Colorful Yarn Reviews

Colorful Yarn Reviews

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Exploring Hobby Yarns
3. Overview of Sultan Deluxe Yarn
4. Review of Cotton Kings Sultan Yarn
5. Comparison: Sultan vs Sultan Deluxe Yarn
6. Trying Out the Four-Strand Construction
7. Pros and Cons of the Four-Strand Yarn
8. Tips for Working with Four-Strand Yarn
9. The Advantages of Gradient Yarns
10. Review of Hobby's Cotton Yarns
11. Comparing Hobby's Cotton Yarns to Other Brands
12. Final Thoughts and Project Ideas

Introduction

Welcome back to Kick and Crochet! Today, we have a bag of goodies to explore - hobby yarns. Though I've often seen ads for these yarns, I've Never actually purchased or used them before. I figured it was time to give them a try and see what all the fuss is about. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Hobby's yarn cakes, specifically the Sultan Deluxe and Cotton Kings Sultan lines. We'll discuss their features, construction, and how they perform in crochet projects. Along the way, I'll share my experiences and opinions, so keep reading to find out if these hobby yarns are worth adding to your stash.

Exploring Hobby Yarns

Hobby offers a wide range of yarns, but today we'll focus on their Sultan Deluxe and Cotton Kings Sultan lines. These yarns are known for their beautiful colorways and gradient effects. The Sultan Deluxe line, made from 100% cotton, comes in generous 250 gram skeins with a length of 1,000 meters. The Cotton Kings Sultan line, also 100% cotton, has similar characteristics but comes in smaller 200 gram skeins with a length of 800 meters. The construction of these two yarns differs, which we'll discuss in Detail later.

Overview of Sultan Deluxe Yarn

Let's start with the Sultan Deluxe yarn from Hobby. This yarn offers a beautiful gradient effect and is perfect for making shawls or other large projects. With its 1,000 meter length, You'll only need one skein to complete a whole shawl. The texture of the yarn feels like a regular fingering weight, perhaps slightly lighter. It's soft and easy to work with, though it may split a bit due to its loose construction. The color transitions are smooth, thanks to the four separate strands of yarn that make up this unique yarn.

Review of Cotton Kings Sultan Yarn

The regular Sultan yarn from Cotton Kings has similar characteristics to the Sultan Deluxe line, but with a few differences. It also offers beautiful gradient colorways and is made from 100% cotton. The skeins come in 200 gram sizes with a length of 800 meters, making them suitable for various projects. However, the construction of this yarn is where it stands out. Instead of being spun together, the Sultan yarn is made up of four separate strands. This can make it a bit challenging to work with, as the strands may separate or Tangle.

Comparison: Sultan vs Sultan Deluxe Yarn

While both the Sultan and Sultan Deluxe yarns share similarities, such as their 100% cotton composition and the use of four strands, there are notable differences in their construction and yardage. The Sultan Deluxe skeins offer a longer length of 1,000 meters compared to the Sultan's 800 meters. Additionally, the Sultan Deluxe yarn has a more regular fingering weight feel, while the regular Sultan yarn has a unique texture due to its loose four-strand construction. It's important to consider these differences when choosing which yarn to use for your projects.

Trying Out the Four-Strand Construction

Working with the Sultan yarn's four-strand construction might be a new experience for many crocheters. Although it can seem daunting, the resulting color gradient is worth the effort. If you find the strands coming apart while working, Hobby suggests using a bead to keep them together. However, from my experience, using a bead didn't significantly improve the yarn's usability. It's best to experiment and decide for yourself whether a bead is necessary.

Pros and Cons of the Four-Strand Yarn

The four-strand construction of the Sultan yarn has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, it allows for gradual color changes, creating stunning gradient effects in your projects. The loose ply of the yarn also adds a unique texture to the finished piece. However, working with the yarn can be a bit challenging, especially for tight crocheters. The four strands may separate or tangle, requiring extra Attention and care. Despite these challenges, the end result is undoubtedly eye-catching and worth the effort.

