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Yarn Alternative For Crafting Happiness Patterns

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FB POSTER - Yarn Substitution For Crafting Happiness Patterns Crafting Happiness

Why Choose Alternative Yarn To My Crochet Patterns


Today, I’m sharing with you a useful list of brands that offer great yarn alternatives to the yarn I recommend in my patterns.

Finding an ideal substitute yarn brand can be a bit tricky. 

Knowing that yarn plays a crucial role in the completion of a project, it’s pretty handy to know your possible alternatives if you ever find yourself in the following instances: 

  • Recommended yarn is not available in your country
  • Recommended yarn is not available in the colors needed
  • You have a similar yarn and don’t want to buy more yarn
  • Your client requested the item to be done using a certain type of yarn

I curated a bunch of patterns that require acrylic DK, Aran, and Super Bulky yarns. Read on to learn more!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, I will earn a small percentage should you choose to purchase something, but it will be at no cost to you. You can read the disclosure policy for more info. Thank you for supporting my work and this blog!

My Go-To Yarn Brands


I used Paintbox Yarns most of the time because it has a wonderful quality yet is super affordable. Plus, it comes in a multitude of fun colors — very versatile!

Another brand that I often use is Deramores Yarn

I like it because it’s hard-wearing and available in many beautiful shades. It’s an ideal choice for crocheting projects like blankets and garments.

Yarn Substitutes By Yarn Weight


Below you can find yarn alternatives to the yarn I recommend in my patterns grouped by yarn weight.

Scroll down to each section to see the alternative yarn brands you can use or click on each link to jump straight to the section you want.

Substitute Yarn To DK Yarn


What Is DK Yarn?

DK or Double Knitting yarn is one of the popular and most-used yarn weights by crocheters for amigurumi and garments.

In the US, it’s often referred to as “light yarn” or “light worsted”. And in Australia, this yarn is known as the “8-ply”.

Acrylic DK Alternative Yarn Brand List

Below you can see a list of DK yarn alternatives I recommend, read about each and pick your favorite brand.

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 250m (273yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 4mm
No. of Colors: 21

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 280m (306yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 4mm
No. of Colors: 63

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 300m (328yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 4mm
No. of Colors: 40

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 276m (302yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 4mm
No. of Colors: 63

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 290m (317yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 4mm
No. of Colors: 29

Material: Wool, Acrylic
Length: 274m (299 yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 4mm
No. of Colors: 44

DK - Cygnet Pure Baby Prints DK 100g Yarn Knitting Crochet Anti-Pilling - Crafting Happiness

Material: 100% Anti-Pilling Acrylic
Length: 245m (267 yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 4.00mm – 4.50mm
No. of Colors: 10

DK - King Cole Big Value DK 50g Knitting Yarn - Crafting Happiness

Material: 100% Premium Acrylic
Length: 145m (158 yds)
Ball weight: 50g (1.75oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 4mm
No. of Colors: 58

DK - Yarnart Adore - Anti-Pilling , 100 gram 280 m Knitting and Crocheting, 100% Anti-Pilling Acrylic, Soft Yarn, 3.52 Oz, 306.21 Yds, Baby Yarn - Crafting Happiness

Material: 100% Anti-Pilling Acrylic
Length: 280m (306 yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 4mm
No. of Colors: 42

Crafting Happiness Patterns That Use DK Yarn

Check out my patterns that use DK yarn listed below and pick one that you like:

Crafting Happiness Patterns That Use DK Yarn (Click the arrow to expand)

Yarn Substitutes To Aran Yarn


What Is Aran Yarn?

Aran, also known as worsted weight yarn, is also a versatile yarn you can use to make a variety of projects including blankets and garments.

Australians often refer to Aran as “10-ply yarn”.

Acrylic Aran Alternative Yarn Brand List

Below you can find a list of Aran yarn substitutes I recommend as replacements for the yarns I use in my patterns. Read about each and pick the brand you like.

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 165m (180yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5mm
No. of Colors: 10

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 333m (370yds)
Ball weight: 198g (7oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5mm
No. of Colors: 39

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 333m (364yds)
Ball weight: 198g (7oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5.5mm
No. of Colors: 25

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 187m (205 yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5mm
No. of Colors: 35

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 196m (214yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5mm
No. of Colors: 45

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 184m (201yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5mm
No. of Colors: 63

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 235m (257yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5mm
No. of Colors: 12

Alpaca + Peruvian Highland Wool Blend (Aran_Worsted) Yarn DROPS Nepal - Crafting Happiness

Material: 65% Peruvian Highland Wool, 35% Superfine Alpaca
Length: 75m (82 yds)
Ball weight: 50g (1.75oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5mm
No. of Colors: 45

ARAN - Worsted Weight Aran Pure Merino Wool Yarn_ Drops Big Merino - Crafting Happiness

Material: 100% Extra Fine Merino Wool
Length: 75m (82 yds)
Ball weight: 50g (1.75oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5mm
No. of Colors: 20

Crafting Happiness Patterns That Use Aran Yarn

These are my patterns that use Aran yarn. Click on each and find the one you like:

Crafting Happiness Patterns That Use Aran Yarn (Click the arrow to expand)

Yarn Alternatives To Bulky Yarn


What Is Bulky Yarn?

Bulky yarn is another perfect option if you want a yarn that works up very fast. This yarn weight is ideal for making cozy crochet projects such as winterwear and thick blankets.

UK crocheters might have known this yarn as “chunky” while Australians often refer to it as “12-ply”.

