Cotton yarn is a great option for crochet. It’s easy to work with, easy to launder, and has antibacterial properties. All that, and it’s immensely versatile too.
Here, we take a look at what to crochet with cotton yarn to get the most from its unique properties. Our list includes everything from garments to accessories, home décor to novelty items.
So if you’re ready to be inspired, step this way!
What to Crochet with Cotton Yarn
1. Dishcloths or scrubbies
If you’re crocheting a dishcloth or a scrubby, you know it’s going to take some punishment. It’s going to be rubbed against dirty counters and dishes. And it’s will get wet and be left to dry – repeatedly.
Cotton yarn is the perfect choice for a project like this. It’s strong enough to hold its shape, and firm enough to help with scrubbing. Better still, it resists the growth of mold and mildew.
2. Kitchen towels
Cotton yarn is a great choice to crochet kitchen towels. As with dishcloths, they’ll need to cope with friction and moisture. So cotton’s strength and anti-fungal properties are ideal.
Cotton also holds color well, so you’re unlikely to find cotton crochet towels bleeding dye over your kitchen.
You can buy cotton yarn in a range of different weights. If you’re crocheting a larger towel, choose a thicker yarn and it will work up faster.
3. Potholders
Cotton is one of the few yarns that work well for crocheting potholders.
Confront acrylic, for example, with high temperatures and it will melt. Other synthetic yarns may become stiff and brittle.
Cotton, in contrast, will handle the heat with ease. And your potholders will be easy to wash if they get stained during use.
4. Coasters
Coasters are a classic crochet project. And making them from cotton yarn has several advantages.
Cotton is good at resisting heat. So you won’t have to worry about the fibers melting or matting if you put a hot mug on your cotton coaster.
And because you can wash it at hot temperatures, you’ll have a better chance of getting rid of stains from spilled beverages.
5. Mug cozies
Cotton isn’t as good an insulator as a fiber like wool. But it does have several advantages that make it a good choice for a mug cozy, all the same.
It’s heat-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about it being damaged by the hot mug. And it’s easy to wash – so you’ll be able to get rid of the evidence of any drips. You’ll also get better stitch definition than you will with a fuzzier yarn like wool.
6. Trivets or hot pads
The ability of cotton yarn to cope with the heat makes it a great choice for trivets or hot pads. The fibers won’t melt (like acrylic) or felt (like wool) when they come into contact with high temperatures.
You’ll also have a wide choice of colors and yarn weights to choose from.
7. Plant holders
A plant in a pot filled with soil can be pretty heavy. So if you’re crocheting a pot holder, you need a yarn that can handle the weight. Cotton fits the bill perfectly.
You’ll also be able to wash it when it gets grubby. And if it gets damp when you water your plants, you won’t need to worry about mold or mildew forming on the fabric.
8. Wall hangings
Cotton yarn is one of the best choices for crocheting decorative wall hangings. That’s because it offers great stitch definition. And it’s strong too, so you can make large pieces without fear of them tearing under their own weight.
You’ll also be able to put your cotton wall hanging into the washing machine when it needs freshening up. If you’re worried about threads catching in the drum, just pop it inside a pillowcase first.
9. Baby blankets
Small babies aren’t able to regulate their own body temperatures. So a cool fiber like cotton is a good choice for blankets that won’t cause them to overheat.
Thinner yarn is good for the same reason, and the blanket won’t be too heavy for baby. It does take a bit longer to work up, though.
10. Baby clothing
Cotton yarns are a great option for light, cool baby clothing. Cotton has antibacterial properties. And if you choose the right yarn, it can be very soft. (Cotton yarns with long fibers are softer.)
Choose a thinner yarn for lightweight garments that won’t restrict baby’s movement. With cotton, you’ll have a whole host of colors to choose from.
11. Throws
If you want a throw to snuggle under in the winter months, cool cotton won’t be the best choice. But for a lightweight option to take the edge off a spring evening, it’s ideal.
It’s a great choice for intricate patterns and textures, because the smooth threads give great stitch definition. And whatever color you’re looking for, there’ll be a cotton yarn out there to suit.
