Whether you’re a beginner picking up your first crochet hook or a seasoned knitter working on your next masterpiece, choosing the right yarn is essential. Among the many yarn brands available, Big Twist Yarn stands out as a versatile, affordable, and beginner-friendly option that caters to a wide range of crafting needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Big Twist Yarn—its varieties, pros and cons, usage tips, and why it might just be the perfect choice for your next project.
What is big twist yarn?
The Big Twist Yarn is a house brand of yarn, a specially sold yarn at the Joan Fabric and Craft Stores in the United States. It is known to be inexpensive, easy to work with, and available in a variety of weights, textures, and colors. It is particularly popular among crocheters and knitters, who are looking for budget-friendly yarn without making a lot of sacrifices on quality.
Whether you are making a soft baby blanket, a strong tot bag, or a comfortable winter scarf, a large twist has a yarn line that fits your project. Significant
Major features of Big Twist Yarn
• Strength: Especially in the value line, excellent cost per scan.
• Diversity: Cotton, acrylic, tweed, and special options are included.
• Exhibition: In-store and online through Joan.
• Ease of use: Initially, widely used in patterns.
Popular Twist of Big Twist Yarn
Big Twist is not a single type of yarn. It’s a collection of yarns suited for various projects. Here’s a closer look at the most popular varieties:
1. Big Twist Value
- Fiber: 100% Acrylic
- Weight: Worsted (Medium 4)
- Best For: Blankets, hats, scarves, sweaters, home décor
- Why Use It: This is the most popular and budget-friendly option. It’s soft, machine washable, and comes in many solid and variegated colors.
2. Big Twist Gentle
- Fiber: 85% Acrylic, 15% Polyamide
- Weight: Worsted
- Best For: Baby clothes, soft accessories, wearables
- Why Use It: Designed for comfort and gentleness on sensitive skin. Ideal for delicate projects like baby items or scarves.
3. Big Twist Cotton
- Fiber: 100% Cotton
- Weight: Medium to light
- Best For: Dishcloths, market bags, summer garments
- Why Use It: Cotton yarn is breathable and ideal for warm weather. This line is excellent for eco-conscious, reusable projects.
4. Big Twist Tweed
- Fiber: 85% Acrylic, 12% Rayon, 3% Polyester
- Weight: Medium
- Best For: Rustic-looking sweaters, hats, cardigans
- Why Use It: Adds texture and visual interest with its speckled tweed effect. Great for fall and winter wearables.
5. Big Twist Plush
- Fiber: 100% Polyester
- Weight: Super Bulky
- Best For: Blankets, stuffed toys, cozy accessories
- Why Use It: It’s incredibly soft and works up quickly. Ideal for making plushy items and baby gifts.
6. Big Twist Twinkle
- Fiber: Acrylic with metallic thread
- Weight: Medium
- Best For: Holiday décor, accessories, glam projects
- Why Use It: Add a little sparkle to your creations. Great for festive and special occasion items.
Why Choose Big Twist Yarn?
Big Twist Yarn has become a go-to option for many because of its well-balanced combination of price, performance, and variety. Here are the reasons many crafters love it:
1. Budget-Friendly Without Compromising Variety
Considerable Twist Value offers generous yardage at a low price, which is ideal for larger projects. It allows beginners to practice without worrying about wasting expensive yarn.
2. Excellent Color Selection
From neutrals to bright shades, Big Twist yarns are available in a wide array of hues. Some lines also offer variegated or multi-color options.
3. Beginner-Friendly
This yarn is easy to work with—it’s not too slippery, doesn’t split excessively, and is compatible with many hook and needle sizes.
4. Machine Washable
Most lines, especially the Value and Gentle lines, are machine washable and dryable, making them perfect for gifts, kids’ items, and everyday use.
Things to Keep in Mind
Although Big Twist Yarn offers many advantages, it also has a few limitations. Here are some potential downsides:
1. Inconsistent Quality
Some users have noted that the texture and Twist can vary between Twist batches or even within the same skein. This inconsistency can affect the final appearance of your project.