Acrylic Bulky Alternative Yarn Brand List

Below you will find a list of yarn substitutes for the bulky yarn I use in some of my patterns. Read the info on each yarn and pick the one that suits you.

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 80m (87yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 6.5mm
No. of Colors: 28

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 136m (149yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 6mm
No. of Colors: 63

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 144m (157yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 6mm
No. of Colors: 43

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 116m (127yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5mm
No. of Colors: 67

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 125m (137yds)
Ball weight: 125g (4.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 6.5mm
No. of Colors: 30

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 152m (167yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 6mm
No. of Colors: 24

Material: 60% Acrylic 40% Nylon
Length: 106m (116yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 8mm
No. of Colors: 11

CHUNKY - Hayfield Bonus Chunky - Crafting Happiness

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 137m (150 yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.53oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 6.5mm
No. of Colors: 46

CHUNKY - Cascade Yarns Pacific Chunky - Crafting Happiness

Material: 60% Acrylic, 40% Wool
Length: 110m (120 yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.53oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 6.00mm – 8.00mm
No. of Colors: 8

CHUNKY - Valley Yarns Superwash Bulky - Crafting Happiness

Material: 100% Merino Wool
Length: 100m (109 yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.53oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 6.00mm (J-10)
No. of Colors: 22

Crafting Happiness Patterns That Use Bulky Yarn

These are my patterns that use bulky yarn. Click on each and find your favorite:

Crafting Happiness Patterns That Use Bulky Yarn (Click the arrow to expand)

Yarn Alternatives To Super Bulky Yarn


What Is Super Bulky Yarn?

Super Bulky yarn is perfect if you want a thick yarn that works up quickly. It creates warm and thick blankets and even garments.

In the UK, it’s better known as the Super Chunky yarn. In Australian terms, yarns with over 12 ply are often also considered Super Bulky.

Acrylic Super Bulky Alternative Yarn Brand List

Below you will find a list of yarn substitutes for the super bulky yarn I use in some of my patterns. Read the info on each yarn and pick the one that suits you.

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 60m (66yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.5oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 10mm
No. of Colors: 60

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 136m (149yds)
Ball weight: 200g (7.1oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 10mm
No. of Colors: 20

Material: 86% Acrylic 10% Wool 4% Rayon
Length: 97m (106yds)
Ball weight: 170g (6oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 9mm
No. of Colors: 79

SUPER CHUNKY - Valley Yarns Superwash Bulky - Crafting Happiness

Material: 100% Acrylic
Length: 74m (81 yds)
Ball weight: 142g (5.01oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 9.00mm
No. of Colors: 29

Crafting Happiness Patterns That Use Super Bulky Yarn

These are my patterns that use super bulky yarn. Click on each and find your favorite:

Crafting Happiness Patterns That Use Super Bulky Yarn (Click the arrow to expand)

Yarn Alternatives To Chenille DK Yarn


What Is Chenille DK Yarn?

Chenille DK yarn is a lightweight, velvet yarn with a soft pile twisted around a core thread.

It provides a plush, velvety texture without the heavy bulk of chunkier yarns, making it well suited for lightweight baby blankets, smaller amigurumi toys, and soft wearable items.

Chenille DK Alternative Yarn Brand List

Below you will find a list of yarn substitutes for the Chenille DK yarn I use in some of my patterns. Read the info on each yarn and pick the one that suits you.

CHENILLE DK - Scheepjes Little Darling - Crafting Happiness

Material: 100% Polyester
Length: 90m (98 yds)
Ball weight: 50g (1.76oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 4mm
No. of Colors: 30

CHENILLE DK - Sirdar Happy Chenille DK - Crafting Happiness

Material: 100% Polyester
Length: 38m (41 yds)
Ball weight: 15g (0.53oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 3mm
No. of Colors: 25

Crafting Happiness Patterns That Use Chenille DK Yarn

These are my patterns that use Chenille DK yarn. Click on each and find your favorite:

Yarn Alternatives To Chenille Aran Yarn


What Is Chenille Aran Yarn?

Chenille Aran yarn is a medium-weight, plush yarn with a velvety texture wrapped around a central core.

It gives projects a full, soft finish without becoming overly dense or heavy, making it a popular choice for medium-sized blankets, plush toys, and cozy home accessories.

Chenille Aran Alternative Yarn Brand List

Below you will find a list of yarn substitutes for the Chenille Aran yarn I use in some of my patterns. Read the info on each yarn and pick the one that suits you.

CHENILLE ARAN- Lion Brand DIY Glow Chenille - Crafting Happiness

Material: 100% Polyester
Length: 260m (284 yds)
Ball weight: 100g (3.53oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5mm (H-8)
No. of Colors: 9

CHENILLE ARAN - Yarnart Dolce Baby - Crafting Happiness

Material: 100% Micro Polyester
Length: 85m (93 yds)
Ball weight: 50g (1.76oz)
Recommended Hook Size: 5mm (US H-8)
No. of Colors: 29

Final Thoughts


There are a lot of other yarn brand alternatives available in the market, with time, I will add some more options.

I hope you found this alternative crochet yarn list helpful. Don’t forget to Pin it and share it with your fellow crocheters!

MAIN PIN - Best Yarn Substitutions for Your Crochet Projects - Crafting Happiness
Crochet Designer Ariana Wimsett

About the Author: Ariana Wimsett is a professional crochet designer and the author of Amigurumi Loveys & Blankets. She specializes in creating modern, easy-to-follow patterns that bring a touch of handmade joy to every home.

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