What to Crochet With Cotton Yarn
Find out what you can crochet with cotton yarn and find out how you can take this summer yarn and make crochet projects with cotton yarn all year round.
Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via this links, but the price you pay is not affected
Not Just a Summer Yarn
So many people consider cotton yarn just a summer fiber, but knowing what to crochet with cotton yarn will show just how versatile this yarn fibre is.
The properties of cotton, make it the perfect choice for crochet projects that will be hardwearing, and it's high absorbency rate, it's a great choice for projects that might get wet.
Here are some of the properties of cotton to consider when deciding what to make with cotton yarn:
- Soft
- Durable
- Absorbent
- Breathable
- Not Static
Find out more about cotton yarn including the other properties and how it is made by clicking here
What to Crochet With Cotton Yarn
Below you will find a list of what to crochet with cotton yarn. There are also some great patterns linked in the categories below. along with links to crochet patterns to make with cotton.
- Crochet Washcloths
- Water bottle cozy and can cozy
- Placemats and coasters
- Pot Holders and Hot Pads
- Dishcloths and Tea Towels
- Market Bags and Shopping Bags
- Sweaters & other garments
- Crochet Earrings and other accessories
- Christmas Decorations
- Plant Hangers
- Face scrubbies
Simply scroll through the list below of what to make with cotton and if a suggested pattern tickles your fancy, click on the image, and you'll be taken straight to either the designers website to view more information on the pattern.
1. Crochet Washcloths
Crochet washcloths are a great to make with cotton yarn as the texture of the fiber can be exfoliating and as cotton absorbs water, soap lathers really well.
It's worth noting that cotton does take a while to dry, so remember to wring out and hang to dry after use.
Splash of Colour Washcloth by Sunflower Cottage Crochet
Jovial Washcloth by Crochets by Trista
2. Water bottle holders & Can Cozies
Cold drinks cause condensation and a water bottle holder or a can cozy can absorb those water droplets preventing water rings on tables or your bag getting wet from the condensation.
Water Bottle Holder by Crochets by Trista
Can and Bottle Cozy by Sunflower Cottage Crochet
Sweet Stripes Can and Bottle Cozy by Green Fox Farms Designs
3. Placemats and coasters
Just like the crochet can cozies, crochet coasters and placemats are great to absorb those condensation beads, plus cotton washes so well and can be bleached (check the color though) that any spills or food stains can be removed easily.
Honey & Crumpets Coaster by Cosy Rosie UK
This pattern was written for acrylic yarn, works up perfectly in cotton too.
Zig Zag Coaster by Cosy Rosie UK
4. Hot Pads
As cotton is a natural fiber, it doesn't melt when in contact with heat which makes it a great choice to make those trivets hot pads.
These make a great house-warming present to jazz up a gift of pots and pans.
Cast Iron Hot Pads by Green Fox Farms
Brioche Bun Pot Holder by High Desert Yarn
Hot Stuff Trivet by Crochets by Trista
5. Dishcloths & Tea Towels
Crochet cotton tea towels wash so well that you can use them to dry up the washing before throwing them into the washing machine and hanging to dry.
As cotton is so absorbent, they make great cloths for wiping up any spills on the kitchen counters too.
Tulip Tea Towel by Sunflower Cottage Crochet
Lemon Drops Kitchen Set by Sunflower Cottage Crochet
Buttercream Dish Cloth by Crochets by Trista
6. Market Bags
Cotton is renowned for not being an elastic yarn, but it does stretch when worn or used.
This works well for those shopping bags - the more you add the bigger the bag gets! A quick wash in the washing machine will take your bag back to it's original size, ready for your next shopping trip.
All Meshed Up Bag by Cosy Rosie UK
Keywest Market Bag by Me 'n' My Hook
7. Crochet Sweaters and other garments
Cotton yarn is known for being breathable which is perfect for those warmer weather crochet garment projects. Plus, the cotton wicks away any moisture if you start to glow, if you know what I mean.
Cotton yarns can create lightweight fabrics that work so well for beach days and those day's around town when the weather is hotting up.
Iris Blossom Beach Tunic by Cosy Rosie UK
Nain Cocoon Cardigan by Me 'n' My Hook
8. Crochet Earrings and other Accessories
Cotton yarn makes the perfect accessories, from earrings through to scarves and shawls.
You can create firm fabrics by working the cotton with a smaller than recommended hook or create a loose fabric working with a larger than recommended hook.
Octavia Earrings by Bliss This
Carnation Shawl by Me 'n' My Hook
9. Christmas Ornaments and Decorations
Cotton is perfect for those Amigurumi projects and other decorations as it is hard wearing and long lasting - your crochet keepsakes will last for years!
This Christmas crochet projects are great to add to your decoration collection to celebrate throughout the years.
Tiny Garland Christmas Tree by Made by Gootie
Vintage Christmas Bauble Cover by Cosy Rosie UK
10. Plant Hangers and Plant Pot Cozy
As you know, cotton yarn is highly absorbent and another great way to use it is to crochet some plant pot holder or hanger to add some handmade quality to your plant collection - a great way to combine these 2 loves.
Alpine Plant Pot Cover by Juniper & Oakes
Trinity Plant Hanger by Cosy Rosie UK
11. Face Scrubbies and Exfoliating Mitts
Although cotton is considered a soft yarn, the nature of the fiber means that it can also be a great exfoliant. This wash mitt pattern is a great addition to any bathroom.
I made my face scrubbies with a cotton blend to increase the softness and not damage my skin.
Face Scrubbies by Cosy Rosie UK
Marian Bay Loop Mitt by Me 'n' My Hook
What else can you make with cotton yarn?
Your crochet hook can make pretty much anything with cotton. The world is your oyster when it comes to selecting yarns to crochet with. If you'd like for information about what you need to remember when substituting yarn, click here.
Other popular projects to crochet with cotton are:
- Blankets
- Cushions
- Hair scarves and headbands
- Summer Hats
The possibilities are endless!
A massive thank you to all the amazing crochet designers for allowing me to share their patterns so that we can learn more about what to crochet with cotton yarn.
I'm sure that more than one of these patterns has been added to your Must Make list and you'll be stocking up on lots of cotton to get stitching up these stylish makes.
I'd love to know which pattern you'll be trying and see your completed projects so tag me in a picture on your social media of your completed crochet project so I can celebrate your success!
If you love looking at pattern inspiration, why not check out these other pattern round ups for even more crochet ideas!
10 Sweater Crochet Patterns for Beginners - Click here
15 Crochet Fingerless Gloves - Click here
*This article, pattern and its images are copyright protected and the sole property of Fiona Field/Cosy Rosie UK 2022. Please do not redistribute, transfer, sell the patterns, or alter it to claim as your own. *
About the Autor
Hi, I'm Fiona, the hands behind Cosy Rosie Crochet - the place to learn to crochet as you make!
With over four years of hands-on experience leading in-person crochet workshops since 2018 and designing and publishing my own patterns since 2019, I bring a wealth of expertise of sharing crochet techniques.....
Cosy Rosie UK Crochet Blog
