Use for acrylic yarn?

[Mom2Rebecca]

I really hate working with acrylic, I prefer wool or cotton. But i have some acrylic I received as a gift. Any good suggestions for it? It wont make decent washcloths or potholders, it that right?
Jessica

[mulene]

Use it to make toys or Christmas decorations.

[XbelovedXoneX]

you could also use it for charity knitting.

[brownishcoat]

I use it to crochet afghans for gifts. Especially if I need a gift for someone I don't really care for or don't know all that well.

[meriellyn]

I have a ton of acrylic from my first few months of knitting. It's all just sitting in a hamper feeling neglected. The only acrylic I've worked with lately has been the Simply Soft Shadows I made a mini-Clapotis from and the Simply Soft I'm using to crochet an afghan.

It's great for afghans that you want to be able to toss in the wash. Also good for presents for people who you know won't care for hand-wash items properly. Or kid stuff. I also use it for practice runs for new stitch patterns or estimating gauge/needle size for self-created patterns. I don't do this as much anymore though.

One big thing about gifting acrylic items... wash them before you give them away. That first wash softens things up considerably and makes the item feel much nicer.

I guess I'll try to use some of my acrylic for crochet projects. Problem is, I don't crochet much.

Ideally, I'd like to pass some of it along to someone who is starting out knitting/crocheting or who does use a lot of acrylic. I feel bad that it's all just sitting there. At least the rest of my yarn stash (the good stuff) gets fondled regularly. Hehe.

[gardenmommy]

The problem is she would have to knit with something she doesn't even like working with in the first place! LOL I guess it depends if she can stand working with it long enough to make some gift items. Try triple-stranding it for a quick knit. Maybe pet snuggles like for

http://www.h4ha.org/snuggles/

Do you think the giver was expecting something to be made for THEM from the yarn, or were they just thinking you might like it and didn't have any expectations otherwise? You might be able to swap/sell said yarn for something you like better, like with someone who found out they are allergic to wool and has lots of wool yarn, or somebody who bought a lot of cotton yarn and found out they didn't like it.

[mwedzi]

The problem is she would have to knit with something she doesn't even like working with in the first place! LOL I guess it depends if she can stand working with it long enough to make some gift items.

Exactly. This was my problem with the wool yarn I was going to throw away. It might soften after a couple of washes, but I couldn't get through to make something to actually get it to the washing stage.

Can you crochet? I find both acrylic and cotton easier to crochet than to knit.

[Calamintha]

I have the same problem. I just can't stand the feel of acrylic. Maybe you could donate the yarn to a school or nursing home or some other charity?

[janelanespaintbrush]

This was my problem with the wool yarn I was going to throw away. It might soften after a couple of washes, but I couldn't get through to make something to actually get it to the washing stage.

I've hand-washed hanks of yarn with no problem. You just have to be careful so they don't get tangly.

[Mama Bear]

If you really hate working with it, I would give it away.

If you want to use it up, most charity knitting prefers acrylics and washables.

I had gotten rid of much of my acrylics, but used some for a thick pair of slipper socks that I gave my mom. She didn't care what type of yarn because she wears them over socks.

I have even knit her a few pair of wool ones, and she prefers the acrylic They are double stranded so at least they go fast.

So now I make her slipper socks from acrylic. That and preemie knitting is about the only time I use it.

Mama Bear