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.

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.

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.

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. 

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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