorgeous end product.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I love those patterns! And 100 colors!!! Wow! @@kaysimpson4865

[@theresaburg5881]

I love your channel. My favourite year is Willow Wash or Premier Everyday worsted (same yarn, different labels). It is anti-pilling and comes in lots of colours.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@kateworkman921]

My favorite is still I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby. That's the only brand that has a perfect peach skin tone, there's dozens of colors, from solid to variegated to metallic, and it's nice and soft. I'd love to see a review from you on that yarn.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! It seems like a favorite for amigurumi toys! 🧸🧶❤️

[@kelseyfortune5264]

Do you know the name of the color? It’s so hard to look online and judge the colors.

[@kateworkman921]

@@kelseyfortune5264 For the skin color? It's called Light Peach.

[@dt7099]

I loved this video it's nice to get updates on when new crotchet books launch

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It's such a cute book! ❤️❤️❤️

[@nancyansel6793]

I am in the process of making a bunny from Yarn Bee Ethereal Eyelash yarn. It is very soft & fuzzy. Looks like soft bunny fur. Most of the fuzz stays on back side so I am turning it wrong side out to get the full effect of the fur. If you are careful to pull one st at a time not bad to rip out stitches. 75% Acrylic 25% Polyamide & cost $7.49 for 180 yards. Thought it might be easier & less expensive than using mohair as a second strand. I really enjoy all your videos. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much for sharing! I bet it will be beautiful! 🐰🐰🐰

[@Gardeninggurl]

"I love this yarn", from hobby lobby is my favorite yarn, it is so soft

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@JefferyCircle]

i wanna buy this book now! the girl with the froggy hat is the reason☺️

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That one is so cute!! 🐸🐸🐸

[@teresa4330]

My favourite yarn for amigurumis is Drops Safran. It’s a cotton yarn with a nice range of colours and most important, a great price.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@Craftingwithmybuddies]

I'm a lifetime crocheter since 1985 but came to Amigurumi a few months ago. I'm an Ice Yarns brand lover. They are in Turkey. Shipping is high but the price of the yarn is not. By the time you add the shipping and price of a packet (usually sold in anything from a 2 pack to a 6 pack depending of the content and grams per skein. So you take that number of shipping plus the packet and divide by the actual number of total skeins, price per actual skein goes way down. I'm talking anywhere from $1 to $4 depending on the fiber content and grams. As to what I like best among them for ami is definitely the Dora acrylic. It's comparable to a DK weight, it has a sheen to it but the number of colors in the line is astounding! I recently made a doll with it that finished is about 12 inches tall. I like the Super Saver too but it is more of a 4 weight yarn so the toys tend to be quite a bit bigger. It too has a huge color line. The sheen is about standard to Red Heart just for a comparison. I hope this is what your looking for as far as recomendations go.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks so much for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@darthlaurel]

I was working with the Simply Chunky while listening to this. Paintbox baby yarn is also very, very nice.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@TheKellyHaggerty]

Thank you for telling us about the different thickness due to the dyeing bi am inexperienced and use Hobii Rainbow Cotton

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm glad it helped! 🧶🧶🧶

[@connieclark2865]

Love your yarn review! I love Paint Box and Stylecraft DK!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@rubylambert7315]

I appreciate you sharing this information. I love your videos. I am learning a lot from you,so when I start I will have this information to look for. Thank you.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You are so welcome! ❤️

[@pearl_b]

I’ve really been loving the Smooth & Sleek anti pulling yarn in size 4 from hobby lobby. Super soft and really nice stitch definition! :)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@pearl_b]

@@EliseRoseCrochet ofc! Still gotta try paintbox tho

[@TheHamsterBurrow]

