Discovering the Softest, Coziest Yarn for All My Crafting Needs
As an avid crocheter and knitter, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect yarn for my projects. I want something soft and snuggly that works up into cozy accessories and blankets. Big Twist Plush Yarn has become my new obsession – it's the yummiest, plushiest, downright snuggly yarn I've ever worked with! In this post, I'll share all the details about this fantastic yarn so you can fall in love with it too.
An Irresistible Texture
The first thing that drew me to Big Twist Plush Yarn was the texture. As soon as I felt that first skein, I knew I had to try it out! It has such a rich, plush feel – almost like teddy bear fur. The yarn is made from a blend of acrylic, nylon, and polyester fibers that create an irresistibly soft, bouncy texture.
Unlike some fuzzy yarns that can feel rough or shed everywhere, Big Twist Yarn Plush Yarn has a smooth texture that's cozy but not itchy against your skin. The fibers have just the right amount of loft and bounce to produce fabulously snuggly FOs. Every stitch puffs up into a soft cloud of yarn – it's texture heaven!
The Perfect Yarn Weight
Beyond the cuddly texture, I was pleased to discover that Big Twist Plush Yarn has a versatile medium weight. With a thickness classified around DK or light worsted weight, it works up quickly enough for large projects like blankets and scarves, but isn't too bulky for finer accessories.
The medium weight also means great stitch definition. Lacy patterns really pop in this yarn, staying open and visible rather than disappearing into fuzziness. Textured stitches like cables or bobbles are instantly 3-dimensional. Of course, basic knit and crochet fabrics also look fantastic – the yarn creates such a rich, cozy fabric!
A Rainbow of Colors
One of my favorite things about Big Twist Plush Yarn is the range of sumptuous colors it's available in. There are over 50 vibrant shades to choose from, ranging from neutrals like cream and gray to bold hues like ruby red and sapphire blue.
Joann's even offers special themed collections, like their Rainbow Brights pack with hyper-saturated neon shades. There are also variegated colors that gradually transition from tone to tone, as well as marled shades woven from complementary hues.
With so many options, it's easy to find the perfect color for any project. I can never resist buying just one more irresistible hue – my yarn shelf is stacked with plushy skeins in every color of the rainbow!
Perfect for Cozy Projects
With its irresistible softness and beautiful colors, it's easy to see why Big Twist Plush Yarn has become my go-to for all kinds of cozy, comforting projects. It's the ultimate yarn for cuddly accessories like cowls, shawls, mittens, scarves, and hats. The stitches bloom into the kind of fluffy fabric you just want to wrap yourself in on a chilly day.
I also love working up chunky blankets and laphans in Big Twist Plush. The colors layer together into the coziest, squishiest fabric that feels like wrapping yourself in a blanket fresh from the dryer! Big Twist Plush also works beautifully for stuffed animals and toys – the colors and texture are so rich and child-friendly.
Really, the possibilities are endless with this yarn. Its versatility and texture lend themselves perfectly to so many kinds of projects. Everything I make with it feels special and luxurious.
Soft and Safe for Babies
One of my favorite things about Big Twist Plush Yarn is that it's soft and safe enough for babies and children. As a new mom, I'm extra cautious about materials that will touch my baby's delicate skin.
Big Twist Plush is hypoallergenic and free of harsh dyes, so I don't have to worry about irritation. And the smooth, loopy fibers don't shed and make a mess the way some furry yarns do. That makes it ideal for adorable projects like stuffed animals, blankets, booties, and baby's first sweater that will stand up to washing.
Perfect for Beginners
As an experienced crocheter and knitter, I appreciate how the plush texture hides any minor mistakes in my work. But Big Twist Plush Yarn is also an excellent choice for beginners just learning the basics.
The light worsted weight makes it easy to see and count stitches, and the yarn isn't too slippery or splitty during handling. The soft loft means beginner projects look fantastic even without blocking or expert tension. And the colors are so vibrant that anyone can produce fun FOs without much time or skill.
So if you're just getting started with crochet and knitting, don't be intimidated to try Big Twist Plush for your first scarf or hat – you'll love the results!
Care and Washing
While I adore the soft texture of Big Twist Plush Yarn , I'll admit I was a bit nervous to wash my first few projects. Fuzzy yarns don't always stand up well to washing or retain their shape.
sir, I was pleasantly surprised at how well Big Twist Plush holds up! It can safely be machine washed and dried on cool, low heat settings. As long as I use a gentle cycle, the yarn doesn't excessively pill or shed.
Blocking and a little shaking out after washing restores the yarn's bounce and loft. Big Twist Plush may felt slightly, but I love the resulting smoother, more integrated fabric texture. Overall, washability is excellent for an ultra-soft yarn.