12. Sweaters
Cotton yarn works brilliantly for summer sweaters. It’s cool, washes well (including in the machine), and is strong enough to cope with everyday wear.
Choose a thin yarn for open, lacey designs that make the most of cotton’s superior stitch definition. Pastel shades are a popular choice for spring and summer.
13. Shawls
A crochet shawl is the perfect companion when the sun goes down on a summer’s day. Make it from cotton yarn and it will be both light and strong. And if your evening cocktail takes a spill, you’ll be able to pop your shawl into the washing machine.
Cotton yarn is a particularly good choice for shawls with intricate patterns. The smooth fibers will show off the stitches to perfection.
14. Ponchos
Choose cotton yarn to crochet your poncho and it will be cool, washable, and hard-wearing. You’ll be able to choose from a huge range of colors and yarn weights too.
If you want to work up the fabric quickly, choose a thicker yarn. If your priority is drape, a thinner yarn may be more effective.
15. Beach cover-up dresses
Crochet beach dresses can be incredibly glamorous. And when they’re made from cotton yarn, they’ll keep you cool too.
White yarn looks amazing next to dark skin. If you have a paler complexion, dark colors can look great. Whatever shade you choose, a design with open stitches will let the air circulate freely.
16. Bags
The resilience of cotton yarn makes it a great choice for bags, from clutches to totes. And you won’t have to worry about taking your cotton bag out and about. If it gets dirty, you’ll be able to pop it into the washing machine.
If you want to give your bag extra strength, adding a liner is a good option.
17. Jewellery
Fine cotton yarn is the perfect choice for crochet jewellery because of its excellent stitch definition. It will allow you to pack lots of detail into a small space. And the yarn won’t tear if you catch your jewellery on a garment.
18. Amigurumi
The stitch definition of cotton yarn really comes into its own with amigurumi. Its strength and washability also make it a perfect choice for toys that will be cuddled, cried on, and probably used to wipe tiny noses!
Thin yarns are a good choice for smaller pieces. Heavier weights can work brilliantly for larger plush toys.
19. Flowers
Cotton yarn can create beautiful crochet flowers with great detail. Firmer yarns will help stems and petals hold their shape too.
If you’re making a crochet pot plant, a thicker cotton yarn will be strong enough to keep the pot upright. And if you’re making a bouquet, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the enormous color range on offer.
20. Key chains
Crochet key fobs and chains work brilliantly with cotton yarn. You’ll get excellent stitch definition in a small area. And if your item gets a bit grubby, you can machine wash and dry it without it shrinking or felting.
21. Cell phone covers
Crochet cell phone covers are the perfect pairing of modern tech with traditional charm. Using cotton yarn will give you a cover that’s strong and washable. And you’ll be able to pack in as much detail as you like, even with the smallest covers.
22. Hats
Crochet hats are often thought of as winter warmers. But swap wool for cotton yarn and you’ll have an instant summer hit.
Bucket hats work particularly well in cool cotton. Adding crochet appliques looks great too. Make the most of the huge range of cotton yarns with some fun summer colors.
23. Doilies
Thinner cotton yarns are a perfect match for delicate doilies. They’ll create attractive lacey patterns where each stitch is beautifully defined.
Dust or stains won’t be a problem. Cotton can handle machine washing and drying, even at higher temperatures. Just exercise caution with the temperature setting if your yarn has been dyed a darker shade.
24. Doorstoppers
Crochet doorstoppers are a fabulous way to add vintage chic to your home. Because they need to be heavy items, they require a yarn that’s strong enough not to tear under the weight. For that, cotton is a great choice.
It also gets high marks for washability. So hanging around on the floor needn’t mean your doorstop ends up grey and grubby.
Summing up: What to crochet with cotton yarn
We hope you’ve enjoyed our roundup of items to crochet with cotton yarn!
From adult clothing to baby blankets, potholders to plant holders, there are lots of ideas here for your home and loved ones.
Whatever you choose to make, you can be confident in cotton yarn’s strength, sharply defined stitches, and excellent washability.
