Softening Acrylic Yarn Challenge - How to Soften Acrylic Yarn

This week I experimented with all the most popular ways to soften acrylic yarn to share with you what works best. I share all the methods I tried to soften scratchy acrylic yarn (I used Red Heart Super Saver).
Find the written version of this how to soften acrylic yarn challenge on my blog here: theloopylamb.c...
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Music by Bensound.

[@gloriasimonetti955]

I washed a completed blanket and used hair Conditioner in place of fabric softener on the handwash mode in the washer..I dried on air dry, then laid out to completely dry on a quilt... it was amazing and so soft!!! Thanks for your help...

[@TheLoopyLamb]

You're welcome! I'm glad it helped :-)

[@corinnebueno898]

It’s not gonna hurt your washer by putting conditioner in it will it?

[@gloriasimonetti955]

I did it in my sink​@@corinnebueno898

[@ceegee3471]

I only ever use hair conditioner but have never rubbed the conditioner into the fabric. I have soaked projects together i have even left it up to 48 hours. I like it. I use it on all yarns. Don't use red heart super saver but maybe i will try because it is sooooo much more inexpensive then the yarns i currently use. I mostly only make wearables. Also, i never wash any project in a machine. I soak in conditioner, rinse well gently squeeze out water as best i can. Then i get a towel lay my garment on the towel and roll to get out more water. Then i lay out on a doubled giant towel block and dry. Keep flipping sometimes stretching to make garment looser. So far has worked out great. Some garments can take days to dry though. Big draw back.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

Thanks for sharing! I agree that the air drying taking so long can be a big drawback but at least your projects are well taken care of ☺️

[@helenellsworth9556]

I've been crocheting and knitting since i was 10, i never knew that a ball of acrylic yarn could be softened, all those scratchy yarns i said no to, i can use now. Tbank you for sharing

[@TheLoopyLamb]

you're welcome! I'm glad it was helpful 😀

[@AJones-mb7zg]

I contacted Coats & Clark (who make Red Heart Yarn). This is what they said about how to care for their Red Heart Super Saver Acrylic Yarn...here is what they told me. Here is the WHOLE story! Please read the whole post. Make a 5" x 5" swatch in the pattern stitch and needle/hook size you are going to do your project in. This will help you see if the finished product is what you want. They said to NEVER use liquid fabric softener because it will "coat the yarn and cause it to stretch". They said to use DRYER SHEET fabric softeners instead. They told me the BEST way to wash a GARMENT is to HAND WASH in COOL water - and if you wish - you can get the excess water out by putting it in the washers GENTLE SPIN CYCLE for a short time. DAMP BLOCK your item on a flat towel. NEVER STEAM BLOCK (with a steam iron) acrylic yarn for it can melt. Allow the garment to air dry. IF YOU WANT TO GET THE FINISHED ITEM SOFT.... Wash item in washer and dry per yarn label instructions on low or medium heat. It seems that you might want to use LIQUID fabric softener (or maybe hair conditioner?) in the rinse cycle. As stated above, they said that liquid fabric softener will coat the fibers and cause them to "stretch" - this might be something beneficial if you want this to happen. It could make the garment "floppy" and have more flow? I suggested that Coats & Clark put ALL of this information on their "Yarnspirations" website so that people know ALL of this! I have not been able to find any comprehensive directions on their website - so they need one.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

It definitely would be nice if they included this on their site. Thanks for sharing your experience with them. Although they say that you shouldn't steam block your acrylic makes, you absolutely can and I do so regularly without issue. As long as you do not touch the iron or steamer to the fabric and you use medium heat, you can use steam to get a beautiful finish on fabrics created with acrylic fibers that you cannot achieve with water alone. Since Red Heart is able to be put in the dryer with a heat setting, this yarn can totally hold up under a garment steamer. When unsure, test it on a swatch first. Thanks again for sharing your experience with Coats & Clark!

