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

[@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. 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@cassiecrocheted]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! ❤️

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@JefferyCircle]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That one is so cute!! 🐸🐸🐸

[@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.

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@DebbyRoad]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@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 🙏🏼💗🧶😻🦋🐶💎

[@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. ❤️

[@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.

[@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

[@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! 🐰🐰🐰

[@GinnySmith700]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

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

[@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! 🚀👩‍🚀🧶❤️

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶

[@Gardeninggurl]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! ❤

[@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

[@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!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@Arri59583]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome! 🧶🧶🧶

[@goober112]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! ❤️❤️🧶

[@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!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@meredithhurtado8390]

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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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 .

[@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!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@dt7099]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It's such a cute book! ❤️❤️❤️

[@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.

[@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

[@FiberLovingQueenAJ]

I really love premier yarn especially the ones from Dollar Tree for amigurumi and my second is red heart probably because of all the color choices. Also what is your new go to hook since your Furls broke? I noticed in the video you’re using the Clover Amour. I personally love the Clover soft touch for amigurumi.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! Yes! I love the clover Amour hooks! 🧶🧶🧶

[@fidelogos7098]

Like you, I have often wondered why the dark yarn and the light yarn of the same brand feel so different! Thanks for that info. I started using Paintbox DK when I was first learning amigurumi. It was cheap and had a lot of pretty colors. All of my toys go to my two grandsons and being washable was important. With that said, I bought skeins and skeins of it, so I'm pretty much committed for the time being. I've made DC comic characters, Super Mario characters, Halloween and Christmas dolls, et al. When I use up my stash, I plan to try Stylecraft DK. They seem to have a lot of colors too. Next time you are talking about stitch definition, could you show us a comparison between two different yarns, maybe with the same pattern, so we can see the difference side by side? Thanks for all you do!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's a good idea!! I will definitely do that! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@susananderson8428]

Eloise has a video comparing 2 Premier yarns that shows some differences in stitch definition. I think it was little drummer boys. Interesting video. I guess it's a more professional look, but I like the more fuzzy look for my work. Maybe when I get better at it, I'll change my mind!

[@tiahill832]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you! You too! ❤️

[@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! ❤️

[@lauraslearningcrochet9405]

Elise, I know that you're an animal lover (and Furbaby Mom 💕), and I was wondering if you ever made Amigurumi toys for your babies? And if you do, what yarn(s) do you use, and do you have any favorite patterns for them (specifically your dogs)? For my daughter's cats, I make little fish out of cotton, and stuff them with a little bit of catnip that I sew into a tiny pouch of sorts that I make from a box of knee highs. She tells me that they love them, and fight over them 😊. My dogs, however, are more of a challenge because they play pretty rough with their toys. I made them a water bottle cover, because they love playing with empty bottles, but I caught my puppy actually EATING them as he was ripping it apart 😱 (praise the Lord ~ he is okay!), anyway I made that out of some really heavy cotton yarn I had inherited from my sister-in-law. But I digress, ANY advice you could offer on this subject would be VERY MUCH appreciated (I have 3 puppies, and my daughter has 4 cats)!! Thank you for ALL that you do! Your sage advice is so incredibly vital to (me) anyone who is just starting to learn the art of Amigurumi, as well as those individuals who are "old pros" at the craft (definitely NOT me 🤣).

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Our dog did not like toys, but my cats love little crocheted fishies too! I had not thought to put catnip in them! Great idea! 🐟🐟🐟

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@dawnross402]

Your videos are enormously helpful as I learn amigurumi. Do you use - or recommend using - the same brand for the entire project?

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I do! Occasionally I will use a different yarn if it's something small like an ear or a snout that will be sewed on separately. But different yarns (even in the same weight category) can vary drastically from one another. I shared about it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sICwhJiFds-pl7ssi=d3r87_HDrFVvfsB- ❤️

[@dawnross402]

@@EliseRoseCrochet Extremely helpful response. Thank you!

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@lindamurray5503]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm glad you found it helpful! 🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

[@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!

[@angelaporch2984]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That is a great yarn! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@Georgia-d3o]

You make me want to learn to crochet amigurumi toys.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It's sooo much fun! 🧸

[@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! ❤️

[@SarcasticService]

I love this series! Would it be possible for you to try some Hobbii yarn? Particularly cotton (though I know sometimes cotton is a struggle for you). I'm finding it strange to work with for amigurumi and wonder if it's just me! Love your work! 💓

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for the suggestion! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! ❤️❤️❤️

[@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! ❤️

[@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!🧶🧶🧶

[@meghanngodber4441]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶

[@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!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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 .

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@melissatedbury5980]

Love paintbox yarn....especially simply chunky

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

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

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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 👍🏼🧶☺️

[@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! ❤️

[@donnadoherty9861]

Hi Elise, Donna from Australia. I am assuming dk is an 8 ply? (We work in ply's here in Aus. I love an Australian brand called fiddlesticks. It is an acrylic yarn, with a lovely crisp finish, for my bunnies.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's wonderful!! 🐰🐰🐰 I'm not sure what the equivalent of DK yarns would be in plys! I will have to look that up! 🧶🧶🧶

[@theresashandmadegifts]

Thanks for the review and the information. 🤗❤️

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You are so welcome! ❤️

[@CancerianTarot]

I use Paintbox and Stylecraft. Stylecraft is nicer to wear because it's softer and flows beautifully when knitted but the colours appear cheaper and circus-y in comparison to the Paintbox range. The yarn itself has a silky texture and on some of the colours it feels/looks very cheap in comparison to Paintbox. I love them both but for different reasons but would usually prefer Stylecraft. The colour range doesn't match up that well, though. Cygnet is another close match cheap brand. Harder to get but the colour range is very good and the quality is similar to the other two but it separates easier. I'd say if you were making gifts, choose the yarn based on if it's clothing or toys.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! I love Stylecraft Special DK for blankets! 🧶🧶🧶

[@CancerianTarot]

Yes, I'm using it for my temperature blanket this year :)@@EliseRoseCrochet

[@debabrams8438]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! ❤️❤️❤️

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@kelleyjogirl]

I've used Paintbox Simply Aran for plenty of amigurumi, and I really like it! I don't notice much difference in thickness between colors in the aran (though I've noticed the pillar red dk I bought was thinner).

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@smallthingsstitches9053]

You HAVE HAVE HAVE to do Basic Stitch by Lion Brand. Not only is the name clever, but it is super soft and anti pill, meaning the toys will last a long time looking lovely. Also completely washable and dryable!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oooh!! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@angelatalbert5114]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@carmenbriones3978]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad! ❤️

[@NaviFae]

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

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

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

[@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! 🧶🧶🧶

[@Rachel.88]

This is amazing information. Do you happen to have a video on crocheting Christmas ornaments and what the best and worst yearn to use

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I don't have one on that! Sorry! ❤️❤️❤️

[@knittielynnie]

It looks like the Simply DK has a high twist, which could affect stitch definition. Did you compare this yarn vs your preferred yarn for s-twist vs z-twist, or high twist vs low twist? The other possibility is that the plies could be twisted in a certain way individually before they are twisted together.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much for sharing! I'll have to look into that!! Thank you! ❤️

[@Lauren94twitch]

hello Elise, hope ur ok, Im experienting with Paintbox yarns (cotton dk) so Im pretty new to the brand this video will be helpful!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's such a great yarn for amigurumi! 🧶🧶🧶

[@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! ❤

[@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! ❤️