Luxe Yarn on a Budget
If you've ever tried working with eyelash yarn and found yourself frustrated, you're not alone. Many crafters put this yarn on their "naughty list" because it can be tricky to handle. However, if you're someone who loves luxury but prefers to craft on a budget, this yarn might be the perfect way to get high-end results for a fraction of the price!
The Secret to Luxe for Less
I recently made a beanie using eyelash yarn, and the results were incredible. The yarn I used is called Just Yarn Plush, available at Dollar Tree. It has a super soft, teddy bear-like texture. Though it isn't labeled as "eyelash yarn," it works in a very similar way. I paired it with a basic acrylic yarn, which made the stitches easier to see and gave my project a beautiful, plush feel. Best of all, the total cost was under $5!
Why Eyelash Yarn Can Be Tricky
Many crafters struggle with eyelash yarn for a few reasons:
It's difficult to see stitches – The fluffy fibers obscure the stitches, making it hard to keep track of your work.
It's often a novelty yarn – Newbie crafters are drawn to its unique texture but may not realize that it requires a different technique to work with.
It can be slippery – Depending on the type, some eyelash yarns have a silky texture that makes them tricky to control.
Tips for Working with Eyelash Yarn
Pair it with an Acrylic Yarn – Using a strand of four-weight acrylic along with the eyelash yarn makes it much easier to see your stitches and work more efficiently.
Go by Feel – Instead of relying on sight, use your fingers to feel where your hook should go.
Use a Larger Hook – A 6.5mm hook or larger can help keep the stitches looser and more manageable.
Stick to Basic Stitches – Avoid complex stitch patterns and work through both loops instead of the back loop only.
Keep It in the Same Fiber Family – If you're pairing yarns, using ones with similar fiber content ensures easier washing and better durability.
The $5 Luxe Beanie Project
For my beanie, I used:
Just Yarn Plush from Dollar Tree
Big Twist Acrylic Yarn (Joann’s brand)
6.5mm crochet hook
Basic beanie pattern (linked in my YouTube video)
I made the beanie slightly slouchy with a thick brim, which gives it an extra luxurious feel. The tone-on-tone color pairing adds depth, making it look far more expensive than it actually was!
More from the Crochet Community
I teamed up with Rachel from The Faded Wildflower Crochet for this project. She specializes in amigurumi and tested Just Yarn Plush to see if it works for her style of projects. If you're interested in amigurumi or want expert yarn recommendations, check out her channel!
Final Thoughts
Eyelash yarn might be intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it can elevate your crochet projects. If you’re curious, grab some from the Dollar Tree and give it a try. I’d love to hear about your experiences—drop a comment below and let me know if you’d like more tips on working with tricky yarns!
Watch the video here!