[@helenellsworth9556]

​@@TheLoopyLambthat's quite helpful, thanks

[@geedubwall2153]

For my vinegar solutions, I do a 4:1 ratio, so every 4 cups of water is 1 cup of vinegar. And I let it soak for hours. And it drapes it beautifully! Maybe if you use fabric softener in the wash after the soak it'd work perfectly

[@TheLoopyLamb]

Thanks so much for sharing your vinegar solution ratio! I'll have to give doing both the vinegar and the fabric softener a try next time 😀

[@acolley2891]

This method worked for softening a dolls yarn hair. Thanks

[@jojoirish8523]

This is so helpful! In a lot of ways I'm self taught when it comes to crochet and I've never heard of blocking a piece which has led to me never wearing mine. I will absolutely be doing this! Thank you!

[@TheLoopyLamb]

I am so glad that it was helpful 😀. Thank you for watching!

[@spnforever5136]

Thank you! My daughter asked me, for the first time ever, to make her a blanket. I've been trying to figure out how to soften it for her. This is perfect!

[@TheLoopyLamb]

I am so glad that you found it helpful! Thank you for watching 😀

[@Travelswithgirlbear]

I’ve started steam blocking my projects recently, glad to know that works well to soften it as well.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

steaming is my favourite way to block

[@Gotjava]

Thank you for trying all these different methods, enjoyed watching. I use to avoid Super Saver but I just couldn't keep away from the Retro stripes and Neon Stripes. I was looking for a way to soften the yarn before I use it. I took the label off the skein put it in an old pantyhose leg tied a knot on each end so it was secure and then I put it inside a garment bag as a safeguard, washed it on warm with liquid fabric softener and then put in the dryer on low with fabric softener sheet just in the pantyhose and each skein stayed intact and was much softer.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

You're welcome. I'm so glad that you enjoyed watching :-D. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Doubling up with the garment bag is a great idea!

[@BimmerBabe]

thank you so much for detail method! i too have started to stay away from red heart due to roughness but the colors get me every time in addition too joannes always has a good coupon. so i can get one for 3.00 at times. but 3.00 is still too much for it to be as rough as it is. i will def try washing my yarn and see how i like it

[@tishbenn]

Thank you for this video!!!!!! I'm about to try that steaming method!

[@TheLoopyLamb]

you're welcome :-)

[@gabyy21laverde]

This was such a life saver!!!!!

[@TheLoopyLamb]

I’m so glad you found it helpful! ☺️

[@liencrilly4318]

Thank you for doing all the work. Very informative. The yarn I bought felt soft compared to red heart super saver at the store , but as I was crocheting 1/3 way in I noticed how it felt slightly rough. Too rough for a baby blanket to my liking. I will be finishing a baby blanket late tonight and the baby is tomorrow night, so you saved me a lot of time. Thank you 😊

[@TheLoopyLamb]

You're welcome! I am so happy that this helped to save you time. Thank you for watching ❤

[@TheSageisBack]

I'll try and experiment by combining some of the methods to see what comes out. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

you're welcome :-)

[@nena6332]

Great video. I Loved the science ! use a fairly damp tea towel and a warm iron pressing very briefly and lightly. Its how i block everything, as i was taught by Mum and Granny in the 60s as a child.I find it quick and controllable. But it takes a bit of practice, like steaming. Start cool and move up in small timid steps till you get the right result. Also i find washing in gentle or baby shampoo works. It dissolves much more easily than conditioner. Works brilliantly on itchy mohair type yarns.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your tips! 😊 I love hearing about techniques passed down through generations-it’s amazing how much knowledge our moms and grannies have! 💖 I’ve never tried using a tea towel and warm iron, but that sounds like a great, controlled way to block. I’ll have to give it a go! Thanks again for watching and sharing your experience! 🙌

[@guyivie8987]

Very informative. Thanks! I've been tossing finished items into the dryer on low heat with some wool dryer balls for about 20 minutes; that helps even out stitch tension and does some softening. Then I steam-block with my steam iron set on the "wool" setting to stop any curling. Haven't yet tried it with Red Heart SuperSaver, but based on how scratchy it is off the skein, I suspect one of the chemical methods (vinegar, fabric softener) would give better results.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

You're welcome! Thanks for sharing your methods as well!