My favorite yarn for making amigurumi is the Patons Astra yarn. It's a size 3, 100% acrylic yarn that comes in lots of colours. It works great with a 2mm hook. The only down side is that there aren't many skin tone colours, but this yarn can be used with thin size 4 yarns aswell. 😊 It's interesting how yarn sizes can vary depending on colour. I hadn't noticed this at all until I made a tiger in orange, then the exact same tiger pattern in yellow. The yellow one turned out a tiny bit bigger. I thought that I was just crocheting it looser, but maybe it was all about the amount of die in the yarn. If you need a video idea, I would be interested in seeing your process for desigining amigurumi. I have a few ideas but there isn't a lot of information on the actual process of making an amigurumi pattern 🙂 Thank you for all the amazing amigurumi videos! 🧶 Edit: Patons Astra works perfectly with the Lion Brand Skein Tones yarn!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for the video suggestion and the yarn recommendation! 🧶🧶🧶

[@LDaw_96]

Lots of you tubers like to show huge “Ice” yarn hauls. Is ice yarn good? I would love someone’s opinion that is not sponsored by them.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! I haven't tried that one! 🧶🧶🧶

[@rashaunakovacich1979]

I loooooove ice yarn❤😊

[@tweak8866]

I absolutely love ice yarns. Generally, I find that their yarn is good quality and I've liked all of the ones that I've picked up, That said they don't just have one kind of yarn, so your experience may vary.

[@jacobashepherd3397]

Thank you for this information , I thought it was just me thinking some of the same yarns where thinner . Great video , as always 😊❤

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You are so welcome! I'm so glad I learned what the reason was! 🧶🧶🧶

[@preciousbeautyj1043]

Great review, like you said, try one for ourselves. Maybe it’s not great for amigurumi but perhaps something else, Ex: blanket, throw, scarf etc. Always enjoy your videos and this is no different. Your toys are so adorable.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Yes! I think it would be great for blankets! 🧶🧶🧶

[@kathleengreen6889]

I think your astronaut is darling🧑‍🚀! The book looks so cute! I love Paintbox yarn and your little guy has gorgeous color and to me, good stitch definition. I used the Paintbox Aran Acrylic for my granddaughter’s blanket, in many beautiful colors. She loves it and the stitch definition is remarkable. I liked it when you used to like Paintbox for your amigurumi toy projects. I don’t remember if I ordered Paintbox because you featured it or I discovered it elsewhere. A combination, I think! I don’t believe you mentioned Paintboxes many other types of yarn. If I missed anything along those lines, I apologize. My only issue with Love Crafts was that some colors were out of stock but they did notify me when those were back in stock and I crocheted her blanket in the thick of Covid. I have many Paintbox colors to choose from in my stash, including their DK acrylic, snd yes, what an array, as you said. They do send their yarns in lovely mesh drawstring bags, which are reusable and shipping from Love Crafts in the UK, which is where I purchased my skeins, did not take long. Your sour expression surprised me on your thumbnail but you are a professional, frequent toy maker with high standards and exact requirements. I hope you find your perfect yarn!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I think the Simply DK would be fantastic for blankets! I wish I had shown a comparison of the toys I have that have the stitch definition I'm looking for! I'm being super picky about the yarn, but I know the perfect one is out there! ❤

[@donnawalters1299]

Another great and informative video. I haven’t tried paintbox yarns. I get nervous ordering in the mail when I can’t feel it myself. I may just go ahead and order some paintbox cotton now. Thank you 😊

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I get feeling nervous! I love the Paintbox Cotton DK! It's a gorgeous yarn! 🧶🧶🧶

[@robgardiner6936]

Hi, thanks for your great videos! I love doing Ami and I love to use the Hobbii Rainbow cottons. They come in a couple of styles, 4/8 and 8/8 and so many colors you will have no problem finding the ones you want. You can buy them individually, or in bulk packs of same color and even in packs that are put together for you! I live in Australia and we don't have a huge selection of yarn, so this one is fantastic for me. I do wait for it to go on sale though!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! I've heard a lot of great things about this yarn for amigurumi! 🧶🧶🧶

[@lillaalexander8707]

I use this one too!

[@bettymarshall2702]

To make dolls I use 100% mercerised LION BRAND 24/7 COTTON. Beautiful colours. For more cuddly toys, I use best quality Australian pure merino wool.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@claudia.crochet.corner]

I also like lion brand 24/7 for my dolls, it has a great stitch definition and a light shine, colors are fine. It is cotton so not the most friendly to the hands. Now they have 24/7 dk weight but I didn’t tested yet. Thanks for the video!!!

