Yarn and thread may seem like they mean the same thing. But in terms of meaning, they are completely different. A yarn is a single strand of twisted textile fiber while a thread is made by twisting 2 or more yarns together.
They are not only different in nature but also being used for different purposes. Sometimes a specially made thread is used to do the same thing as the yarn. Here we will discuss how and where each item is used and when one is better than the other.
Thread and Yarn – Usages
Yarn is mainly used for making fabrics. Different types of yarns produce different types of fabrics by interloping with each other. Yarn is also used for crocheting different items.
But the thread is mainly used for sewing garments. It is used for sewing 2 or more fabrics together. But there are some specially made threads for crocheting too. Thread and yarn, both are used for different types of crocheting.
When to Use Crochet Thread vs. Yarn
Yarns are used for crocheting clothes and blankets. Crochet thread is thinner than yarns. So crochet thread is used for mainly designs on the cloth. If you are making any delicate pattern like flowers then crochet thread is a better choice.
Because crochet thread is thin, it can make the subtle patterns on your clothes or accessories look very good. You have to use smaller hooks for the threads.
If you are making a normal clothing item or baby clothes then yarns are the better choice. They are easier to crochet. But fundamentally, there is no difference in using yarns and threads to crochet. You can use both of them in the same way.
Difference Between Thread and Yarn
Yarns are usually heavier than threads but at the same time, they are less strong than threads. Threads are mainly used for sewing so they have to be stronger to hold the clothes together.
But there are always exceptions to this. There is an especially made thread for crocheting which is thinner than the yarns. This thread is made from mercerized cotton. It can be used for crocheting but it is best for making any subtle pattern.
What Yarn Is Best for Crochet?
Acrylic
Acrylic yarns are the best crochet yarn according to the majority. There are many reasons behind it. It is good for beginners as well as experts. It is also cheaper than most other yarns.
Acrylic yarns come in many shapes. In the past, it was a rough yarn. But as time passed, now some of the acrylic yarns are as smooth as cotton. So the roughness is not holding the acrylic back anymore.
That being said, not all acrylics are smooth. So you have to look out which acrylic yarn is smoother than the other. Check out if the acrylic yarn is safe for babies or not.
Others
While acrylic is all good, it is synthetic yarn. It basically means it is a kind of plastic. So, it is harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. So many people want an alternative to this.
Plant and animal-based yarns are the alternatives for synthetic yarn. Wool and cotton are great yarns to crochet with. These feel very smooth to crochet with. They are pretty resistant to wear and tear. These yarns are also breathable. So these are comfortable to wear too.
If you want to avoid animal-based yarns then, among the plant-based yarns – linen is better for crocheting. You can also use silk but it can be a bit costly. You can think of linen as a lightweight cousin of cotton. It is also highly absorbent which is better for both hot and cold weather.
What Is the Difference Between Yarn Count and Thread Count?
Yarn Count
There are two types of yarn count systems depending on the type of yarn. These are called direct count and indirect count. Both of them have different units for a different measurement system.
Indirect count expresses the number of length units in one weight unit and is mostly used for cotton, worsted, and linen. Direct count, on the other hand, expresses the number of weight units in one length unit. It is used for jute, silk, synthetic fiber, etc.
Thread Count
Thread count is also known as the tex count system. It is a direct count of threads. So expresses the number of weight units in one length unit. It functions the same as the direct system of yarn count.
There is also another type of count that is used in the thread. It expresses how many threads are in a square inch of fabric. This is known as the thread count system. The higher the thread counts the better the product quality.
Durability Between Yarn and Thread
Durability on many parts depends on what type of yarn or thread you are using and on what purpose you are using them. But if I have to choose between a normal yarn and a normal thread, I would say a normal thread is more durable than yarn.
That is because a normal thread is stronger than yarn. Threads are made that way to keep the clothes together after sewing. Other than sewing thread, nylon is one of the strongest threads. Nylon is almost impossible to tear with bare hands without any trick.
As for crochet thread, it depends on the type of thread it is made from. Most of the crochet thread is made from cotton. So, while it is pretty tearing resistant it is not very durable.
That doesn’t mean it will fall off just after some time. Other synthetic fibers have more durability than cotton as they are basically plastic. The same goes for cotton yarn. For example, just like nylon thread, acrylic is a synthetic yarn. So it will last longer than natural cotton yarn.
FAQs
Q. Are yarn and thread the same?
Ans: No they are not. Yarn is a long strand of fabric while a thread is two or more twisted strands of yarn.
Q. Are thread and yarn count the same?
Ans: No, yarn uses indirect and direct count. But thread count means a number of threads in one square inch or in the tex system it means direct count.
Conclusion
Yarn and thread are pretty different from each other to directly compare them in the same situation. Both do their own separate thing and they do that pretty well. But one place they overlap is crocheting. Even then, thread and yarn have their own uses.
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