#affordableyarn — Public Fediverse posts

Is Red Heart Super Saver Actually That Bad?

I’ve been crocheting long enough to remember when Red Heart Super Saver wasn’t controversial—it was just yarn.

It was what you picked up when you wanted to make an afghan for the couch, a baby blanket for a friend, or a Christmas gift that needed to be finished before December 25. It was affordable, available almost everywhere, and if you needed another skein, chances were your local craft store had it.

These days, though, it seems like Red Heart Super Saver has become the yarn everyone loves to criticize. If you spend any time online, you’ll hear the same complaints over and over again.

“It’s too scratchy.”

“I’d never make a wearable with it.”

“There are so many better acrylics now.”

Some of those criticisms are fair. Some aren’t. After using this yarn for years, I think the truth lands somewhere in the middle.

My First Impression Hasn’t Changed

If you handed me a skein of Red Heart Super Saver and a skein of a softer premium acrylic, I’d pick the softer one every time based on feel alone.

Super Saver isn’t impressive sitting on the shelf.

I’ve never picked it up and thought, Wow, this feels luxurious.

But I’ve also learned that judging this yarn before it’s crocheted is like judging cookie dough before it’s baked. It doesn’t tell you what the finished project is going to be like.

It Softens More Than People Give It Credit For

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that people who dislike Super Saver often haven’t actually lived with a finished project made from it.

Fresh off the hook, it still has that familiar stiffness. After a wash and dry, though, it relaxes quite a bit. No, it doesn’t become the softest yarn in your stash, but it also isn’t the sandpaper some people make it out to be.

I’ve made blankets that people still reach for years later, and nobody has ever handed one back saying, “This is too scratchy.”

Durability Is Why I Keep Buying It

If there’s one reason I continue to keep Red Heart Super Saver in my yarn stash, it’s because I know exactly how well it holds up.

Some of the baby blankets I made nearly 19 years ago are still in use today.

Think about everything those blankets have been through.

They’ve been washed more times than I could ever count. They’ve been dragged across floors, stuffed into closets, tossed in the back seat of cars, and loved by growing families.

They’re still together.

The colors have held up remarkably well, the stitches haven’t stretched out beyond recognition, and the yarn hasn’t simply given up with age.

That kind of track record is hard to ignore.

It Has Its Place

I don’t use Red Heart Super Saver for everything.

If I’m making a lightweight shawl that’s meant to drape beautifully around someone’s shoulders, I’m probably reaching for a different yarn.

If I’m making an heirloom baby sweater, I want something softer.

But if someone asks me what yarn I’d trust for a blanket that’s going to be used every single day, washed over and over again, and hopefully still be around years from now, Super Saver is always part of that conversation.

I’ve learned that choosing yarn isn’t about finding the “best” one. It’s about matching the yarn to the project.

The HodgePodge Scorecard

Softness: ★★★☆☆

Comfortable after washing, but never what I’d call luxurious.

Stitch Definition: ★★★★☆

Texture shows up nicely, especially in cables and other raised stitches.

Durability: ★★★★★

This is where it earns its reputation.

Value: ★★★★★

When I’m making a large blanket, it’s hard to argue with the price.

Color Selection: ★★★★★

I’ve rarely struggled to find the shade I needed.

Overall: 8.8/10

So… Is It Actually That Bad?

No.

Is it the softest acrylic yarn I’ve ever used?

Not even close.

Have I bought softer yarns over the years?

Absolutely.

But I’ve also watched crochet trends come and go while the blankets I made with Red Heart Super Saver just keep doing what they were made to do.

Sometimes experience changes your opinion.

Mine certainly has.

I’ve learned that a yarn doesn’t have to feel luxurious in the skein to become one of the most dependable yarns in your stash.

Would I Buy It Again?

Without even thinking twice.

Not because it’s perfect.

Because after years of crocheting, I know exactly what I can count on it to do.

I’d love to hear your experience.

Are you a lifelong Red Heart Super Saver fan, or did you swear it off years ago? Have you ever gone back and given it another chance? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.

What Yarn Costs in Morocco vs the U.S. (Real Prices)

Since moving to Morocco, one of the first things I looked into was yarn—where to find it, what the quality is like, and how the prices compare to what I was used to in the United States.