[@jenniferwebster1382]

I have found that if pre-washing yarn you should use pantyhose. It works fantastic and is still super porous and keeps the yarn together

[@TheLoopyLamb]

Great idea, thank you. I didn't have good results when I tried that but I will definitely try it again 🙂 Perhaps I didn't tie it tight enough

[@christenaeriksen]

Thank you for this video! The comments were also helpful!

[@TheLoopyLamb]

You’re welcome ☺️ I’m so glad it was helpful

[@Phantomick]

Wait…..are those TARDIS on your sleeves!? That’s awesome!

[@TheLoopyLamb]

they sure are! It's my favorite sweater - it's covered in Tardis. Love Doctor Who 😀

[@traciperdue]

Thanks for the info and sharing. Have a great day!!!

[@TheLoopyLamb]

You're welcome! Thank you for always watching and commenting! I really appreciate it. Have a wonderful day

[@traciperdue]

Your so Welcome, I really enjoy!

[@yayawilliams6411]

I appreciate this video so much! I found some glow in the dark yarn and immediately decided on a Kuchi Kopi (from the show Bob's Burgers) Amigurumi. Despite the terrible reviews online and feeling the crusty skein in person, I bought it anyway hoping I'd find a way to soften it. Ima try one of these methods on one skein and if it doesn't soften or it takes away the glow, I'll return the rest 😅

[@TheLoopyLamb]

That sounds like such a fun project! A Kuchi Kopi amigurumi in glow-in-the-dark yarn? Brilliant! 😍(I'm a HUGE Bob's Burgers fan). I totally get taking a chance on a yarn despite the mixed reviews-sometimes the creative idea just wins out. Trying one of these softening methods on a test skein first is such a smart move, especially since you can return the rest if it doesn’t work out. I’d love to hear how it goes-fingers crossed it softens up and keeps its glow! ✨

[@annemcginn1086]

The texture on the steamed swatch seems flatter than on the others, and, I think it has stretched a little also!

[@Mokhrotaim]

This was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much for your testings. I will try the steam method first. I've never done that before so I will need to be extra careful not to melt it.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

You're welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful. Yes, definitely take care not to get too close to the project while steaming :-)

[@mindrhapsodyofficial]

I’m doing all of the above I’ll first steam my garment, then I’ll just add the vinegar to the wash cycle in the washing machine, let it wash then lspin, then take the garment out, apply conditioner then place it back in the washer for the rinse cycle adding a bit of fabric softener, then dry the garment. I’ll let you know my results

[@TheLoopyLamb]

awesome! I'm excited to hear your findings :-D

[@opheliabells]

@@TheLoopyLamb how did it go?

[@lysafulbright564]

Thank you for this video! Very helpful info!

[@TheLoopyLamb]

You're welcome. I'm so glad it was helpful :-)

[@highcotton63664]

This was very useful, thank you

[@TheLoopyLamb]

You're welcome! I'm so glad that it was useful 🙂

[@skyylawilliams1854]

loved this vid . soooo informative

[@TheLoopyLamb]

Thank you so much! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 😀

[@daisyahong]

This video was so helpful because I have a bunch of hats using the Red Heart Super Saver brand and I am worried it won't fit there head.

[@candicemarshall5199]

could you use the vinegar solution then was with fabric softener for granny squares then block or does using both cause issues

[@TheLoopyLamb]

I haven't done more than one method as I've been satisfied with the results using just one. I can't see using the vinegar and then fabric softener causing many issues but I'd recommend testing it on a swatch just to be safe.

[@Shayysierra]

could you double up on methods? like do conditioner method and then steam block after?

