Skip to main content

Non-Plied Fingering Weight Yarn: What It’s Really Like to Crochet With

 


Have you ever looked at a cake of non-plied fingering weight yarn and thought, “That looks gorgeous, but is it a nightmare to work with?” I wondered the same thing! So, I decided to find out for myself.

For this project, I used Hobbii’s Halloween Dalia yarn in the color Pumpkin Spice, and let me tell you-it’s fall in yarn form. I’m talking cozy, spicy, pumpkin-latte vibes all the way through. It’s a soft, gradient cotton yarn that creates the prettiest transitions without any color control needed.

What Is Non-Plied Yarn?

If you’re not sure what I mean by “non-plied,” it’s basically a yarn that has several individual strands running together, but they’re not twisted. When you hold it up close, you can see those loose strands, which can make it a little tricky to work with at first.

Non-plied yarn has an incredible drape and softness, but it also demands a bit more patience and concentration. I wouldn’t call it beginner-friendly, but if you’ve been crocheting for a while and don’t mind slowing down, it’s worth it.

The Yarn Itself

My Dalia cake was just over 800 meters of fingering-weight cotton. It looked a little smaller than I expected when I first got it, but it made a shawl that’s plenty big enough for me-giant as a triangle scarf, and the perfect size when worn as a wrap.

The yarn has almost no stretch (because, cotton!) but feels soft, squishy, and beautifully drapey. I got mine on sale for $15, which felt like a steal since the regular price was around $28. And as of filming, the Pumpkin Spice colorway is sold out but Hobbii still has other Dalia cakes in stock in more classic Halloween colors.

Working With It

Here’s the thing: non-plied yarn takes time. The strands can separate easily, so I had to slow down and pay attention, especially when crocheting more textured stitches. I chose a pattern I already knew by heart, the Virus Shawl, because I wanted something forgiving if I made small mistakes. Learn more about the virus shawl and why I love it so much HERE!

Pro tip: this is not the kind of yarn you’ll want to crochet with in the car or on-the-go. It’s definitely a sit-down, relaxing kind of project.

The Gradient Magic

The best part of this yarn? The gradient transitions are absolutely stunning. My cake started with deep brown tones, then gradually shifted into lighter browns, reds, and finally oranges. It reminded me of the changing leaves in autumn.

The color shifts are subtle and seamless, so you get that professional-looking ombré effect without any extra effort. And bonus: I only found one noticeable factory knot in the entire cake, which is practically unheard of!

My Tips for Crocheting With Non-Plied Yarn

  • Choose a simple, familiar pattern you don’t have to frog often. Frogging this type of yarn can turn into a tangled mess.

  • Use a smooth-tipped hook to help prevent snagging.

  • Take your time: slow and steady wins this race.

  • Enjoy the process! The results are worth it.

If you like the look of this yarn but don’t feel ready for non-plied strands, try YarnArt Flowers or YarnArt Flowers Moonlight instead. Those are plied gradient yarns and much easier for beginners to manage.

Would I Use It Again?

Absolutely! I’d love to try another colorway next fall, especially one of the versions that fades from black into color. I think that would make an incredible shawl.

For now, I’m saving a couple of Linda Hobby Soft Cakes and Flora Soft Cakes for future projects. They’re a blend of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic, with about 1,000 yards per cake, and they come in some really fun color mixes too.

Final Thoughts

Non-plied fingering weight yarn might take a little more patience, but the result is a beautiful, soft, drapey project with dreamy color transitions. It’s ideal for shawls, wraps, and decorative round projects where the gradient can really shine.

If you’re an intermediate crocheter looking for a new challenge or just craving something that looks effortlessly artistic, give non-plied yarn a try. Just be ready to slow down, sip your coffee, and enjoy the stitches. 

Have you tried non-plied yarn before? Tell me your experience in the comments below!

Related posts:

Watch the full video on YouTube HERE!

Popular posts from this blog

How I Modified A Hexagon Cardi for Mid & Plus Size

Hexagon Cardigan Modifications Hey yarn lovers! If you're a midsize or plus-size crocheter looking for ways to customize your hexagon cardigan for a more flattering and comfortable fit, I’ve got some great tips for you. I recently finished my second hexagon cardi and made a few modifications that helped me feel more confident wearing it. Here’s what I learned! The Inspiration Behind My Second Hexagon Cardi A while back, I made a basic hexagon cardigan using Red Heart Super Saver yarn. While I loved the pattern and even won a blue ribbon at my county fair, I wasn’t sure I would actually wear it. It felt a bit too boxy and oversized for my liking. This time, I decided to use Herrschners Witches Brew yarn for a fun Halloween-inspired version. Get the yarn HERE . Since I wanted to ensure I would love wearing it, I made a few tweaks to improve the fit and feel. Key Modifications for a Better Fit 1. Adjusting the Shoulder Fit Instead of making the panels overly large, I measured my sho...
Read more

Don't Panic! Here's An Alternative Yarn

Perfect Replacement for Big Twist If you’ve been a fan of yarn brands like Big Twist and K&C but are now worried about finding suitable replacements, I have great news for you! While these brands may not be as easily accessible as before, there’s a fantastic alternative that offers an incredible variety of yarns at competitive prices— Herrschners . Why Herrschners? Herrschners is a well-known name in the crafting world, and while they have only one physical location in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, they ship nationwide and even internationally! Whether you’ve shopped from them before or are completely new to their selection, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the yarns you love from Joann’s can be found through Herrschners, often at similar or even better prices. Exploring Herrschners Yarn Selection Herrschners offers an extensive range of yarns, including well-known brands like Premier, Lion Brand, Yarnspirations, and Red Heart. They also carry their own house brands, which can ...
Read more

Big Twist Yarn Finds a New Home

What You Need to Know Hey, fiber friends! If the news of Joann’s impending closures had you panic‑adding Big Twist to every cart in sight, breathe easy. Herrschners just swooped in with the rescue we didn’t know we’d get and it’s official: “Big Twist Yarn – Coming soon to Herrschners! Herrschners.com is thrilled to announce that we will soon be carrying your favorite Big Twist Yarn, bringing you an even wider selection of colors and textures for all your knitting and crochet projects… Sign up for our email notification list today, and be the first to know when this popular yarn arrives.” Why this matters Same beloved yarn, new storefront. Big Twist will no longer be tied to Joann’s shelf space, so once it lands at Herrschners, supply should stabilize. Read the BLOG POST on why I think Herrschners is the best replacement for Joann or watch this video:  Color possibilities. Herrschners hinted at “even wider” options; fingers crossed for the return of discontinued shade...
Read more