Cotton vs. Acrylic Yarn: Comparing the Differences

Once upon a time, the choice between cotton and acrylic yarn was straightforward. Cotton yarn was natural, durable, and biodegradable but often felt stiff and rough. On the other hand, acrylic yarn was light, soft, and easy to care for, yet it was synthetic and less breathable. Today, the lines have blurred. Advances in textile technology have given us cotton yarns that are as soft as silk and acrylic yarns that are made from recycled plastics, mimicking the feel and warmth of real wool. So, with these improvements, how does one decide? This article will guide you through the similarities and differences between cotton and acrylic yarns, helping you make an informed choice for your next crafting project.

What is cotton vs acrylic yarn?

Cotton vs. acrylic yarn isn't too complicated: Cotton yarn is made from the natural fibers of cotton plants, while acrylic yarn consists of synthetic materials derived from fossil fuels. Cotton has been a staple in textile production for thousands of years, whereas acrylic was developed in the 1940s as a cost-effective alternative to wool.

This historical context has led many to view cotton as the superior or more "natural" choice. However, in crochet and other craft projects, it's important to recognize that acrylic yarn was designed to replicate the properties of wool, not cotton. This means that while both materials have their merits, they are not always interchangeable. Recent advancements in yarn technology have diminished many of the differences between cotton and acrylic yarns, offering crafters more versatility and choice.

Looking at Both Sides

Texture

Comparing the textures of cotton and acrylic yarn can be tricky due to the wide variation within each type. Traditionally, cotton yarns were known for being rougher, more rigid, and less elastic compared to wool or acrylic yarns. However, modern advancements have transformed many cotton yarns into softer, more pliable fibers through a chemical process called mercerization. Additionally, some cotton yarns are now spun in a way that enhances their squishiness and stretchability.

Acrylic yarns, in contrast, have always been known for their elasticity and softness, making them ideal for crochet projects that require a bit of drape. They also tend to be fuzzier than cotton yarns, adding a unique texture to finished projects.

Weight

Cotton yarns are generally heavier than acrylic yarns, even when both are labeled as the same weight, such as DK, and used with the same size crochet hook. In an example with granny squares, a cotton square turned out smaller yet weighed more than its acrylic counterpart. For those seeking lighter cotton options, consider S-on-S plied yarns . This type of yarn has a more airy structure due to its unique ply method, making it lighter than traditional twisted yarns, although still not as light as acrylic.

Water absorbency

Cotton and acrylic yarns have notably different reactions to water. Cotton yarn is highly absorbent, capable of holding a substantial amount of water. This absorbency can even lead to dry skin for some crocheters as the yarn draws moisture from their hands. Additionally, because cotton retains water well, it also takes longer to dry after being washed.

Conversely, acrylic yarns are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. This characteristic allows them to dry quickly after washing. However, their inability to absorb moisture also means they don’t wick away sweat from the body, making them feel less breathable and potentially more uncomfortable in warm conditions.

Wearability

Cotton and acrylic yarns offer distinctly different wearing experiences. Here's how garments made from each compare:

• Weight: Cotton garments are typically heavier, while acrylic ones are lighter.
• Warmth: Acrylic traps warm air efficiently, making it a preferred choice for cozy sweaters and cardigans.
• Breathability: Cotton allows for better air circulation, making it more breathable than acrylic. As a result, some find acrylic garments to feel sweaty.
• Comfort: Cotton fibers are smoother, often making them more comfortable to wear directly against the skin. In contrast, even the softest acrylics can feel itchy without a layer underneath.
• Durability: Acrylic tends to lose its shape more quickly than cotton, both after each wash and over time.
• Static: Acrylic yarns can build up a static charge, which can cause hair to stand up, whereas cotton does not.
• Flammability: Acrylic is significantly more flammable than cotton, adding a safety consideration depending on use.

Each material has its advantages and drawbacks, depending on the intended use and personal preferences.

Durability

When investing time into a crochet project, durability is key. Here's how cotton and acrylic yarns stack up in terms of longevity:

• Durability: Cotton is generally more hardwearing than acrylic. Acrylic, while versatile, tends to wear through more quickly, stretch out of shape, and pill—though advancements have led to the development of 'pill-resistant' acrylic yarns.
• Care and Maintenance: Both cotton and acrylic fibers can be machine washed, which is advantageous over more delicate wool materials. However, it's common for cotton to shrink approximately 5% on its first wash, a problem you won’t encounter with acrylic.
• Post-Wash Quality: Many find that cotton garments improve with washing, becoming softer and gaining a pleasingly worn-in feel, which can compensate for any initial shrinkage.
• Colorfastness: Synthetic yarns like acrylic are typically more colorfast than organic fibers, which means they are better at retaining dye without bleeding, especially in multicolor patterns.

Each type of yarn has its benefits, making it important to choose based on the specific needs of your project and your personal preferences for garment care and appearance.

Eco credentials

Once upon a time, the natural origins of cotton gave it a clear advantage over synthetic acrylic yarns, which are derived from plastics and contribute to microplastic pollution in our oceans. Cotton was favored for being organic and biodegradable, while acrylic was seen as less environmentally friendly due to its plastic base.

However, our understanding of environmental impacts has evolved. Cotton production is now known to require significant amounts of water, and it often involves pesticides and fertilizers that can pollute ecosystems, contribute to soil erosion, and destroy habitats. Meanwhile, the development of acrylic yarns made from recycled plastics, such as beverage bottles, is transforming its image and reducing its environmental footprint.

Today, it's clear that neither fiber is unequivocally better for the environment, with both having their own pros and cons that must be carefully weighed.

Deciding Which to Use

Opt for Cotton When:

• Durability is Key: Use it for items like storage baskets, purses, and pencil cases that need to withstand frequent handling.
• Absorbency Matters: It's ideal for products like dishcloths and facecloths that need to soak up water.
• Comfort is Crucial: Choose cotton for clothing worn directly against the skin, such as camisoles.
• Structure is Required: Perfect for creating structured garments like boxy sweaters.
• Detail is Important: Best for projects that showcase the sculptural aspects of stitches, such as mandalas.

Go for Acrylic When:

• Warmth is Needed: It's great for cozy winter sweaters.
• Shrink Resistance is a Must: Suitable for garments that must maintain their size and shape after washing.
• Water Resistance is Essential: Ideal for swimwear that will frequently be wet (explore specialized non-itchy synthetic yarns for swimwear).
• Vivid Colors are Desired: Excellent for items with high-contrast color patterns.
• Cost-Effectiveness is a Factor: Use it for large projects like blankets to keep expenses lower.

Summary

Originally, acrylic yarns were developed as alternatives to woolen yarns, not cotton. This has led to noticeable differences in weight, texture, and durability between cotton and acrylic yarns. Although modern manufacturing techniques have narrowed these differences somewhat, it's still unlikely you'll confuse the two. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider the specific properties you need for your crochet project before deciding between cotton and acrylic yarn. Additionally, it's advisable not to substitute one for the other when following patterns, as their distinct characteristics can significantly affect the outcome of your project.