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What I Would Buy If I Only Had $20 To Spend On Yarn

 

The $20 Yarn Challenge


Hey there, yarn-loving friends! Have you ever wondered how much yarn you could get for just $20? That’s exactly the challenge I set for myself, and I’d love to share it with you!

The Inspiration Behind the Challenge

I recently came across a video thumbnail that caught my attention—it was something along the lines of "Everything I Bought for $100 as a Broke College Student." I didn’t click on the video, but it immediately got me thinking: What would I buy if I had only $20 to spend on yarn?

Everyone's answer to this question would be different. If you make wearables, you might lean toward certain fibers or weights. If you crochet amigurumi, you’d need different attributes in your yarn. There are so many possibilities!

My $20 Yarn Haul

After some thought, I decided that if I had $20 to spend right now, I would go for 10 skeins of Herrschners Afghan Yarn. Let me tell you why!

What Makes Herrschners Afghan Yarn My Pick?

Herrschners Afghan Yarn has come a long way in terms of quality. The newer version is vastly different from the older ones, both in feel and usability. While both are 100% acrylic and come in 50g skeins, the new version has about 20 extra yards and is much softer to the touch.

Here are a few reasons why I love this yarn:

  • Affordable Price: At $1.99 per skein, I can get 10 for just under $20.
  • Vibrant Color Selection: There are around 44 solid shades and 8 brand-new variegated options.
  • Softness & Drape: Unlike the older version, the updated Herrschners Afghan Yarn has a beautiful drape, making it great for lightweight projects.
  • Versatility: With just one skein, I could make a headband. With two, I could definitely complete a hat!

My Favorite Colors

I have a few personal favorites when it comes to this yarn’s color selection. Some of the top picks include:

  • Bing Cherry: A gorgeous burgundy shade with a subtle violet undertone.
  • Old Rose: A soft, mauve color that pairs beautifully with Bean Cherry.
  • Cider: A warm autumn shade that reminds me of cozy fall days.

With 10 skeins, I could create so many different projects—scarves, hats, or even a lightweight shawl. The possibilities are endless!

Join the Challenge!

Now, I’d love to hear from YOU! If you had just $20 to spend on yarn, what would you buy? Drop your picks in the comments below!

For my fellow yarn YouTubers, I’m tagging a few creators to keep this challenge going:

  • Sweet Moments by Jesse

Jessie was recently challenged to participate in the $20 Yarn Challenge, where she had to decide what yarn she would buy if she had $20. She found this to be a tough decision because there are so many beautiful yarn options. Jessie tends to take a long time to choose yarn, often waiting until she has a specific project in mind.

After some thought, she decided she would buy Lion Brand Hometown yarn in the color Aspen Tweed. She loves this yarn because it is incredibly soft and slightly thicker than what she normally works with. She showcased a hat and scarf set she previously made with Lion Brand Hometown yarn and mentioned how much she enjoys using it.

Since the yarn was priced under $5 at Joann’ at the time, she could purchase four skeins for under $20—enough to make another cozy hat and scarf set to stay warm during Wisconsin winters.

Watch Jessie's Video Here!

  • Sweetpea Cyd's Inspiration

Cyd from Sweetpea Cyd's Inspirations takes on the $20 Yarn Challenge, where she decides how she would spend $20 on yarn. She debates between buying a larger quantity of budget-friendly yarn or opting for a single skein of higher-end yarn. Ultimately, she chooses Mainstay 100% Acrylic Yarn because of its affordability and softness compared to Red Heart. At around $2.58 per skein, she estimates she could get six or seven skeins, totaling over 2,000 yards—making it a great value for the price.

For fiber options, Cyd shares her interest in trying yak fiber, which she has heard is incredibly soft, though a bit pricey. Other fibers on her wishlist include mint fiber—which reportedly has a cooling effect and a faint mint scent—and rose fiber, known for its softness.

Watch Cyd's Video Here!

  • Kristen Crochets

Kristen takes on the "$20 Yarn Challenge," where she decides what yarn she would buy if she only had $20 to spend. After much thought, she chooses I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby. She explains that despite price increases over the years, this yarn remains a great value due to its softness, color variety, and wide availability.

She estimates that with discounts, she could purchase about six skeins, totaling around 2,400–2,500 yards. She appreciates the yarn’s quality compared to other value yarns and praises its extensive color selection, including multiple shades of each color. Kristen also notes that Hobby Lobby stores are relatively easy to find in the U.S.

As for what she’d make, Kristen says she’d most likely create a wearable item—specifically a granny hexagon cardigan, since she’s currently obsessed with them.

Watch Kristen's Video Here!



Several other content creators made videos with their top picks. I'll link a playlist with everyone’s choices! 

Here's my video!





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