Tips for Working with Four-Strand Yarn

To make your experience with four-strand yarn more enjoyable, here are a few tips:

1. Ensure you're not splitting the strands when inserting your hook into the stitch.
2. Experiment with different hook sizes to find the best tension for your project.
3. If the strands come apart frequently, consider using a bead to hold them together.
4. If you plan to set aside the yarn for another project, tape the ends to prevent tangling.

By following these tips, you'll be able to overcome the potential challenges of working with four-strand yarn and Create beautiful projects with stunning color gradients.

The Advantages of Gradient Yarns

Gradient yarns, like the Sultan Deluxe and Sultan lines from Hobby, offer several advantages to crocheters. The gradual color changes allow for effortless blending and create visually striking effects in your projects. Whether you're making a shawl, scarf, or even a blanket, gradient yarns can add depth and dimension to your designs. Additionally, these yarns typically come in generous skein sizes, minimizing the need to switch balls of yarn while working on larger projects.

Review of Hobby's Cotton Yarns

In addition to the Sultan yarns, Hobby also offers a range of cotton yarns under their Rainbow line. These yarns differ from traditional weight labels, instead using numbers like 8/8 and 4/8 to indicate their weight. The 8/8 cotton yarn is comparable to a worsted weight, while the 4/8 cotton yarn is closer to a fingering or sock weight. Available in a variety of vibrant colors, these cotton yarns are known for their softness and versatility.

Comparing Hobby's Cotton Yarns to Other Brands

When it comes to cotton yarns, Hobby's Rainbow line holds its own against popular brands like Lily Sugar 'n Cream and Handicrafter Cotton. The Rainbow yarn has a similar feel to these brands, but with a more refined texture and stitch definition. While Lily Sugar 'n Cream and Handicrafter Cotton consist of four thicker strands, the Rainbow yarn is made up of eight thinner strands. This gives it a unique appearance and allows for delicate color changes within each strand.

Final Thoughts and Project Ideas

In conclusion, Hobby's Sultan Deluxe and Cotton Kings Sultan yarns offer a unique and visually stunning option for crocheters. The gradient effects and generous yardage make them ideal for projects like shawls and blankets. While the four-strand construction of the Sultan yarn may pose some challenges, the end result is worth the effort. Additionally, Hobby's Rainbow cotton yarns provide softness, variety, and versatility for all your cotton project needs.

If you're looking for project ideas using these yarns, consider making a lacy shawl or scarf to showcase the gradient effects of the Sultan yarn. For the Rainbow cotton yarn, explore Patterns for dishcloths, washcloths, or even lightweight garments like tops or cardigans.

Overall, Hobby's yarn offerings are reasonably priced and of good quality. Their international shipping is reliable, and you don't have to worry about customs fees. So why not give Hobby yarns a try and add a touch of creativity and color to your crochet projects?

Highlights

• Hobby's Sultan Deluxe and Cotton Kings Sultan yarns offer beautiful gradient effects for crochet projects.
• The four-strand construction of Sultan yarn creates unique texture and gradual color changes.
• Working with four-strand yarn may require some extra attention but produces visually striking results.
• Hobby's Rainbow cotton yarns are soft, versatile, and come in a wide range of vibrant colors.
• Comparing to other popular brands, Hobby's Rainbow yarn offers a more refined texture and stitch definition.
• Projects like shawls, blankets, dishcloths, and garments are perfect for exploring the possibilities of Hobby yarns.

FAQ

Q: How much yardage is there in a skein of Sultan Deluxe yarn?

A: Sultan Deluxe yarn comes in a generous 1,000-meter skein, making it ideal for large projects like shawls or blankets.

Q: Is it necessary to use a bead to hold the strands of Sultan yarn together?

A: While Hobby suggests using a bead to keep the strands together, from my experience, it doesn't significantly improve the yarn's usability. It's best to experiment and decide for yourself.

Q: Can Sultan yarn be used for lacy projects?

A: Yes, Sultan yarn's loose construction and beautiful color gradient make it an excellent choice for lacy projects like shawls or scarves.

Q: What are some project ideas for Hobby's Rainbow cotton yarn?

A: Cotton Rainbow yarns are perfect for making dishcloths, washcloths, lightweight garments like tops, and even baby items like blankets or toys. The vibrant colors add a fun touch to any project.