Red Heart yarn is a popular brand of yarn that comes in many different varieties. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This article will provide an overview of the main types of Red Heart yarn, their fiber content, weight category, and best uses.
Worsted Weight Yarns
Worsted weight yarns are medium weight yarns that are versatile and great for a wide range of crochet and knitting projects. Here are some of the most popular worsted weight yarns from Red Heart:
Red Heart Super Saver
One of the most widely used worsted weight yarns, Red Heart Super Saver is 100% acrylic. It comes in a huge variety of bright and vibrant colors. Super Saver is budget-friendly, durable, and has good stitch definition. It’s a great yarn for beginners and is commonly used for items like blankets, scarves, hats, and more.
Red Heart Soft
Red Heart Soft is an acrylic yarn with a touch of nylon that gives it a soft, plush feel. It has excellent drape and is ideal for garments and accessories worn close to the skin. Red Heart Soft comes in beautiful tonal solids and is available in heathers too.
Red Heart With Love
Red Heart With Love is a premium acrylic yarn that is exceptionally soft and smooth. It has a subtle sheen and beautiful, rich color tones. With Love is great for sweaters, shawls, blankets, and more. It provides excellent stitch definition.
Light Weight Yarns
Light weight yarns are thinner than worsted weight yarns and are great for lightweight garments and accessories. Here are some top choices for light weight Red Heart yarns:
Red Heart It’s a Wrap Rainbow
A color-changing acrylic yarn, It’s a Wrap Rainbow gradually transitions between shades to create fun ombre effects. It works up quickly into flowing, drapey garments like wraps, shawls, and cowls.
Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable
Boutique Unforgettable is a luxuriously soft acrylic yarn with a subtle sheen. It comes in deep, rich colors and provides excellent drape and stitch definition. It’s great for sweaters, cowls, and lightweight accessories.
Red Heart It’s a Wrap
It’s a Wrap is a versatile solid-color acrylic yarn with a touch of metallic that gives it a subtle sheen. It has great stitch definition and drape. It’s a Wrap is ideal for wraps, lightweight pullovers and cardigans.
Bulky/Chunky Weight Yarns
Bulky or chunky weight yarns create thick, cozy projects with quick results. Here are popular bulky yarns from Red Heart:
Red Heart Hygge Chunky
Red Heart Hygge Chunky is a super bulky acrylic yarn that works up into plush, textured projects. The tweed-inspired flecks add visual interest. It’s perfect for comfy cowls, beanies, pillows and more.
Red Heart Grande
Red Heart Grande is a lightly brushed bulky acrylic yarn available in versatile solid shades. It has excellent stitch definition for a chunky yarn. Grande is ideal for thick, cozy sweaters, blankets, and accessories.
Red Heart Boutique Midnight
Boutique Midnight is an ultra-soft, bulky wool and acrylic blend. It has a velvety feel and beautiful tonal variations. Midnight creates plush garments and accessories with excellent drape.
Extra Fine/Lace Weight Yarns
Extra fine and lace weight yarns are delicate and lightweight. They are ideal for lace projects. Here are some top options from Red Heart:
Red Heart It’s a Wrap Lace
It’s a Wrap Lace is a lightweight, soft acrylic yarn with a subtle metallic sheen. It has excellent drape and is perfect for lace shawls, wraps, and lightweight garments.
Red Heart Fiesta
Fiesta is a festive, color-changing fine weight acrylic yarn that transitions between fun shades. It’s great for lace projects, cowls, shawls, and lightweight accessories.
Red Heart Anne Geddes Baby Light
Anne Geddes Baby Light is a ultra-soft, fine acrylic yarn that is ideal for baby projects. It has a gentle sheen and pretty pastel colorways. It’s perfect for lightweight sweaters, blankets, and accessories.
Types of Projects for Different Weights of Red Heart Yarn
The weight and fiber content of yarn determines how it will perform and what types of projects it is best suited for. Here is an overview of common project types for different weights of Red Heart yarn:
| Yarn Weight | Fiber Content | Project Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Worsted Weight | 100% Acrylic | Blankets, hats, scarves, sweaters, toys, home décor |
| Light Weight | Acrylic with Metallic | Shawls, wraps, lightweight garments, accessories |
| Chunky/Bulky Weight | Acrylic or Acrylic/Wool Blend | Cozy sweaters, pillows, cowls, hats, home décor |
| Lace/Extra Fine Weight | Soft Acrylic | Lace shawls, cowls, wraps, delicate accessories |
Substitute Yarns for Red Heart
Not all crafters like working with acrylic yarn or have access to Red Heart yarn. Here are some suggested substitutions for common Red Heart varieties:
| Red Heart Yarn | Substitute Fiber | Suggested Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Super Saver | 100% Wool | Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Cascade 220 Superwash |
| Soft | Merino Wool | Cascade 220, Berroco Vintage |
| With Love | Wool/Acrylic Blend | Lion Brand Heartland, Caron One Pound |
| Grande | 100% Wool | Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, Cascade Magnum |
| Boutique Midnight | 100% Wool | Cascade Eco+ Wool, Madelinetosh Tosh Bulky |
Crochet vs Knitting with Red Heart Yarn
Most Red Heart yarns can be used for both crochet and knitting. However, there are some differences in how the yarn performs with each craft:
Crochet
- Acrylic yarns like Red Heart Super Saver work very well for crochet. The stiffer fiber holds its shape in motifs and textures.
- Smooth yarns like Red Heart Soft or With Love have great drape for crocheted garments.
- Bulky yarns like Hygge Chunky work up quickly into plush crocheted blankets and cowls.
Knitting
- Soft acrylic yarns like Red Heart With Love provide good stitch definition and drape for knits.
- Yarns with wool like Boutique Midnight add warmth, softness, and stretch to knitted garments.
- Lace weight yarns like It’s a Wrap Lace make lightweight, airy knits like shawls.
Conclusion
Red Heart offers an incredibly diverse range of yarn weights and fiber contents to suit every project. Their acrylic yarns are affordable, durable, and come in beautiful colors. Blends with nylon or wool provide extra softness and luxury for garments and accessories. With so many choices, every crafter can find the perfect Red Heart yarn for their next knit or crochet project.