If you crochet regularly, you already know that yarn cost matters. It affects what you make, how often you make it, and even the types of patterns you choose.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on what I’ve seen.

Yarn Prices in the United States

In the U.S., yarn is widely available and fairly consistent in price.

• Basic acrylic (like Red Heart Super Saver): about $4–$6 per skein (~198g)
• That works out to roughly $2–$3 per 100g
• Mid-range yarns: $6–$12
• Cotton, wool, and specialty yarns: $10–$20+

The biggest advantage in the U.S. is convenience—you can usually find exactly what you need and restock easily.

Yarn Prices in Morocco

In Morocco, yarn is also easy to find, especially in places like Derb Omar in Casablanca, but pricing can vary more depending on where and how you buy.

• Standard pricing often starts around 20–25 MAD per 100g
  👉 roughly $2–$2.50 USD
• Prices can go higher depending on fiber type and thickness
• Bulkier or specialty yarns can get noticeably more expensive

Bulk Pricing (My Experience)

When buying in bulk, prices can drop.

In my case, I paid 20 dirhams (about $2 USD) per 100g skein.

This was a bulk price, and not necessarily what you’ll pay for smaller quantities. Prices per skein can vary starting from about $2.50 USD and can increase depending on the type of yarn, especially for thicker or higher-quality options.

So Which Is Cheaper?

When you compare directly, basic yarn prices in Morocco and the U.S. are actually pretty similar.

The difference isn’t so much the cost—it’s the experience.

The Real Difference

In the U.S., you can:

• Follow patterns exactly
• Use the same yarn brands consistently
• Easily replace yarn if you run out

In Morocco, you may need to:

• Work with what’s available
• Adjust your hook size or pattern
• Be flexible with yarn types and textures

What This Means for Your Crochet

This is where things get interesting.

Crocheting in Morocco encourages you to:

• Think in measurements instead of stitch counts
• Adapt patterns more freely
• Experiment with different yarns

This is one of the reasons I design patterns the way I do—so they work no matter what yarn you have access to.

Final Thoughts

Yarn in Morocco isn’t drastically cheaper than in the U.S., especially for basic options—but it offers a different kind of experience.

You trade convenience for flexibility.

If you’re willing to adapt and work with what’s available, you can still create beautiful pieces without needing the exact same materials every time.

What Yarn Costs in Morocco vs the U.S. (Real Prices)

Since moving to Morocco, one of the first things I looked into was yarn—where to find it, what the quality is like, and how the prices compare to what I was used to in the United States.

If you crochet regularly, you already know that yarn cost matters. It affects what you make, how often you make it, and even the types of patterns you choose.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on what I’ve seen.

Yarn Prices in the United States

In the U.S., yarn is widely available and fairly consistent in price.

• Basic acrylic (like Red Heart Super Saver): about $4–$6 per skein (~198g)
• That works out to roughly $2–$3 per 100g
• Mid-range yarns: $6–$12
• Cotton, wool, and specialty yarns: $10–$20+

The biggest advantage in the U.S. is convenience—you can usually find exactly what you need and restock easily.

Yarn Prices in Morocco

In Morocco, yarn is also easy to find, especially in places like Derb Omar in Casablanca, but pricing can vary more depending on where and how you buy.

• Standard pricing often starts around 20–25 MAD per 100g
  👉 roughly $2–$2.50 USD
• Prices can go higher depending on fiber type and thickness
• Bulkier or specialty yarns can get noticeably more expensive

Bulk Pricing (My Experience)

When buying in bulk, prices can drop.

In my case, I paid 20 dirhams (about $2 USD) per 100g skein.

This was a bulk price, and not necessarily what you’ll pay for smaller quantities. Prices per skein can vary starting from about $2.50 USD and can increase depending on the type of yarn, especially for thicker or higher-quality options.

So Which Is Cheaper?

When you compare directly, basic yarn prices in Morocco and the U.S. are actually pretty similar.

The difference isn’t so much the cost—it’s the experience.