[@nildadel9795]

@@claudia.crochet.cornerI tried 24/7 lion brand and my hand were in pain . I tried the DK too but my mink Amigurumi didn’t have the best result .

[@angelaporch2984]

I enjoy using premiere anti pilling. Thanks for sharing hugs my friend

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That is a great yarn! 🧶🧶🧶

[@katiezimmerman8650]

Great job. I love your honesty. Your honesty helps improve my crochet skills. Keep up the great job. So looking forward to the groom pattern 🤗

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@lorihuff6702]

Thank you for this video. I would like to see an item side by side with your astronaut to see one that has definition. I like him, he is really cute. I haven't done tiny items though. Thanks!!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I wish I had shown them side by side! 🧶🧶🧶

[@anaisabel_]

Thank you! This is great. I've loved how my toys look woth truboo yarn from lion brand is glossy and soft very nice. I don't like 100% acrylic for amigurumi either have made 3 already with different brands, all 100% acrylic, and I just don't like them. I'm excited to try the paint box mix aran (I already ordered a few) and also 24/7 mercerized cotton from lion brand, I will see what happens with those 2. Thank you for your videos they have helped me a lot to improve my amigurumi skills ❤🎉

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You are so welcome! I'll be interested in your thoughts about the new yarns! 🧶🧶🧶

[@takarirosegamer2.0]

My favorite yarn I've been working with for acrylic is the super saver yarns by red heart i believe

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@hookerhands]

If you haven't, try Bernat Softee Cotton/Baby Cotton. I can't stand Bernat Softee, but the Softee cotton is definitely a favorite. It's a cotton/acrylic blend that I think touches on most of your wants. There's a very limited color selection, which is a pretty big con, but it's so nice to work with and the end result looks nice (imo).

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! I love cotton blends that feel soft!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@WhimsicalCrochet]

Yarn bee yarn ID. Nothing can beat that, the stretch, the softness, the stitch definition, the price point. It’s the best I’ve found so far.

[@WhimsicalCrochet]

Oh and for cotton yarns, the “I love this cotton” from hobby lobby is so amazing. It’s a very high quality cotton. Extremely soft, not stiff at all. I love it. It hurts my hands to work with cotton yarns but this one is just so good. It’s cheap too! Especially when hobby lobby has their 30% off sale. For a 3.5oz skein is $3.99 without being on sale. Highly recommend. They have a bunch of colors as well.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing all that info!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@aburg6393]

Thank you so much for all the great information. I really enjoy your analysis and the criteria you use. Terrific review! 😊

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Glad it was helpful! ❤️

[@lindamurray5503]

I've always wanted to know more about this yarn.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm glad you found it helpful! 🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

[@1775LostOne]

I just finished Lily the Bee from misispolka (the pattern is so good btw), but I wasnt able to get the recommended yarns, Alize cotton gold hobby and YarnArt Jeans. I decided to go with 100% cotton and used Hobbii Rainbow Deluxe 8/4. And it turned out great! Amazing stitch definition, and although Lily was pretty stiff and not cuddly soft, over time, the cotton will soften up and relax. In the end, I was happy with the result.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@delisamarchetti5926]

Hi Elise, enjoyed the video today! I am very curious about trying the Paint Box yarn. I like to crochet my amigurumi and use more of a light worsted weight. I find that gives me the definition I like. Right now I am using up some of the yarn I have in my stash and it is working out pretty well. But for the clothes, I like to knit them using DK weight. I used to get my DK from Hobby Lobby, they used to have every color, but now they have downsized so much of their yarn and do not have many colors in the sport or DK weights. So I am excited to look at the Paint Box yarn's color pallet. My current projects are two "Autumn Rabbits". I decided to make them into characters and have been thinking of their backstory while I am working on them. The boy rabbit is completed and I am about half way done with the girl. It is the first time I am trying some of my own designs. I have had so much fun working on them. I decided in my story that the girl rabbit was pregnant (because well...she is a rabbit!) and I had a good laugh trying to crochet the right dimensions for her pregnant belly. :). I also put some pipe cleaners in her arms and have set her in the typical pregnancy pose with one hand on the belly and the other on her lower back. It is really coming out cute. I am starting on her clothes this evening. I think I am going to make a romper like outfit with a cardigan sweater over the top. I see it all in my head, but whether it comes out exactly that way in the end, I will have to see. I am kind of flying by the seat of my pants. Hope you have a wonderful day ahead.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Your bunnies sound soooo adorable!! Love your idea! And I understand the challenge of getting what's in your head out into the world! 🐰🐰🐰

[@jeanette6396]

Oh, my gosh! That sounds adorable! I love the idea of bac k story for them

[@mediabunny4016]

Another educational video! Here in Asia, we have budget friendly "milk cotton yarn" which comes in lots of colours and is nice and comfortable to use, and looks good. I use it for amigurumi dolls, and it's fine, though from watching videos like this l notice that the yarn does unravel a bit from time to time while I'm crocheting (it's a 4 ply). I'd love to try an anti-piling or mercerised cotton but they are so much more expensive.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing what you have locally! We don't have anything called milk cotton here. Sounds very soft!🧶🧶🧶

[@patpowell6684]

I made a lovely blanket for my great niece who wanted…white…pink and lilac in Aran weight. To get the colours she wanted I decided on paint box but the white was sooo scratchy that I frogged what I had done and changed the brand to one I use a lot, the pink was ok but the lilac was lovely!!! I just couldn’t understand how 3 colours could be so different…..now I do. Thank you.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It really is interesting how different they can be! 🧶🧶🧶

[@moxleychromebook]

I really like Big Twist

[@melissatedbury5980]

Love paintbox yarn....especially simply chunky

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing!! The Cotton DK and Wool Mix Aran are fantastic yarns too! 🧶🧶🧶

[@debabrams8438]

Hello 👋.I love the toy .I work with cotton and chunky yarn

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@JesCorrow]

My favorite yarns for amigarumi are cotton - KnitPicks Dishie comes in a ton of colors, or I sometimes use KnitPicks Curio #3 if I want to make a small doll (my niece likes smaller ones). I made the snowdrop doll from Zabbez using Curio #3 and it turned out amazing.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@NengCrochet]

I also use 100% acrylic yarn Pingouin - pingo first using 4.00mm crochet hook, i dont use cotton yarn on my amigurumi.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@karensample3052]

I ordered that book when I saw your astronaut ❤️ I’m still looking for my favorite yarn for my toys also. Thanks for the evaluations 😊

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It's such a fun book! And I am really doubling down on my efforts for the perfect yarn and I will be sure to tell everyone when I find it! 🧶🧶🧶

[@karensample3052]

@@EliseRoseCrochet I’m looking forward to that 👍🏼🧶☺️

[@meghanngodber4441]

One of my favourites at the moment is scheepjes 100% cotton! 😍

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶

[@Georgia-d3o]

You make me want to learn to crochet amigurumi toys.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It's sooo much fun! 🧸

[@angelatalbert5114]

I like Yarn Bee Breathe Deep for amigurumi. I think you already reviewed it.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@starsbythepocketful92]

Thanks for this review, Elise! I've tried the Paintbox Simply DK for granny squares, and I noticed the same thing about the softness. Have you ever tried the Premier Anti Pilling Everyday DK? I recently started using it for a mosaic crochet blanket, and it's SO soft! You might enjoy working with it. :)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I have tried the Premier Anti Pilling! It's a good yarn for amigurumi too! 🧶🧶

[@tiahill832]

this was very helpful, thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend!❤😘😊🧶

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you! You too! ❤️

[@Froglegs3199]

I really love 24/7 by Lion Brand. The problem is they don't have as many color like the painbox (crossingfinger for more. So I'm trying find another yarn that will work with it and is about the same to fill in those color needs.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@naomicurrier1]