Affordable Luxury
As much as I love the indulgent feel of Big Twist Plush Yarn , I have to give a shout-out to the affordable price point. At around $5 per 6 ounce skein, this yarn delivers a luxurious texture without breaking the bank.
Big Twist Plush costs about the same per yard as basic worsted weight acrylic yarns, but feels so much cozier and upscale. The value only improves if you buy in bulk – Joann's often offers 5 for $10 skein sales. It's such a thrill to be able to stock up on high-quality yarn at unbeatable prices.
Where to Buy
Speaking of purchasing, Big Twist Plush Yarn is conveniently available both online and in craft stores. Joann's is my favorite brick-and-mortar source – they have the largest color selection and regular sales. But you can also find a good range of shades at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and local yarn shops.
For online shopping, Joann's and Michaels again have the best selection available for order and delivery or in-store pickup. Big Twist Plush can also be purchased through Amazon, Ebay, Etsy, and Walmart for convenience.
Wherever you choose to shop online or offline, you're sure to find all the sumptuous Big Twist shades you could ever want!
Sizing Up the Skeins
Now that I've gushed about the colors and textures, let's get down to some of the logistics. Each standard skein of Big Twist Plush Yarn holds approximately 120 yards of yarn. The actual yardage may vary slightly by color, but you can expect at least 115-125 yards per skein.
The weight per skein is around 6 ounces or 170 grams. This makes it a light to medium worsted weight yarn, compared to 100 grams for standard worsted weight skeins. So you may need approximately 1.5 Big Twist skeins to substitute for a regular worsted skein in a pattern.
Knowing the expected yardage and weight per skein makes it easy to calculate how much yarn to purchase for any given project. And the medium weight means gauge swatches are quick to work up before diving into a full project.
Knitting Gauge and Needle Size
If you want to knit with Big Twist Plush Yarn , recommended needle sizes range from US size 7 to 10 (4.5mm to 6mm). The plush texture means you'll likely need to size up a bit compared to regular worsted weight yarn.
For my knitting gauge, I typically get 16-18 stitches over 4 inches on US size 9 needles. This creates a nice drapey fabric that really shows off the yarn's loft and colors. Going up or down 1-2 needle sizes will change the fabric and gauge – smaller needles for denser fabric, larger for a more open, flowing drape.
Play around with needle sizes and knitting tension to find your perfect gauge with Big Twist Plush. The yarn's fuzziness disguises any differences in stitch heights, so don't stress too much about achieving a precise gauge.
Crocheting with Big Twist Plush
For crochet projects, I like to use a US size H/8 (5mm) hook with Big Twist Plush Yarn . The plush texture glides smoothly and allows for good stitch definition with this size hook.
As with knitting, you may want to adjust 1 size up or down depending on your tension and the desired fabric. For crochet gauge, I get around 14-16 double crochet stitches over 4 inches on a size H hook, producing a nice solid yet cushy fabric.
Larger hooks like US size I/9 or J/10 (5.5 or 6mm) will create a lacier, more open texture. While smaller hooks like US G/6 or F/5 (4 or 4.5mm) will result in tighter, denser crocheted fabrics. Play around to discover your perfect Big Twist Plush crochet gauge.
Blocking and Seaming
While I don't find blocking absolutely necessary for pieces knit or crocheted in Big Twist Plush Yarn , I do like to give my finished items a quick block. This helps even out the stitches, relaxes the fabric, and makes seaming easier.
I wet block most Big Twist Plush pieces by saturating them in cool water, pinning to measurements, and letting air dry. A quick pass with a steam iron can also shape the fabric nicely. Seaming is a breeze with the softened, blocked edges.
Whether sewing pieces together by hand or on a machine, be sure to use longer stitches and a wide seam allowance. This prevents the lofty yarn from getting compressed or bulky in the seams. A little strategic planning on seam placement can go a long way.
Perfect Pairings
One of the joys of Big Twist Plush Yarn is that it pairs beautifully with so many other textures. Combining Plush with a smooth worsted weight yarn creates fun textural contrast in stitches like ribbing or seed stitch. Metallic or glittery yarns make the colors pop even more.
I also love working Big Twist Plush together with mohair or eyelash yarns for an ultra-fuzzy, warm fabric. Or tone it down by combining with a strand of sport or DK weight yarn for a tonally textured look. Mix and match to create your own perfect yarn duo in any project!
Compare to Other Plush Yarns
As much as I adore Big Twist Plush Yarn , I'll admit there are other plush and fur yarns on the market. So how does Big Twist compare with popular alternatives like Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick and Bernat Velvet?
In my experience, Wool-Ease Thick & Quick has a real wooly look and feel. It's a great choice for classic wooly textures but can feel heavy. Bernat Velvet is softer but almost too fuzzy – it obscures stitch definition.