The Real Difference

In the U.S., you can:

• Follow patterns exactly
• Use the same yarn brands consistently
• Easily replace yarn if you run out

In Morocco, you may need to:

• Work with what’s available
• Adjust your hook size or pattern
• Be flexible with yarn types and textures

What This Means for Your Crochet

This is where things get interesting.

Crocheting in Morocco encourages you to:

• Think in measurements instead of stitch counts
• Adapt patterns more freely
• Experiment with different yarns

This is one of the reasons I design patterns the way I do—so they work no matter what yarn you have access to.

Final Thoughts

Yarn in Morocco isn’t drastically cheaper than in the U.S., especially for basic options—but it offers a different kind of experience.

You trade convenience for flexibility.

If you’re willing to adapt and work with what’s available, you can still create beautiful pieces without needing the exact same materials every time.

What Yarn Costs in Morocco vs the U.S. (Real Prices)

Since moving to Morocco, one of the first things I looked into was yarn—where to find it, what the quality is like, and how the prices compare to what I was used to in the United States.

If you crochet regularly, you already know that yarn cost matters. It affects what you make, how often you make it, and even the types of patterns you choose.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on what I’ve seen.

Yarn Prices in the United States

In the U.S., yarn is widely available and fairly consistent in price.

• Basic acrylic (like Red Heart Super Saver): about $4–$6 per skein (~198g)
• That works out to roughly $2–$3 per 100g
• Mid-range yarns: $6–$12
• Cotton, wool, and specialty yarns: $10–$20+

The biggest advantage in the U.S. is convenience—you can usually find exactly what you need and restock easily.

Yarn Prices in Morocco

In Morocco, yarn is also easy to find, especially in places like Derb Omar in Casablanca, but pricing can vary more depending on where and how you buy.

• Standard pricing often starts around 20–25 MAD per 100g
  👉 roughly $2–$2.50 USD
• Prices can go higher depending on fiber type and thickness
• Bulkier or specialty yarns can get noticeably more expensive

Bulk Pricing (My Experience)

When buying in bulk, prices can drop.

In my case, I paid 20 dirhams (about $2 USD) per 100g skein.

This was a bulk price, and not necessarily what you’ll pay for smaller quantities. Prices per skein can vary starting from about $2.50 USD and can increase depending on the type of yarn, especially for thicker or higher-quality options.

So Which Is Cheaper?

When you compare directly, basic yarn prices in Morocco and the U.S. are actually pretty similar.

The difference isn’t so much the cost—it’s the experience.

The Real Difference

In the U.S., you can:

• Follow patterns exactly
• Use the same yarn brands consistently
• Easily replace yarn if you run out

In Morocco, you may need to:

• Work with what’s available
• Adjust your hook size or pattern
• Be flexible with yarn types and textures

What This Means for Your Crochet

This is where things get interesting.

Crocheting in Morocco encourages you to:

• Think in measurements instead of stitch counts
• Adapt patterns more freely
• Experiment with different yarns

This is one of the reasons I design patterns the way I do—so they work no matter what yarn you have access to.

Final Thoughts

Yarn in Morocco isn’t drastically cheaper than in the U.S., especially for basic options—but it offers a different kind of experience.

You trade convenience for flexibility.

If you’re willing to adapt and work with what’s available, you can still create beautiful pieces without needing the exact same materials every time.

What Yarn Costs in Morocco vs the U.S. (Real Prices)

Since moving to Morocco, one of the first things I looked into was yarn—where to find it, what the quality is like, and how the prices compare to what I was used to in the United States.

If you crochet regularly, you already know that yarn cost matters. It affects what you make, how often you make it, and even the types of patterns you choose.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on what I’ve seen.

Yarn Prices in the United States

In the U.S., yarn is widely available and fairly consistent in price.

• Basic acrylic (like Red Heart Super Saver): about $4–$6 per skein (~198g)
• That works out to roughly $2–$3 per 100g
• Mid-range yarns: $6–$12
• Cotton, wool, and specialty yarns: $10–$20+

The biggest advantage in the U.S. is convenience—you can usually find exactly what you need and restock easily.

Yarn Prices in Morocco

In Morocco, yarn is also easy to find, especially in places like Derb Omar in Casablanca, but pricing can vary more depending on where and how you buy.

• Standard pricing often starts around 20–25 MAD per 100g
  👉 roughly $2–$2.50 USD
• Prices can go higher depending on fiber type and thickness
• Bulkier or specialty yarns can get noticeably more expensive

Bulk Pricing (My Experience)

When buying in bulk, prices can drop.

In my case, I paid 20 dirhams (about $2 USD) per 100g skein.

This was a bulk price, and not necessarily what you’ll pay for smaller quantities. Prices per skein can vary starting from about $2.50 USD and can increase depending on the type of yarn, especially for thicker or higher-quality options.

So Which Is Cheaper?

When you compare directly, basic yarn prices in Morocco and the U.S. are actually pretty similar.

The difference isn’t so much the cost—it’s the experience.

The Real Difference

In the U.S., you can:

• Follow patterns exactly
• Use the same yarn brands consistently
• Easily replace yarn if you run out

In Morocco, you may need to:

• Work with what’s available
• Adjust your hook size or pattern
• Be flexible with yarn types and textures

What This Means for Your Crochet

This is where things get interesting.

Crocheting in Morocco encourages you to:

• Think in measurements instead of stitch counts
• Adapt patterns more freely
• Experiment with different yarns

This is one of the reasons I design patterns the way I do—so they work no matter what yarn you have access to.

Final Thoughts

Yarn in Morocco isn’t drastically cheaper than in the U.S., especially for basic options—but it offers a different kind of experience.

You trade convenience for flexibility.

If you’re willing to adapt and work with what’s available, you can still create beautiful pieces without needing the exact same materials every time.

What Yarn Costs in Morocco vs the U.S. (Real Prices)

Since moving to Morocco, one of the first things I looked into was yarn—where to find it, what the quality is like, and how the prices compare to what I was used to in the United States.

If you crochet regularly, you already know that yarn cost matters. It affects what you make, how often you make it, and even the types of patterns you choose.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on what I’ve seen.

Yarn Prices in the United States

In the U.S., yarn is widely available and fairly consistent in price.

• Basic acrylic (like Red Heart Super Saver): about $4–$6 per skein (~198g)
• That works out to roughly $2–$3 per 100g
• Mid-range yarns: $6–$12
• Cotton, wool, and specialty yarns: $10–$20+

The biggest advantage in the U.S. is convenience—you can usually find exactly what you need and restock easily.

Yarn Prices in Morocco

In Morocco, yarn is also easy to find, especially in places like Derb Omar in Casablanca, but pricing can vary more depending on where and how you buy.

• Standard pricing often starts around 20–25 MAD per 100g
  👉 roughly $2–$2.50 USD
• Prices can go higher depending on fiber type and thickness
• Bulkier or specialty yarns can get noticeably more expensive

Bulk Pricing (My Experience)

When buying in bulk, prices can drop.

In my case, I paid 20 dirhams (about $2 USD) per 100g skein.

This was a bulk price, and not necessarily what you’ll pay for smaller quantities. Prices per skein can vary starting from about $2.50 USD and can increase depending on the type of yarn, especially for thicker or higher-quality options.

So Which Is Cheaper?

When you compare directly, basic yarn prices in Morocco and the U.S. are actually pretty similar.

The difference isn’t so much the cost—it’s the experience.

The Real Difference

In the U.S., you can:

• Follow patterns exactly
• Use the same yarn brands consistently
• Easily replace yarn if you run out

In Morocco, you may need to:

• Work with what’s available
• Adjust your hook size or pattern
• Be flexible with yarn types and textures

What This Means for Your Crochet

This is where things get interesting.

Crocheting in Morocco encourages you to:

• Think in measurements instead of stitch counts
• Adapt patterns more freely
• Experiment with different yarns

This is one of the reasons I design patterns the way I do—so they work no matter what yarn you have access to.

Final Thoughts

Yarn in Morocco isn’t drastically cheaper than in the U.S., especially for basic options—but it offers a different kind of experience.

You trade convenience for flexibility.

If you’re willing to adapt and work with what’s available, you can still create beautiful pieces without needing the exact same materials every time.