Based on Texture and Finish
1. Combed Cotton Yarn
- Made by combing the fibers to remove impurities and shorter fibers.
- Soft, smooth, and strong.
- Ideal for garments and fine-quality textiles.
- An example is Pima Cotton
Extra-Long Fibers
- Pima fibers are typically 1.4 to 2 inches long (longer than regular cotton).
- Longer fibers mean fewer fiber ends sticking out, resulting in a smoother, softer fabric.
Softness
- Feels luxuriously smooth and gentle against the skin.
- Great for high-end garments, bedsheets, and baby clothes.
Durability
- Stronger than regular cotton due to its long fibers.
- Less prone to pilling, tearing, and fading.
- Holds up well after repeated washing.
Better Color Retention
- Takes dye well and maintains color vibrancy longer.
Available at Yarn Store Boutique
2. Carded Cotton Yarn
- Less processed than combed yarn.
- Contains shorter fibers and is slightly rougher.
- More economical, used for basic fabrics and utility textiles.
- Example of Craft Cotton like Redheart, or Queensland Cotton – generally coarser than Pima Cotton or Mercerized Cotton
- 100% cotton yarn in a basic, sturdy twist.
- Often labeled as “craft cotton yarn” in stores.
- Great for dishcloths, amigurumi, coasters, and other small knit/crochet projects.
- Slightly stiff but softens with use/wash
- Good for casual use items
- Can shrink when washed — pre-washing is recommended
- Machine washable, but check for colorfastness
- If using in a garment – may wash in cold water, then tumble dry low, till damp, or lay flat to dry
- Inexpensive – so great for crafts
Available at Yarn Store Boutique
3. Mercerized Cotton Yarn
- Treated with caustic soda to improve luster and strength.
- Smooth, shiny, and takes dye better.
- Common in embroidery, crochet, and high-end fabrics.
- Noticeably shinier than regular cotton
- More durable and less prone to fraying
- Takes dye better and holds color longer
- Smooth and slightly firmer
- Less shrinkage than untreated cotton
- Improved absorbency (despite being smoother)
- Great for garments
- Holds its shape longer than craft cotton
- Craft cotton tends to get longer and wider if worn as a garment
- I generally wash by hand and lay flat to dry or tumble dry low, till damp, then lay flat to dry.
- DO NOT hang any of your knitted or crochet garments, as they will stretch out and get longer, but when you wash they will go back to their original shape or size.
Available at Yarn Store Boutique
In conclusion, I prefer Mercerized Cotton and Pima Cotton for garments or blankets – as they are softer and more durable, with less shrinkage, colorfast, and tends to hold its shape longer when wearing or using.
Since Craft Cotton is a bit rough, it tends to have no give or stretch when working with it either in crochet or knitting. I do not use Craft Cotton for a beginner, as it has not stretch compared to the finer cotton yarns or fibers. I have also noticed that the dye lots vary greatly when I reorder the same color, it tends to be lighter or darker, not a direct match. If you are wanting to make something that will need quite a bit of yardage, buy it all at one time, being sure to check the dye lot.
Check out our video below, where Doris will explain in detail: