Acrylic Double Knitting Yarn: 6 Best Picks for Every Project (2026)

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Acrylic double knitting yarn is one of the most practical choices for knitters who want a lightweight, washable fabric that still holds its shape. DK, or double knitting, sits between sport and worsted weight, which makes it a versatile middle ground for baby garments, shawls, amigurumi, socks and blankets. Acrylic adds softness, color range and easy machine washing, but quality varies a lot from one product to another. In this guide we compare six acrylic and acrylic-blend DK yarns, and we explain the selection criteria so you can match a yarn to your project and skill level.

Our Top Picks

The picks below are ordered by how closely they fit the criteria most knitters care about: consistent DK weight, fiber content, pilling resistance, washability and suitability for common projects. Specifications are taken from manufacturer listings and commonly reported details. Always check the label on the yarn you buy before starting a project.

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK	Everyday knitting and general-purpose projects	Wide palette of solid shades in a classic DK weight
Red Heart Craft Kit, Yarn for Crocheting and Knitting	Beginners and amigurumi	Twelve-color kit in medium worsted-style weight
Estako DailyKnit-DK Anti-Pilling Acrylic Yarn	Blankets, toys and machine-washed items	Anti-pilling finish and machine washable
Mary Maxim Mellowspun DK Weight Pink Yarn	Baby blankets, afghans and infant garments	Soft, lightweight 19-ply construction
Estako Star-DK Soft Yarn for Crocheting	Socks, beanies and mittens	Acrylic and wool blend for added warmth and bounce
Crochet Yarn 4ply Acrylic Yarn (Grey)	Budget-minded small projects and practice	Soft acrylic in a fine 4-ply weight

Estako DailyKnit-DK Anti-Pilling Acrylic Yarn

This yarn suits knitters who make blankets, amigurumi and other items that will be handled and washed often. Its anti-pilling finish is the main reason to choose it over a plain acrylic DK.

Key specs

• Baby DK weight 3
• 100 g skein, approximately 273 yards
• 100% acrylic
• Machine washable

Pros

• Anti-pilling finish helps the fabric keep a smoother surface over time
• Lightweight drape suits blankets and toys alike
• Machine washable, which simplifies care for family projects

Cons

• Baby DK weight is a little finer than some knitters expect from a standard DK
• Limited to the colors offered in the listing

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Paintbox Yarns Simply DK – Acrylic Yarn

This is a solid all-round choice for knitters who want a dependable DK-weight acrylic for sweaters, cardigans, hats and scarves. It is a good first pick if you are building a stash for varied projects.

Key specs

• DK weight, 3.53 oz / 100 g
• Approximately 302 yards / 276 m per skein
• Acrylic fiber

Pros

• Clear, even DK weight that is easy to gauge against standard patterns
• Generous yardage per skein for mid-sized garments
• Suitable for a wide range of knitting skill levels

Cons

• Plain acrylic can show wear on heavily handled items over time
• Less warmth per gram than wool-containing blends

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Mary Maxim Mellowspun DK Weight Pink Yarn

Knitters making baby blankets, afghans and soft infant clothing will find this yarn a good fit. The 19-ply construction is marketed for softness and a light feel against the skin.

Key specs

• DK weight
• 284 yards, 3.5 oz per skein
• 19-ply construction
• Acrylic fiber

Pros

• Soft hand that suits baby and child garments
• Multi-ply build is often reported to resist splitting while knitting
• Good yardage for blankets in a single color

Cons

• Pink is a single shade, so color-work options are limited
• Lightweight construction can look airy on large open-stitch patterns

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Estako Star-DK Soft Yarn for Crocheting

This blend is aimed at knitters who want a little more warmth and spring than plain acrylic. It is a sensible pick for socks, beanies and mittens that need to hold their shape through daily wear.

Key specs

• DK weight 3
• 100 g skein, approximately 306 yards
• 75% acrylic, 25% wool
• Machine washable

Pros

• Wool content adds warmth and a bit more elasticity
• Suitable for socks, mittens and beanies
• Machine washable for easier care

Cons

• Wool content means it may not suit knitters with wool sensitivity
• Wool blends can be less drapey than pure acrylic for lightweight shawls

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Red Heart Craft Kit, Yarn for Crocheting and Knitting

This kit is a good starting point for beginners or for anyone who wants several colors to try amigurumi and small projects without buying individual skeins. The medium worsted-style weight is a little heavier than DK, so check your gauge carefully.

Key specs

• #4 medium worsted weight
• 100% acrylic
• 12 colors in the kit
• 93 yards, 50 g / 1.7 oz per color

Pros

• Twelve colors in one kit encourage experimentation
• Good for amigurumi and small toys
• Acrylic is easy to wash and care for

Cons

• Shorter yardage per color limits larger projects
• Weight is heavier than a true DK, which can change finished dimensions

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Crochet Yarn 4ply Acrylic Yarn (Grey)

This two-pack in grey suits small, low-stakes projects and practice work. Its fine 4-ply weight is closer to a light DK or fingering in some patterns, so it is worth swatching before you commit to a full item.