I love your reviews of yarn for amigurumi! I am still rather new to making them and only have 5 made as I had to switch to afghans for Christmas lol. But I found that I really like using Premier Wool select and Cotton Faire. The Cotton faire has a soft almost pearl sheen but not to much to make it look like acrylic. I have had the 3 toys made with the cotton faire be the ones that most people are drawn to as loving the look of. Wool select has only one draw back which is that Premier is discontinuing it's production :( , So I went crazy and bought a ton. It's a beautiful yarn with a sharp to me stitch definition. I have even used it for making a afghan, with the colors being a softer muted tone but still saturated in color.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! I have tried both of those yarns, but didn't know about the Wool Select! 🧶🧶🧶

[@chriss312]

Great Video. My favourite yarn is Stylecraft Special DK it's £2.50 per 100g Comes in 100 colours yes 100

[@poodlegirl55]

That used to be my go to yarn but I don't know if they switched makers or what but a couple years ago I started having problems, lots of knots and some very thin stuff and I switched to the Paintbox.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I've used that for crocheting blankets! Great yarn! I've never tried it for toys! 🧶🧶🧶

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@carolinefortheloveofcrochet]

I bought that amigurumi book about a week ago, still waiting for it to arrive but I am so glad you gave a sneak peak. As far as yarns, ha ha I use them All. Thanks for the informative yarn review.❤🧶😊

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I think you'll really enjoy the book! Such cute patterns! 🧶🧶🧶

[@auravaleriaa]

I agree with you, amigurumi is the best way to find out if the yarn is gonna work.... That's how I found it I was learning to crochet with yarn for macramé instead the actual yarn for it

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Great point! 🧶🧶🧶

[@zlcoad1]

I'm currently using Sirdar Stories and Snuggles. The snuggles in particular is super super soft and I can't wait to make baby clothes from it. I find the stories does split a lot but it could be because in a newby xx

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks so much for sharing! ❤

[@carmenbriones3978]

Thanks for sharing ❤I have learned a lot of fun stuff in my journey from you

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad! ❤️

[@NinaKeilin]

I was going to say that your stitch definition was really good! Can you put up another item next to it for comparison with something you like even better. I have also been trying different yarns and have not yet found the perfect one either. I recently got good stitch definition with Loops and Threads Impeccable. It's a softer acrylic than Red Heart.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! And that would be a good idea to share a comparison! 🧶🧶🧶

[@nildadel9795]

I have tried : I love this yarn ( very fuzzy) I love this cotton ( I like it but loose shape ) 24/7 lion brand ( too thick and painful hands) 24/7 Dk lion brand ( nice yarn but discontinued) Bee yarn ( i love it ) Big twist ( I felt I was eating yarn 😂) terrible yarn . Premier anti -pilling yarn ( its was ok) Lion brand basic stitch ( shiny but painful in your hands ) I just ordered yarn art jeans ! I hope this is the perfect one 😂😂

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing!! Very helpful!! YarnArt Jeans has been climbing in my list!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@theresashandmadegifts]

Thanks for the review and the information. 🤗❤️

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You are so welcome! ❤️

[@juliavanoosten1093]

I use gründl the colors are amazing

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@NaviFae]

Woow 🤯 really didn’t know about the dye effecting the yarn

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I know!! That really was interesting for me too! ❤️

[@dignafortuna5768]

Thanks a lot for these wonderful words , ideas and suggestions , happy new year Mam.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Happy New Year! ❤️

[@lindas918]

Your astronaut is adorable! I prefer a thinner yarn for amigurumi. There is something about those tiny little yarn under stitches that I love. I prefer cottons and cottons blends. Some of my favorites are Scheepjes Catona, Alize Cotton Gold, Yarnart Jeans, Premier Cotton Fair, and I recently bought Premier Minikins hoping it's similar to Cotton Fair. I am on the prowl for a good acrylic dk for blankets. I was debating on trying the Paintbox or the Stylecraft Special DK. Thanks for reviewing the Paintbox! Maybe next time it will be the Stylecraft.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I love YarnArt Jeans! Such a great yarn! I love Stylecraft Special DK for blankets! 🧶🧶🧶

[@jeanette6396]

I prefer the feel of the stylecraft dk over the paintbox. Only trouble is so many colors are out of stock when I go to order

[@lindas918]

@@jeanette6396 I was thinking of ordering from Woolwarehouse in the uk. Shipping is very reasonable and they always seem to be better stocked than other online stores.

