How to Soften Stiff Cotton Yarn | Photo Tutorial

Softening Worsted Weight Cotton

Dyeing worsted weight cotton yarn can be loads of fun, but before the ball is wound and the hook is in hand, it’s worth the time to take steps to soften the yarn so it is not only beautiful, but a pleasure to work with as well.

I did some of the leg work for you and tested the three methods I have seen most often to soften yarn. Fabric Softener (for obvious reasons), white vinegar (often used to soften wool), and hair conditioner (also logical for use with natural fibers).

I cut short sections of my newly-dyed worsted weight cotton and soaked each one in a mixture of water and the suggested product to soften the yarn. I made sure they they each soaked for the same amount of time so that I got uniform results.

After soaking for 30 minutes, I rinsed each sample well and then laid them out to dry.

They dried overnight.

The next morning, I worked up a small square with each sample in a simple sc stitch. Then I brought out the experts.

A Unanimous Winner!

My two sons and husband were instructed to feel each square, rub it on their forearms and cheeks, and choose the one that they thought was the softest.

The results were unanimous!

Hair condition made the yarn S-O-F-T!

Hair condition softens worsted weight cotton yarn better than vinegar or fabric softener. So poo on you, fabric softener! You aren’t doing your job very well, at least not with crocheted fabric.

The Runners Up

The fabric softener swatch was still VERY scratchy. When worked up, it did not feel any different than the un-treated yarn. It also still had residue on it that made my youngest kiddo itch a little on his arm (he doesn’t use fabric softener on his clothes).

The vinegar made a slight difference, and I think with a very long soaking time, it might do okay. Unlike the other two methods, it did not leave any smell at all. The conditioner smelled a little like whatever fragrance I used (my favorite is apple), but only when I stuffed it right in my face and inhaled.  

Double bonus: None of the methods faded the colors! The richness of color held nicely after my tie-dye method, regardless of the method used to soften the yarn.

Lovely, Conditioned Yarn

So now, between my fun tie-dyeing method and a conditioner soak, I have clean, bright, SOFT, and lightly-scented yarn. Yay! *Does happy dance*

How, where is that dye? I want to make more colors!

Have you tried this method? I’d love to hear your results and opinions! Comment your experiences!

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Until next time,

Yarn on, people!

Kati

Kati Brown

Kati is the designer behind Hooked by Kati. With thousands of patterns sold around the world, Kati prides herself in creating innovative, easy-to-follow amigurumi patterns. She has designed for several publications, including Crochet!, Crochet World, Simply Crochet, and I Like Crochet. Kati finds her inspiration in science fiction, video games, and numerous visits to the zoo — all passions she shares with her husband and two boys.