Big Twist Gentle Yarn

Finding the Perfect Yarn for Your Next Project

As an avid crocheter and knitter, I’m always on the hunt for the perfect yarn for my next project. I want something soft and durable, available in beautiful colors, and reasonably priced. That quest for the ideal yarn led me to Big Twist Gentle Yarn.

I had heard great things about this budget-friendly yarn from Joann’s, but I wanted to dig into the details before purchasing it for my next blanket design. What is the fiber content? How many yards in a skein? Is it really as soft as reviewers claim? This complete buying guide covers everything you need to know about Big Twist Gentle Yarn before you get your hooks or needles clicking.

What is Big Twist Gentle Yarn Made Of?

The exact fiber content of Big Twist Gentle Yarn seems to be a bit of a mystery. The label states that it is a nylon and acrylic blend, but doesn’t specify the percentages of each fiber. Based on research and customer reviews, it appears to be around 75% acrylic and 25% nylon.

This blend produces a soft, machine-washable yarn that has great stitch definition. The acrylic provides durability and resilience, while the nylon adds strength and a subtle sheen. The yarn has a lightweight feel but is stronger than 100% acrylic.

Where to Buy Big Twist Gentle Yarn

Big Twist Gentle Yarn is available exclusively at Joann craft stores. It comes in 5 oz/140g skeins containing 236 yards of worsted weight yarn. The typical retail price is $2.99 USD per skein.

Joann frequently runs sales on their Big Twist yarn line, so it’s worth watching for discounts or using coupons to get the best deal. You can shop for Big Twist Gentle online at Joann.com or find it in the yarn section at your local Joann store.

What Weight is Big Twist Gentle Yarn?

Big Twist Gentle is classified as a 4-medium worsted weight yarn. The wraps per inch typically range from 16-20. This gives excellent drape and stitch definition when worked.

The medium weight makes Big Twist Gentle suitable for a variety of projects from garments to accessories. It has enough substance for home decor items like throws and pillows too. Just keep in mind that yardage requirements may vary from patterns written for other worsted weight yarns.

How Soft is Big Twist Gentle Yarn?

One of the biggest selling points of Big Twist Gentle is its incredibly soft, smooth texture. The acrylic and nylon blend produces a lightweight yarn with a nice drape.

Many reviews compare it to the softness of premium yarns like Bernat Softee Baby. It has none of the roughness or scratchiness that some budget acrylic yarns have. This makes it perfect for projects worn close to the skin.

The softness also lends itself well to baby items, kids’ clothes, and blankets. Big Twist Gentle works up into a supple, cuddly fabric. It becomes even softer after washing too!

Available Color Palette

Big Twist Gentle Yarn comes in a rainbow of brilliant solid colors, from bold primaries to soft pastels. Currently there are around 80 different color options.

Some of the most popular shades include:

• Bright red
• Sapphire blue
• Lemon yellow
• Pale pink
• Lavender purple
• Forest green
• Classic black
• Soft white

New colors seem to be added seasonally. In addition to solids, Joann sometimes carries multi-color variegated skeins or ombre gradients. Stocks vary by location.

Yardage Per Skein

Each 5 oz/140g skein of Big Twist Gentle contains approximately 236 yards of yarn. This amount of yardage gives great flexibility for projects.

You could make a baby blanket, sweater, shawl, or even an adult garment with just 1-3 skeins. For larger throws, bed size blankets, or big apparel pieces calculate 5-10 skeins. The 100% acrylic Big Twist Value yarn only has 203 yards per skein, so you get more yarn for your money with Gentle.

Is Big Twist Gentle Hypoallergenic?

While not specifically marketed as hypoallergenic, Big Twist Gentle Yarn seems suitable for sensitive skin. The soft acrylic and nylon fiber blend is not abrasive or scratchy.

Many customers report successfully using Big Twist Gentle for baby clothes, blankets, and other projects worn close to the skin. As with any new yarn, it’s a good idea to test a swatch against the skin for a few hours to check for irritation or allergies before making a full project.

Ideal for Baby Projects

Along with being lightweight and machine-washable, the incredible softness of Big Twist Gentle makes it a wonderful choice for baby items. This yarn works up into blankets, sweaters, booties, hats, and other accessories with a supple, plush feel babies will love.

The acrylic fiber is also durable enough for high-use baby items. Items made with Big Twist Gentle will maintain their shape and appearance through countless machine washings and trips through the dryer. The colors remain vibrant as well.

Care and Washing

Big Twist Gentle Yarn is conveniently machine washable and dryable. Use cool water and gentle machine cycles to clean projects made with this yarn. Avoid high heat drying to prevent excess pilling.

While acrylic yarns are generally resistant to shrinking, exposure to high heat can damage the fibers over time. Laying projects flat to air dry is best, but the yarn can withstand occasional machine drying on low or medium heat.

Affordable Price Point

One of the biggest benefits of Big Twist yarns is the affordable price. At only $2.99 a skein, Big Twist Gentle offers great value for the quality. For comparison, popular acrylic yarns like Red Heart Soft or Caron One Pound sell for around $5 per skein.

The low price point makes this yarn budget-friendly for big projects like blankets that require lots of skeins. Joann also runs frequent sales and coupons to help you stock up and save. Big Twist Gentle gives you premium softness without the premium price tag.

Ideal Projects for Big Twist Gentle Yarn

The balanced worsted weight, exceptional softness, and wide color selection make Big Twist Gentle a versatile yarn for all kinds of projects including:

• Baby items: Blankets, sweaters, hats, booties, toys
• Apparel: Tops, dresses, cardigans, cowls, shawls
• Accessories: Scarves, hats, mittens, socks
• Home decor: Pillows, throws, rugs
• Toys: Stuffed animals, dolls

Really, you’re only limited by your imagination! The yarn’s durability suits items that will get regular use. Anywhere you want a soft, cuddly feel combined with easy care, Big Twist Gentle is an excellent choice.

Recommended Knitting Needle Size

For knitting with Big Twist Gentle, U.S. size 7 or 8 knitting needles are recommended. This produces a balanced fabric in stockinette stitch.

Size 7 needles will give a slightly denser, firmer fabric while size 8 creates a more open, drapey fabric. Adjust up or down a needle size if you prefer a looser or tighter gauge. For textured stitch patterns, use the size needed to achieve gauge.

Recommended Crochet Hook Size

For most crochet projects, a U.S. size H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook is recommended with Big Twist Gentle yarn. This hook size will produce a nice drapey fabric.

For lacy crochet patterns with open gaps, you may want to use a 6.5 mm/K hook. Tight crocheters who work stitches firmly may prefer a 4.5 mm/I hook. As with any new yarn, make sure to crochet a gauge swatch before starting a project.

Lightweight with Great Drape

Despite having a medium worsted weight, Big Twist Gentle feels lightweight when worked into projects. The acrylic and nylon fiber blend gives the yarn beautiful drape and flexibility.

Stitch definition is easy to see even in advanced crochet or knitting patterns. The yarn is substantial enough for home decor items but isn’t overly bulky or stiff. Big Twist Gentle finds a nice balance between light and airy while still maintaining structure.

Free Crochet and Knit Patterns

One great thing about Big Twist yarn’s popularity is that there are tons of free pattern options available. Both individual designers and Joann’s offer patterns made specifically for Big Twist Gentle yarn.

Ravelry, LoveCrochet, Yarnspirations and other sites have patterns for garments, accessories, and home decor items using this yarn. Searching “Big Twist Gentle” and the item you want to make will reveal lots of possibilities. Popular patterns include chunky blankets, lacy shawls, cabled sweaters, and beanies.

What Do Customers Say?

Overall, customer reviews for Big Twist Gentle yarn are very positive. Many describe it as the softest acrylic yarn they’ve used. People love the vibrant colors and say stitches are easy to see.

Most negative reviews seem to focus on occasional skeins being underweight. So make sure to check yardage when purchasing. The most common comment from buyers is that this yarn crochets or knits up incredibly soft – even softer than the label would imply. For the low price, Big Twist Gentle is a go-to yarn for many crafters.

Perfect for Cozy Blankets and Scarves

The balanced worsted weight, outstanding stitch definition, and incredible softness make Big Twist Gentle ideal for blankets and scarves. These are two of the most popular projects made with this yarn.

Textured crochet blankets worked up in Big Twist Gentle have a dense, cushy feel. For knitted scarves, the yarn creates excellent drape and warmth. Solid colors work well for showing off intricate stitch patterns. For blankets, stripes or gradients are pretty.

Multicolor and Gradient Options

While Big Twist Gentle is usually found in solid color skeins, Joann’s sometimes carries special multicolor options like tweed mixes or ombre gradients. These provide interesting color variations, eliminating the need to change yarn skeins.

The colors and styles of multicolor skeins vary by season. Around the holidays, you can often find Big Twist Gentle in festive colorways like “Fireside” for a wintery blanket or “Sprinkles” for a fun, speckled project. Check your local store’s stock for current multicolor choices.

Long Lasting Durability

For an acrylic yarn, Big Twist Gentle offers great durability and longevity. The yarn fibers hold up well to regular use and machine washing. Projects maintain their shape and look great for years.

The nylon blended into the acrylic adds strength and resilience compared to 100% acrylic yarns. Items made with Big Twist Gentle won’t pill or fade as quickly as cheaper acrylics. While not as strong as wool or cotton, Big Twist Gentle is impressively sturdy for the price.

The Yarn That Offers the Best of Both Worlds

After exploring the specifics of Big Twist Gentle Yarn, it’s easy to see why it appeals to so many crafters. This yarn combines an incredibly soft hand with durability, vibrant colors, great stitch definition, and affordability. It is equally suited to clothing, accessories, baby projects, toys, or home decor.

Big Twist Gentle really does offer the best of both worlds – premium feel without the premium price tag. If you are looking for a quality, versatile yarn for your next project, Big Twist Gentle is an excellent choice. This complete buying guide provides everything you need to decide if Big Twist Gentle is the right yarn for you!