Which yarns are best for overlay crochet: review on Catona by Scheepjes



I am totally obsessed with creating mandalas in overlay crochet and I am very often asked which yarn is the best choice for that. You can read a basic article on how to choose yarns for overlay crochet technique HERE. But today I would like to tell you about my absolutely favourite type of yarn, which is in my opinion the best for working in overlay crochet.
Which yarn is the best choice for overlay crochet - review on Catona yarn (from Scheepjes) by Lilla Bjorn Crochet

If you want the overlay image to be bright, visible and clear, you should give preference to stiff enough yarns of contrasting colors. I use blend wool yarns from time to time, but my absolute favourite is cotton. If you have never heard about Catona line* by Scheepjes, let me introduce it to you.

In some way Catona is a very basic Sport weight yarn. It is 100% cotton and many people, who are used to more “artistic” yarns, may say it is too basic and simple. But as we all know, the beauty is in simplicity. Catona is a natural yarn with a very nice luster. You can use crochet hooks from 2.5mm (C) to 3.5 mm (D), depending on which effect you would like to get. When I create overlay crochet mandalas, I prefer the fabric to be very dense and I go for the smallest possible hook (usually 2.5mm). But this yarn can work equally well for lace cardigans and summer blankets, and you can work them with a larger hook without paying too much attention to the right tension. So being simple itself, this yarn gives endless opportunities for using it.
Which yarn is the best choice for overlay crochet - review on Catona yarn (from Scheepjes) by Lilla Bjorn Crochet

Catona is a mercerized cotton yarn with very nice natural luster. It doesn’t split and is sliding on the hook very well. Mercerization gives cotton fiber bright colour and helps it to be better resistant to multiple washings. For example Catona yarn is machine washable at 40 degrees (as its label says). More than that – mercerized cotton has increased strength, smoothness and resistance to mildew. If you would like to know more about mercerization, you can read THIS interesting article by Tom Beaudet.

Which yarn is the best choice for overlay crochet - review on Catona yarn (from Scheepjes) by Lilla Bjorn Crochet

What I personally love about Catona, is that this yarn comes in balls 25g and 50g. It is not very expensive (available for £0.99 – 25g HERE at Deramores* or HERE on Wool Warehouse* (international shipping), HERE at Paradise Fibers* (US)or at local relailers at Scheepjes), and you always pay for the exact amount you need. Many projects with multiple colour changes require a small amount of each shade, and many overlay crochet projects can be even made with leftovers. And then it is really great to spend less money on each ball and still be able to finish your new piece of crochet art.

For me crochet (and especially overlay crochet) is drawing with yarn. And Catona is ideal for that because it comes in 69 different shades. And new colors will be added to this range. So you are free to choose exact and any shades you like and to combine them in a way you prefer. 
Which yarn is the best choice for overlay crochet - review on Catona yarn (from Scheepjes) by Lilla Bjorn Crochet

For my new project I have chosen very bright, spring coloures and I hope they will work together well. I will share a sneak peek of my new project next week. Stay in touch! :)

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Know Your Yarn: Choose the Perfect Yarn Every Time
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9 comments

  1. Hmm...I like the colors you have chosen for your next project. I look forward to seeing what you make! -Rita Z.

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    1. Rita, I hope in real life my new project will be just the same as I imagine it... But you never know :)

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  2. I prefere to work with simple and basic cotton yarn, or wool. So far I have worked with cotton 8 and Larra form scheepjes and I both like them to work with, i have also worked with Catania and pingouin esterel, wich are also basic and simple cotton yars and great to work with. My experience is that I like cotton better for overlay crochet, i tried wool and cotton and cotton works best for me. Im looking forward to your next project, i like the bright colors you have chosen.

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    1. Yes, I aslo tried Larra yarn by Scheepjes. I would say it is very similar to Catona. And for me cotton is also the best. Because it is stiff.

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  3. Thank you for writing this review on Catania. I had been wondering about it and your informative article has answered most of my questions. But I have one more for you... and that is 'how colour fast is this yarn'? I love all your designs and want to make all of them they are so beautiful. Thank you again :D

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    1. Elly, this review is about Catona by Scheepjes. :) And I am sorry, but I don't understand your question. could you please use differetn wording for it?

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    2. I think she wants to know if the colors are bleading when washing

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    3. aha... to be honest I haven't washed this yarn yet. But I cannot imagine there is any yarn in the world that doesn't blead. I always wash all hand crocheted otems by hand, very gently and in cool water (with mild shampoo). And then the chance the yarn will not lose its color is much higher... and dry flat, of course. I always ignore yarn labels, and never wash my projects in a washing mashine. Though I know poeple who do that and they are satisfied with result.

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  4. Can it be used for bikinis

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