Choosing yarn for your mandala crochet project

There are many yarn options. Which yarn is right for you depends on what you want to crochet with it. In this blog I will explain the pros and cons of certain types of yarn and which yarns are well suited for mandalas.

Cotton yarn

Cotton yarn is very well suited for mandalas. Personally, I like to use yarns such as Budget Yarn Cotton with a 2.5 mm hook, or Yarn and Colors Must-have with a 2.5 mm hook.

Pros: firm, holds its shape well, smooth and shiny, many colors and types available across a wide price range.

Cons: can feel a bit stiff, though this varies by brand and type.

When to use: ideal for mandalas that need to stay neat and round (e.g., in a ring or as a coaster).

Examples of this type of yarn: Yarn and Colors Must-have, Scheepjes Catona, Durable Coral, Budget Yarn Cotton, Drops Safran, and so on.

Acrylic yarn

Acrylic yarn is a bit less firm in structure than cotton yarn. It can be softer and more flexible than cotton. Personal preference plays a big role here.

Pros: soft, light, sometimes cheaper, large color range.

Cons: can pill or be less sturdy.

When to use: suitable for decorative mandalas that do not need to be tightly stretched, for example for a doily/blanket.

Examples of this type of yarn: Zeeman Royal, Scheepjes Colour Crafter, Stylecraft Special DK, and so on.

Cotton/acrylic blend yarn

There are also yarns that are a cotton and acrylic blend, for example 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. This makes the yarn softer and more flexible than 100% cotton, but not too loose or fuzzy like some 100% acrylics. This is an ideal combination for mandalas!

Pros: combines sturdiness and softness, often lighter than 100% cotton.

Cons: slightly fewer options available, often a bit more expensive.

When to use: great for (larger) mandalas that should be supple yet keep their shape.

Examples of this type of yarn: Scheepjes Whirlette

Gradient yarn

Of course, it is also very cool to use a gradient yarn. This is one large cake where the color of the strand changes little by little. It is often a cotton/acrylic blend.

Pros: you often only need 1 cake, it automatically gives beautiful color transitions without weaving in lots of ends and without extremely stark color changes.

Cons: some yarns can have more visible changes between colors that distract from the mandala’s design, but this varies by type and color. This yarn can also be a bit pricier, but you often have enough with just one cake.

When to use: for example, great for (larger) mandalas where the entire gradient can be seen.

Examples of this type of yarn: Scheepjes Whirl, Durable Colour Cake, Cotton Kings Sultan, and so on.

Thicker yarn

With thicker yarn you will need a larger hook. That also makes your project larger.

Pros: the mandala grows faster. It gives a bold, eye-catching effect. Thicker yarn is also perfect for practicing mandala crochet so you do not have to work with a tiny hook right away.

Cons: especially at larger sizes the mandala gets heavy faster, sometimes details are less visible.

When to use: great for smaller mandalas or, for example, pillow covers or rugs.

Examples of this type of yarn: there are many options in thicker yarns. For example Yarn and Colors Epic, Friends Cotton (Hobbii), but also chunkier yarns like Bobbiny Premium for rugs.

Thinner yarn

Thin yarn is most commonly used for mandalas. A 2.5 mm hook with matching yarn is used often, but you can go even thinner with a smaller hook.

Pros: fine, detailed result; overall size stays smaller.

Cons: it takes longer for the mandala to grow; it is more precise work because the stitches are smaller. Often a bit stiffer.

When to use: ideal for mandalas with lots of detail; also great in smaller sizes. For example, for small hanging decorations (think Christmas or Easter ornaments). Very thin yarn was widely used in the past for coasters or tablecloths.

Examples of this type of yarn: Scheepjes Maxi Sugar Rush, Durable embroidery-crochet cotton, and so on.

How yarn affects the result

The yarn (and matching hook) you choose will influence how your mandala will look.

Thicker yarn gives a bold and more rustic look. Very thin yarn gives a delicate and precise effect.

The fuzzier look of acrylic yarn also differs from the glossy look of cotton yarn.

The chosen color will also change the look of your project. Think about the difference between bright colors and soft pastels. Both give a very different effect to the mandala.

Remember: it is always important to check the recommended materials listed with the crochet pattern. When you use the same materials as in the pattern, you are most likely to achieve a result similar to the photos. Even then there can always be differences due to personal crochet style (how tightly you hold the yarn, whether you crochet loosely or tightly, and so on).

The size of your mandala

The final size is determined in part by the materials you choose.

Thinner yarn with a smaller matching hook yields a smaller mandala.

Thicker yarn with a larger matching hook yields a larger mandala.

If you want to use a ring, it is best to crochet the mandala first and only then buy a ring for it. That way you are sure to pick the right size for your crocheted mandala.

Making a choice

For our mandalas we often use a 2.5 mm hook with cotton yarn (such as Yarn and Colors Must-Have) or a cotton/acrylic blend (Scheepjes Whirlette).

Ask yourself: what do you want to do with the mandala once it is finished? For example:

• Will it be a wall hanging with lots of visible detail? Then a cotton/acrylic blend or 100% cotton can be a good choice.
• Do you want to crochet a very delicate tablecloth with a small hook? Then thin crochet cotton is a great fit.
• Do you want to crochet a bold rug? Then thicker yarn is a fun option.

In the end, it is about choosing yarn that you find comfortable and beautiful. Try different types and experiment!