For our Michael’s loyalists out there, these two interchangeable yarns are the most easily accessible plush yarns within the states, and one of the only ones you’ll be able to find at a large-scale brick & mortar. At $9.99 per skein, 40 colors to choose from between the two, with constant coupons and sales. These are a no-brainer! The thickness is perfect to work up larger projects.

This yarn weight is also offered in “Blossom”, a beautiful floral almost identical to Parfait Chunky Bloom, “Variegated”, and “Prints”, for some speckled colors!

In general, across all different variations, their quality control is comparatively lower. I highly recommend shopping in-store to make sure you get the right flufiness and shade!

For even chunkier plush yarn, Michaels also offers these two interchangeable styles! Also $9.99 per skein, with 51 colors to choose from between the two, if you need a big project, these guys are perfect!

As these are the chunkiest yarns I’m recommending, keep in mind that the chunkier the yarn, the less yardage you get, but the faster your project works up!

This yarn is also offered in “Stripes”, which has a colorblock effect in your work, “Tweed”, which has some speckled variegation, and “Heather”, which offers three perfectly speckled shades!

In general, the quality control is similar to its slimmer counterparts, which is comparatively lower. However, shopping in-store will allow you to get the best quality you can!

Even though this yarn should be a category all on its own, I’ve personally shyed away from blanket yarn for its tougher pull when crocheting. But, many people love blanket yarn as it doesn’t shed (and is therefore more ideal for small children), and is readily stocked within the states. At $12.99 per skein, always being discounted, with easily over 100 colors across all their different variations (of the same weight), this is a popular choice.

Some of the variations offered include “Baby Blanket,” “Ombre,” “Frosting,” “Speckle,” “Twist,” “Sparkle,” “Tie-Dyeish,” and “Tweeds.” And that’s just within this one weight class alone!

Along the grape vine, I’ve heard that quality control varies drastically across dye lots, both color and texture-wise. I also highly recommend making your blanket yarn selections in-store!

My shy away from blanket yarn doesn’t mean I don’t love the look of fuzzy teddy yarn! Although Alize is an international brand that may be harder to get ahold of, I just can’t seem to find a good alternative here in the states! At around $4-7 a skein from drop-shippers on Etsy, or around $4 from other international sites, their selection of at least 40 colors allowed me to cultivate an entire collection of fuzzy yarns!

Alize has a couple different weights of plush yarn, but these are the only ones I’ve tried, it’s hard to commit to an entire new line of yarns!

Their quality control is excellent, I’ve never been disappointed in a skein. This yarn will not shed and will maintain its “composure” even when you frog and tug!

If the shedding of plush yarns is too annoying or the tugging of blanket yarns is too challenging, velvet chenille may be the way to go! There’s a ton of velvet yarns out there and this is the only one I’ve tried, but I can’t complain! At $12.99 per skein (always discounted) and at least 22 colors to choose from, there’s no reason to slack! These skeins boast an impressive 300+ yards of weight 4 yarn, meaning you can work up several projects per skein easily.

For the right project, the shine adds a nice touch and the material really does glide. Just remember to keep your stitches tight, as velvet yarn has a tendency to bunch up awkwardly over time!

In general, their quality isn’t bad, but could always be better. Sometimes the flufiness is just pancake-d out..

For those of you craving teddy-bear like yarn and truly invisible stitches, Hobbii’s peacock has never done me wrong! I do advise waiting for these guys to go on sale, but for $6.60 and a 14 color selection, it’s not a costly trial! Peacock is also fun to add a little extra detail to your standard amigurumi projects!

I’m pretty trusting of Hobbii’s quality control, but with these yarns it’s even easier! It’s rare that a skein will come all wonky (however I haven’t ordered enough to have experience with the same colors in different dye lots).

For the skilled crocheter, faux fur workups are always so impressive. I’ve tried a few random international brands, and while they’re all similar quality, Loops & Threads wins most accessible and reasonably priced at $9.99 (and constantly being discounted). Michaels gives you 6 colors to choose from, and while that doesn’t sound very vast, all the colors feel perfectly “natural” (blush pink aside lol).

I find this yarn weight pairs best with sweet snuggles and chenille home, although because of the thinner base strand, you can work it in with thinner plush yarns as well!

From my experience in both ordering and always touching this yarn in-store (did I mention how soft it is?!) the quality control seems quite consistent with this one!