2. Pilling
Acrylic yarns are prone to pilling over time, mainly when used in garments or items that see frequent wear.
3. Stitch Definition
Certain varieties, like the Tweed or Plush lines, may obscure detailed stitch patterns, making them less ideal for projects that require precision.
Tips for Using Big Twist Yarn
Here are some tips to make the most of your Big Twist Yarn:
1. Swatch Before Starting
Make a gauge swatch to test how the yarn behaves. This is especially important if you’re substituting Big Twist in a pattern designed for another yarn brand.
2. Buy Extra Skeins
Since dye lots can vary, always buy an extra skein or two to ensure color consistency in larger projects.
3. Use the Right Tools
Using the correct hook or needle size helps reduce splitting and improve stitch definition.
4. Store Properly
Keep unused yarn in a cool, dry place. If using the same yarn over several weeks or months, label the dye lot for consistency.
Perfect Projects for Big Twist Yarn
Need inspiration? Here are some great project ideas for each type of Big Twist yarn:
| Yarn Type | Ideal Projects |
| Big Twist Value | Blankets, hats, scarves, amigurumi |
| Big Twist Gentle | Baby booties, shawls, sweaters |
| Big Twist Cotton | Washcloths, bags, coasters |
| Big Twist Tweed | Vests, beanies, cardigans |
| Big Twist Plush | Soft toys, pet beds, lap blankets |
| Big Twist Twinkle | Holiday garlands, sparkly shawls |
How Does Big Twist Compare to Other Brands?
Here’s a quick comparison between Big Twist and other popular yarn brands:
| Brand | Big Twist | Red Heart Super Saver | Lion Brand Basic Stitch |
| Price | Affordable | Budget | Mid-range |
| Softness | Varies by line | Rougher | Softer |
| Variety | High | Moderate | High |
| Availability | Joann exclusive | Widely available | Craft stores & online |
| Stitch Definition | Decent | Good | Excellent |
| Machine Washable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Is Big Twist Yarn Good for Beginners?
Absolutely. Big Twist Yarn is one of the most recommended brands for beginners due to its affordability, ease of handling, and availability. The Value line in particular is excellent for learning basic stitches, while the Gentle line is perfect for wearable projects.
WherTwistBuy Big Twist Yarn
Big Twist is exclusively at Joann Fabric & Craft Stores. You can also buy it online through their official website, where sales and discounts are frequent. International availability may be limited, but you can sometimes find it on platforms like Etsy or eBay.
Caring for Big Twist Yarn Projects
Proper care extends the life of your handmade items. Here are care tips based on yarn type:
- Acrylic Yarns (Value, Gentle): Machine wash cold, tumble dry low.
- Cotton Yarn: Cold wash, lay flat to dry to prevent shrinking.
- Plush Yarn: Gentle cycle or hand wash; air dry to retain fluffiness.
- Metallic Yarn (Twinkle): Avoid heat; spot clean or hand wash.
Always read the label for specific instructions.
Final Thoughts: Is Big Twist Yarn Worth It?
If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use, and versatile yarn that suits most everyday projects, Big Twist Yarn is definitely worth a try. It may not rival luxury yarns in terms of softness or fiber purity, but it offers solid performance for the price.
For new crocheters, budget-conscious crafters, and anyone wanting to experiment with color and texture without overspending, Big Twist Yarn is a reliable companion.
FAQs About Big Twist Yarn
1. Is Big Twist Yarn good for blankets?
Yes! The Value and Plush lines are perfect for warm, cozy blankets.
2. Does Big Twist Yarn shrink?
The cotton version may shrink slightly, but the acrylic lines generally do not.
3. Can I use Big Twist Yarn for baby clothes?
Yes—especially the Gentle or Cotton lines, which are soft and suitable for sensitive skin.
4. Is it okay to mix Big Twist Yarn types in one project?
Yes, but make sure the yarn weights and fiber types are compatible for consistency in washability and texture.
