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How to Soften Scratchy Acrylic Yarn

Simple DIY Method

If you're anything like me, you've probably got quite a bit of bargain acrylic yarn in your stash. While I love a good deal, sometimes these yarns can be stiff and scratchy—especially if they’re vintage! Luckily, I have an easy method to soften acrylic yarn right at home, using two household products you already own. Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need:

  • A sink filled with cool water

  • Shampoo (any kind will do)

  • Hair conditioner

  • A towel for drying

Important Disclaimer

This method is only for acrylic yarn. If your yarn contains wool or other natural fibers, do not use this technique, as it may damage the fibers. Click HERE for details on Kookaburra Wool Wash, if you need a cleaner for wool!

Step 1: Soaking the Yarn

Start by filling your sink with cool water. Submerge your acrylic yarn project—whether it's a scarf, blanket, or another item—and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This helps prepare the fibers for the next step.

Step 2: Shampooing the Yarn

After soaking, add shampoo just as you would when washing your hair. Work it through the yarn, ensuring it gets evenly distributed. Knead the yarn gently, much like kneading dough, to help the shampoo penetrate the fibers. Once done, rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.

Step 3: Conditioning for Softness

Now, apply conditioner in the same way—rub it in your hands and then work it into the yarn. Since vintage acrylic can be extra stiff, let the conditioner sit for a few minutes. Afterward, knead it through the fibers once more before rinsing out all the product.

Step 4: Removing Excess Water & Drying

Once your yarn is rinsed and still quite wet, gently squeeze out excess water. Lay it flat on a towel, roll it up, and press down to absorb more moisture. Then, allow it to air dry completely. Depending on the thickness of your project, this could take up to a day.

The Results: A Softer, Cozier Acrylic Yarn

After drying, you’ll immediately notice a huge difference in softness! I tested this on a scarf, and while the yarn softened beautifully, the homemade tassels remained slightly scratchy—so you might want to attach tassels after washing.

Final Thoughts On This Method

This is an easy, cost-effective method for making stiff acrylic yarn more wearable and comfortable. It takes about 30 minutes of active time (plus drying) and requires no special ingredients—just products you already have at home. If you are looking for a budget yarn that won't need this treatment, read THIS POST.

Have you tried this method? Let me know your thoughts! And if you love yarn-related tips and tricks, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Shannon Talks Yarn, for more fiber-friendly content!

Watch the YouTube video here!


Here are some questions and comments from the video:

What if the yarn smells bad?

This one came up a lot! Some vintage yarn smells musty, smoky, or just... off. In that case, you can hand wash it gently with a mild detergent (like baby shampoo or wool wash) before using it.

You can also soak the finished item in water with a splash of vinegar, rinse well, and then wash and dry it as usual. That tends to kill any funky smells.

Can I soften yarn by steaming it?

Yes—sort of. Steaming is great for taming the look of the yarn, especially if it’s really fuzzy or has a wild halo. You can hold a steam iron or garment steamer above the project (don’t press it down!) and gently steam the surface. It flattens things out a bit and can make the fabric drape better.

But steaming doesn’t really make the yarn feel softer the way a wash and dry will.

Word of caution: Acrylic can melt. Always test a swatch first and keep the heat high above the project.

Do I ever use fabric softener sheets?

Nope! I just use liquid fabric softener or a detergent that has softener built in. It gets the job done without the weird coating that dryer sheets can leave behind.

So... do I ever crochet with scratchy yarn anymore?

Rarely. These days, I tend to pass it along to someone else if I know I won’t enjoy working with it. Life’s too short to suffer through yarn that doesn’t spark joy!

Watch the follow up video here!



If you've got your own tricks for softening yarn, let me know—I love hearing what’s worked for you! And if you're still holding onto those old skeins wondering if they're worth saving... give them a wash and see. You might be surprised.

*some links in this blog post may be affiliate links



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