[@TheLoopyLamb]

You could try. I believe some folks in the comments here have tried doubling up and shared their results ☺️

[@fraxinus_ash]

I'm curious what you mean by soften here. Do you just mean when you touch it, it feels softer? Or that the nature of the fibre itself is softer and more pliable? I suppose the problem as an amateur I experience quite often is that my crochet and knitting is much stiffer than I would like it to be. Even though I'm using an appropriate needle size and my tension is good (so I'm told.) my next step was to try some less cheapy yarn to see if that made a difference.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

When I say soften, I mean that the fabric is softer to touch. We would generally use the term "relaxed" or "drape" for the fabric being more pliable/having more movement. In some instances that I show here, it does actually relax the fabric, giving it more drape - like steam blocking. Blocking can go a long way to assist with relaxing your fabric to give it more drape. While you may be using the appropriate/recommended needle size for your yarn and pattern, your personal gauge/tension plays a role. You may need to go up a needle size or two if you're looking for more drape. Personally, I find that when knit, I often have to go up a needle size because my tension, although it looks good, is too tight for me to create a fabric with the drape I want. While some fibres naturally provide more drape, it's really a combination of factors: hook or needle size, tension and fibre -those determine how your fabric behaves. It may take a bit of trial and error to find the right combination that works for you.

[@josannejackson25]

Great video, thank you. My wool scarf is 80% acrylic but 20% wool - which of these methods would be ok for this, do you think?

[@TheLoopyLamb]

I personally soak my projects with wool content in a no-rinse detergent like Soak for 15 mins and the Soak does help to soften it. You could likely get away with steaming it but please test it out on a swatch fabric first to make sure it will work with whatever yarn. you're using. I wouldn't use the conditioner so you're not rubbing the fabric. I hope this helps.

[@josannejackson25]

@@TheLoopyLamb Ok, that's very helpful, thanks for taking the time. Soak it is!

[@andreashorey3055]

Have you tried a combination of ideas? Soaking in vinegar, conditioning it, then washing it with fabric softener?

[@TheLoopyLamb]

I personally haven't. I believe there was someone in the comments that did vinegar and conditioner and shared their ratios for what they did when combining them.

[@mrinelgrace8357]

hello I just wanted to know if I do the conditioner blocking method can I also do the steam blocking on the same piece to make it more secure ??

[@TheLoopyLamb]

You could do both but I don’t think it would make it more secure. I haven’t personally done it though so I can’t speak to the end results of doing both

[@mistydawncreates]

This was interesting. Never heard of the vinegar.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

Thank you! I hadn't tried it before until this experiment and was quite surprised

[@mixaleenalovesglitter2543]

Did you have a swatch just washing and drying without softener or anything? Just curious.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

I didn't have one for the experiment but in my experience using the yarn, just washing it without the softener didn't have any effect.

[@mixaleenalovesglitter2543]

@@TheLoopyLamb thank you!

[@maverickmayhem6409]

Just watched the video i can visually see the difference in the fabric using steam. The stitches aren't as raised the edges flat. As a novice Ill start with the bargain conditioner, I use vinegar instead of fabric softener in my machine. Hopefully, I will get the additional benefit 😊🎉❤

[@TheLoopyLamb]

thanks for watching!

[@alessiavinnik4045]

Would hair mask give the same result as the conditioner? I wanted to soften a project and give it to my boyfriend and use the hair mask i usually use.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

@@alessiavinnik4045 I don’t know as I’ve not used a hair mask before. Buoy could try it on a swatch and see if that helps

[@alessiavinnik4045]

​@@TheLoopyLamb Small update: I didn't have time to try it on a swatch, so I risked and used the hair mask on my entire project (a blanket). It made the blanket quite soft and of course it smelled nice. If you ever try it, I would recommend mixing it well with water so that there are few to no "chunks" of hair mask left. After applying the mask and letting it sit for a few minutes, I rinsed it out and put it in the washing machine. I used a low temperature setting (20°C or 30°C) and extra rinse. And like I said, it looked really good. I didn't see any stains after the mask, so I think it's a good alternative too. This is my first time softening yarn, so I don't know how soft it is compared to other products (like you were comparing). I also don't know if it would make a difference if I let it sit for 10 minutes instead of 2-5 minutes, for example. So yeah, I just wanted to share my experience with the hair mask.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

@@alessiavinnik4045 thanks so much for sharing your experience with the hair mask! That's super interesting! I'm happy that it worked well for you and you were pleased with the results.

