Tools & Yarns I Use in Nana’s Attic

Tools & Yarns I Use in Nana’s Attic

Dawn Walker

 

🧶 Tools & Yarns I Use in Nana’s Attic

Many of you ask what yarns and tools I use to create the plushies and stories you see here in Nana’s Attic. This page is my always-updated list of what I actually use and trust in my own work.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share yarns and tools I personally use and trust here in Nana’s Attic. Your support helps me continue creating handmade crochet friends, stories, and resources for families and fellow makers. 💛

🧶 Yarns I Use Most Often

🧶 Lion Brand Yarns

Cover Story Posh Twist

Why I Reach for Lion Brand Yarn

When I’m choosing yarn for Nana’s Attic Crochet, I’m thinking beyond color and softness — I’m thinking about durability, stitch definition, and how a finished piece will hold up over time. That’s why Lion Brand yarns are part of my regular rotation.

Lion Brand offers a wide range of yarns that work beautifully for plush animals, keepsake gifts, and everyday crochet projects. Whether I’m creating a cuddly friend meant for years of hugs or a decorative piece that needs to keep its shape, I know I can count on consistent quality and reliable results.

I especially love using yarns that are easy to care for, accessible to makers at all levels, and dependable enough that I feel confident recommending them to fellow crocheters. When I link to Lion Brand yarns here, it’s because they’re yarns I genuinely trust and use in my own work.

✨ If you’re looking for yarn that balances softness, strength, and maker-friendly performance, Lion Brand is a wonderful place to start.

Best projects: Stuffed animals

🧶 Premier Yarns

Premier Parfait Chunky

Why I Use It in Nana’s Attic Crochet

Premier Parfait Chunky is one of my go-to yarns for plush animals and snuggly keepsakes because it’s incredibly soft, durable, and designed to hold its shape beautifully. The velvety texture gives every critter that irresistible “hug-me” feel, while the chunky weight works up quickly and evenly — perfect for sturdy, well-stuffed toys made to be loved for years.

I trust Parfait Chunky because it stitches smoothly, minimizes fuzz shedding, and maintains consistent color across skeins, which matters when creating heirloom-quality handmade pieces. It’s a yarn that feels just as good in your hands as it does in a child’s arms — and that’s exactly the standard I keep in the Attic.

Best projects: Plush stuffed animals

🧶 Yarn Bee

Tender Touch (Wearables)

Why I Use This Yarn for Wearables

I love this yarn for wearables because of its gentle, tender feel while working — it’s the kind of softness you notice immediately in your hands. The fluffy texture adds warmth and comfort without feeling heavy, while the strength of the fibers creates finished pieces that hold up beautifully with wear.

It works up smoothly, offers excellent stitch definition, and results in scarves, hats, and mittens that look polished and professional — not rushed, but thoughtfully handmade. This is the kind of yarn that elevates simple designs into pieces you’re proud to gift, wear, and keep.

Best projects: Sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens

🧶 Plush vs. Worsted Yarn

What’s the difference?

Plush yarns are soft, fluffy, and velvety, making them ideal for stuffed animals and cuddle-worthy toys. They create a smooth, pillowy finish but require patterns written specifically for plush yarn to ensure proper shaping and structure.

Worsted-weight yarns are more defined and structured, making them perfect for detailed stitches, garments, and lightweight projects. Patterns written for worsted yarn rely on clear stitch definition and a different gauge, so they don’t always translate well to plush yarn.

When I choose which:

🧸 Plush Yarn
Soft • Fluffy • Huggable • Stuffed Animals

🧣 Worsted Yarn
Defined • Structured • Detailed Stitches • Wearables

I reach for plush yarn when I’m making huggable critters and keepsakes meant to be loved and snuggled. I choose worsted yarn when stitch detail, structure, and a polished wearable finish matter most — like scarves, hats, mittens, and accessories.

🧰 Hooks & Tools I Reach For

I keep my tools simple and practical — I believe good work comes from experience and comfort, not chasing every new gadget.

Hooks
I don’t have a single favorite brand. I’ve collected hooks over the years and reach for whatever feels right for the project. If I need something specific, I often choose a rubber-coated hook for comfort or a Susan Bates hook for precision.

Stitch Markers
Basic plastic stitch markers. I once bought a large multi-pack and I’m still happily using them.

Needles
Blunt, large-eye darning needles — any brand works as long as they’re easy to thread and comfortable to use.

Scissors
Whatever I have on hand. Sharp, simple, and within reach.

Blocking Tools
I don’t use blocking tools for my work.

🤍 Why I Don’t Use Everything

I’m intentional about the materials I use. I choose yarns that hold their shape, photograph well, and stay soft over time — perfect for handmade gifts meant to be loved.

🧺 Care & Longevity

Handmade pieces deserve a little extra kindness. I choose yarns that are soft and durable, but gentle care helps them stay beautiful over time.

For plush items, spot cleaning and air drying are best. For wearables, hand washing in cool water and laying flat to dry will help maintain shape and softness. With simple care, handmade pieces can be enjoyed, gifted, and treasured for years.

🤍 A Note from the Attic

Thank you for trusting Nana’s Attic Crochet. Every yarn, tool, and material I use is chosen with care — not just for how it looks, but for how it feels, lasts, and becomes part of someone’s story. Whether you’re gifting a handmade piece or bringing one home for yourself, I’m honored to create something meant to be loved.

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