[@lindas918]

Thank you! Good to know!@@EliseRoseCrochet

[@luciachahine4796]

Hello. Thank you for the wonderful content. I haven’t experienced as much as you did with amigurumi yarn but I really find that GAZZAL BABY COTTON yarn is very good for amigurumi. It is a cotton acrylic Blend and I find it really soft with pretty good definition. I would suggest you try it if you haven’t yet. Thanks again for the great tips ❤

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@nildadel9795]

I tried ! It’s nice and soft but Amigurumi will not hold its shape .

[@MélinaCrochète]

Hey ! I love the cotton yarn from Lidia Crochet Tricot named Cupidon

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@kittycat2167]

I really want to try Paintbox yarns!! I wouldn’t say they are my favorite, but rather they are the most accessible to me without having to shop online, but I use Bernat Super Value and Big Twist Value for my amigurumi. I try not to shop at Hobby Lobby, but I do quite like their value acrylic yarn.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@FreyjaHighUpNorse]

Elise, could it be that the twist of the Paint Box yarn "hides" the stiches a bit, which would make for a softer stitch definition and could make it more challenging to "find" the correct stitches for decreases? I wonder ... 🤔

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's a great thought. You may be right about it! 🧶🧶🧶

[@genevievegurley7329]

❤❤ l love your videos. Just like you, I have a special foster baby. You are a gem. I would like to learn more.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Bless you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@poodlegirl55]

Paintbox cotton DK is my favorite yarn for Amigurumi but I have also made purses, tops and intricate blankets such as Mandala. I use a lot of Paintbox DK for blankets and sweaters. I bought a whole bunch for 2.99 each this Spring and stocked up. I can see how it would not be good for amigurumi.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

The cotton DK is amazing for amigurumi! I just wish 100% cotton hurt my hands less! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@kmhoneycutt1551]

Skein tone is nice for amiguriumi

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I love that they have so many skin tone colors! 🧶🧶🧶

[@marthaholcomb8148]

They are adorable!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

They are such cute patterns! ❤️❤️❤️

[@triinvalk]

What is your opinion on Red Heart yarn? I don't have a personal favorite, but Red Heart is pretty cheap where I live and it is generally very good.

[@roserenik6375]

Love your yarn review. I personally like a cotton acrylic mix for amigurumies.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Yes! Cotton and acrylic are a great blend! 🧶🧶🧶

[@anitasimon3436]

I use Catania and Drops (Loves you, 8/4) yarns. Both are 100% cotton, the lighter colors are thicker (I suspected it is because of the dying). I prefer catania a bit more, because it's shiny, drops looks a more natural. For me both works great and have good prices 😊.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing!! I haven't seen the yarn in person but I've heard a lot of good things about it! ❤️

[@BeccainHawaii]

I haven't noticed thickness being different, but I have noticed the softness can vary depending on color.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I bet it has to do with the dyeing process too! 🧶🧶🧶

[@barbaracalvo6539]

Hi. My favorite yarn for amigurumis is Lionbrand 24/7 cotton yarn. I use paintbox dk yarn for accessories or clothes on my toys. I tried it for amigurumi patterns but I feel it is too soft for the actual toy.😊

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@Izzy-cp8yt]

I'm very new to crochet (as in, I picked it up this month 😅), but I've always been a fan of Lion Brand yarn. I just made a hat with some of one of their cakes, and it's soft enough that I can work with it for hours and not feel like I get any "rug burn" that I've experienced with cheaper yarns. I have a few skeins of a discontinued yarn by them from a few years ago that I'm saving to finally turn into a scarf once I feel up to the challenge (it's a pretty fine yarn, and if I ruin it I'd be heartbroken)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