Big Twist Plush hits the perfect balance between softness and structure. It has the cozy feel and fun furry look without getting overly bulky. The price point and availability also makes Big Twist my #1 choice!
Big Twist Plush Wins Over Brand Loyalists
Speaking of popularity, even crafters loyal to other brands seem to be converting to Big Twist Plush Yarn devotees lately. Across review sites, fiber enthusiasts who normally use pricier yarns agree that Big Twist delivers incredibly soft, quality results.
On Ravelry, users praise the vibrant colorways and stunning textures achieved with Big Twist Plush. Etsy and Amazon reviewers say the yarn exceeds their expectations for softness at the low price point. Fans love using Big Twist for plush toys and baby items – the colors and textures are just irresistible.
Based on rave reviews from typically brand-loyal fiber artists, it's clear that Big Twist Plush Yarn beats out the competition on texture, quality, and value. The word is out – crafters everywhere are falling in love with this yummy plush yarn!
Tips to Avoid Pilling or Shedding
I'll admit that when working with an ultra-soft, lofty yarn like Big Twist Plush , pilling and shedding are always a possibility to watch out for. But there are some tips and tricks to reduce excess fuzziness as you work:
- Avoid pulling too tightly when casting on/binding off or changing colors – this stretches the yarn unevenly.
- When joining new balls of yarn, overlapping skeins by a few inches and weave ends together for a gradual transition.
- Be gentle when seaming not to crush stitches or drag yarn excessively.
- Wash and dry gently on cool, low heat settings and avoid over-agitation.
- Use a sweater shaver or fabric defuzzer to safely remove any surface pills.
Following these tips helps me keep Big Twist Plush Yarn soft and fuzz-free for many years of wear! A little gentle care goes a long way.
Plush Yarn Pattern Inspiration
One of the best parts of discovering a new favorite yarn – like Big Twist Plush – is seeking out pattern inspiration to take full advantage of the yarn's texture and colors!
For blankets, the Ripple Bernat Velvet Blanket is a free crochet pattern that works up gorgeously in Big Twist. The Cozy Corner to Corner also shows off rich Big Twist colors in crochet blanket form.
For accessories, the Knit Earflap Hat and Matching Mittens set and Big Twist Textured Crochet Hat are perfect plushy projects. The Knit Plush Puppy or Crochet Snuggle Bunny patterns are irresistible in soft Big Twist yarn.
And don't forget about garments! The Knit Plush Pullover Sweater and Crochet Plush Vest patterns are extra cozy made with Big Twist Plush yarn. Browse Ravelry or your favorite pattern sites for endless ultra-plush project inspiration.
Limited Edition Colorways
One of the most exciting aspects of Big Twist Plush Yarn is that Joann's is always releasing special limited edition color options! These exclusive shades are only available for a short time and often sell out quickly.
Some of my favorite limited releases so far have been the Jewel Tones collection of rich jewel-inspired hues and the Neon Brights pack of super-saturated bright colors.
Around the holidays, Big Twist Plush comes out with festive shades like shimmery golds, silvers, and reds. The options are always changing so new color combos are never far away. Keep an eye out for these special seasonal colorways!
Where to Find Big Twist Plush Offline
While I do a lot of my Big Twist Plush Yarn shopping online, it's also readily available at craft stores across the United States. Here are some of my top brick-and-mortar shops to browse and purchase plush yarn skeins:
- Joann – The largest selection with seasonal colors and regular sales/discounts.
- Michael's – Carries a wide range of standard and limited edition Big Twist shades.
- Hobby Lobby – Good for staple color options and coupon savings.
- Walmart – Convenient when you just need a few basic colors in a hurry.
- Local Yarn Shops – Support small businesses and find unique colorways.
Check the Big Twist Plush options at your local crafting outlets. And ask if they can specially order any shades not in stock – most are happy to!
Satisfaction Guaranteed
One last thing that keeps me coming back to Big Twist Plush Yarn again and again is Joann's satisfaction guarantee. Their return policy allows yarn purchases to be returned or exchanged at any time – even months later if an unfinished project doesn't work out as planned.
It gives me the confidence to try new colors or textures without worrying I'll be stuck with yarn I can't use. Between the quality yarns and excellent customer service, Joann has thoroughly earned my loyalty.
Wrapping Myself in Plushy Bliss
As you can tell, I can't get enough of working with the unbelievable soft, smooth texture of Big Twist Plush Yarn ! It never disappoints, turning out spectacularly squooshy, colorful and cozy FOs every time.
I hope my plush yarn enthusiasm has inspired you to give Big Twist a try in your own projects. Let me know if you find any other fun patterns, color pairings or project ideas I should try out! Until then, I'll be wrapped in my favorite plushy cardigan relishing the tactile bliss. Happy crafting!