[@toadstoolmushroom]

Weow I’m tryna make a baby beanie for my friends niece and I’m halfway down but it’s so stiff you can’t even fold it and I used a large crochet hook too

[@TheLoopyLamb]

I'm sorry to hear that it's so stiff like that. Hopefully trying one of the suggestions in the video can help 🤞

[@dianeturley9452]

Great video! I learned a lot. But you kept saying fabric? Thx

[@TheLoopyLamb]

@@dianeturley9452 I’m glad you enjoyed it. When we crochet, we are creating a fabric with our stitches, regardless of what we are making. I hope this helps clarify why I use the term fabric in the video ☺️

[@melissafeliciano9531]

You throw out tangled yarn???

[@TheLoopyLamb]

Not usually but if I get too frustrated and can’t untangle it, I will throw it out. I do what I can to save it but sometimes, it can’t be saved (at least not by me 😅)

[@Kattcreate]

I just bought Red Heart Super Saver in Black and Charcoal and something has changed....It is coarser, thicker and not soft to the touch at all! This is all the yarn that I can find in the Bahamas! It is horrible. I will continue to make my blanket and wash it afterwards and hope that it will soften up! I am sooo annoyed and disappointed!

[@gaylescovel7308]

A sock works good for a skien. Dress sock mabe better is what i was told.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing ☺️

[@enquireofme2388]

I use the antibacterial hand wash during lockdown and since as I have found it nit only softens the item, it also gives it a lovely smell as well. The one I used was the blue coloured one, I've also tried the pink one. Next will be the lavender one, particularly as lavender is a relaxing one. I soak the item in a few pumps of the handwash in warm water, leave for around 15 mins, then rinse in cool water till soap removed. I generally place it on the bath seat and use the shower head to rinse through. Then I use a white towel to wring dry or press out the excess water, then laying the item on the towel and let it air dry, if it's a big item. then I leave it hanging on the chair over a white towel as heater comes on overnight if needed a lot of drying. If needed blocking. It's fine the next day again left to air dry. I couldn't believe how sift my items became. So at least one good thing cane out if lockdown!

[@TheLoopyLamb]

That's so cool! I wouldn't have thought to try that. Thank you for sharing!

[@enquireofme2388]

@@TheLoopyLamb you are most welcome. I started using the antibacterial hand wash during Covid, putting them in a plastic bag for the three days so if sent before three days ended. Telling them to open up the date. I found that it created a lively smell and the items turned our softer as well. By the way, I love your creations, I'm currently saving the links for the advent calender, the doll and clothes, as I am unable to work as well as can due to visual issues, so can you tell me, how long the links will be as free pattern - will the freebies expire or be forever free? I'm hoping that I can start soon but I will not get all do e as I'm new to crochet, although I've made a few items, depending on the colour, is how well I can do. Dark colours I struggle with as can't see the stitching and very difficult to count the rows, unfortunately, being dyslexic and dyspraxic, even a row counter is awkward as sometimes I forget that I need to click... I am hoping that I can maybe start once finished with eye clinic and create the doll. You have her pal Pascal, I'm presuming we can adapt Molly clothes for Pascal. So they both get kitted out. I am thankful for the patterns you have taken the time to create and Habe shared with us.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

@@enquireofme2388 The patterns will remain on my blog for the foreseeable future and the clothes for my dolls are interchangeable between the dolls. There will be a new CAL in the new year for a boy doll and all the clothing/accessories for that doll as well 🙂

[@enquireofme2388]

@@TheLoopyLamb Thank you. Much appreciated. Would that be Pascal? Very exciting. I'm hoping to start making Any in the New Year ready for next Xmas now as it's difficult to fi anything with blurred vision. I really love your patterns and hopefully when the next CAK cones out, I will be able to work alongside you and the group.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

@@enquireofme2388 The CAL will be for a different, new boy doll :-). Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it ❤

[@Sule1939]

Good video but very wordy.

[@TheLoopyLamb]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@purple0hairstreak]

I appreciated the detail! But with KZbinrs who I find wordy, I watch at 1.5 or 1.75 speed and it helps 😊

[@Bubbieof4]

​@@TheLoopyLambthe perfect amount of words were used 🤗