Key specs

• 4-ply weight
• 280 yards per skein
• Acrylic fiber
• Two skeins in the pack

Pros

• Soft acrylic that is comfortable to handle
• Useful for small accessories and practice projects
• Grey is a neutral color that suits many designs

Cons

• Lighter than standard DK, so gauge may differ from DK patterns
• Only grey in this listing, so color options are limited

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Buying Guide

Choosing an acrylic double knitting yarn is easier when you know which features actually affect your finished piece. The main criteria are weight and gauge, fiber content, pilling resistance, care requirements and color range. Work through these before you buy, and always swatch.

Selection Criteria

DK weight usually corresponds to a wraps-per-inch range and a stitch gauge that fits most patterns labeled “DK” or “light worsted.” Acrylic is inexpensive, widely available and easy to wash, but its drape and warmth depend on construction. Ply count, yarn twist and fiber blend all influence how the fabric feels and wears.

Important Features to Look For

• Weight and gauge. Confirm the stated weight on the label. Pattern gauge is measured in stitches and rows per 4 inches, so swatch in your chosen stitch.
• Fiber content. 100% acrylic is light and washable. Acrylic blends with wool add warmth and springiness.
• Pilling resistance. Anti-pilling finishes help fabric look newer over time, which matters most for blankets and items worn often.
• Care instructions. Many acrylic DK yarns are machine washable, but always check the band for temperature and drying guidance.
• Yardage per skein. Compare yardage to your pattern requirements so you do not run short mid-project.

Specs to Check Before You Buy

1. Weight category printed on the label (DK, light worsted, etc.)
2. Yardage and grams per skein
3. Fiber percentages
4. Recommended needle or hook size
5. Dye lot notes if the project needs consistent color across skeins

Choosing by Need

For blankets and toys, prioritize anti-pilling and machine washability. For baby garments, look for soft hand and lightweight construction. For socks, mittens and hats, a small wool share can add warmth and recovery. For practice and small items, a budget-friendly acrylic in a neutral color is a practical choice.

Things to Watch Out For

• Knitting a single-color skein from different dye lots can produce visible banding.
• Acrylic can stretch and lose shape under heavy blocking; test before finishing.
• Some acrylics are more prone to pilling than others, regardless of how they are labeled.
• A DK label does not guarantee identical gauge between brands.

If you have a wool allergy or a medical sensitivity to fibers, check the fiber content carefully and consult a professional if needed.

For a broader comparison of fibers, see Acrylic vs Cotton Yarn: Which Should You Choose? and Polyester Yarn vs Acrylic Yarn: Which Is Better for Your Projects?. If you are planning a blanket, Acrylic Yarn for Blanket Projects: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners covers yardage and layout.

FAQ

What is the difference between DK and sport weight acrylic yarn?

DK is typically slightly heavier than sport weight and knits to a gauge closer to 22 to 24 stitches per 4 inches on a standard needle. Sport weight is finer. Always check the label and your pattern gauge rather than relying on the name alone.

Is acrylic double knitting yarn good for baby items?

Yes, many knitters choose acrylic for baby garments because it is lightweight, easy to wash and available in many colors. Look for a soft, lightweight construction and wash according to the label.

Does acrylic DK pill?

Acrylic can pill, especially in high-friction areas. Anti-pilling finishes reduce this, but no yarn is pill-proof. A fabric shaver can help refresh the surface when needed.

How do I know how much acrylic DK yarn I need?

Check the yardage in your pattern and compare it to the yardage per skein on the label. Add a margin of around 10 to 15 percent for swatching and minor adjustments.

Can I machine wash acrylic double knitting yarn?

Many acrylic DK yarns are machine washable on a gentle cycle, but always follow the care band on the label. Lay flat to dry to protect the shape of the finished item.

Should I choose an acrylic blend or pure acrylic?

Pure acrylic is light, washable and affordable. Blends with wool add warmth and springiness, which suits socks and mittens. If you have wool sensitivity, stay with pure acrylic.

Why does my acrylic DK look different from the pattern photo?

Yarn construction, fiber blend, dye and tension all affect the finished look. Swatch in the exact yarn you plan to use and compare the fabric to the pattern before starting.

Conclusion

Acrylic double knitting yarn is a flexible, practical choice for many projects. For blankets and washable everyday items, the Estako DailyKnit-DK anti-pilling option stands out for its finish. For general-purpose knitting, the Paintbox Yarns Simply DK offers a clear, even DK weight. For baby garments, the Mary Maxim Mellowspun DK is designed with softness in mind. If you want more warmth for socks and mittens, the Estako Star-DK blend is a strong choice. Beginners and amigurumi makers may prefer the Red Heart craft kit for its color range, while the grey 4-ply pack suits small practice projects. Swatch first, check your gauge and choose the yarn whose fiber and weight best match your finished piece.

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