Mercerized cotton, Egyptian cotton, regular cotton, and recycled cotton: what's the difference?

When looking for the ideal yarn for a crochet, knitting, or amigurumi project, we often encounter terms like mercerized cotton, Egyptian cotton, recycled cotton, or simply cotton. But what do these terms mean, and which is the best option for each type of work?

In this article, we explain the main differences so you can choose the most suitable yarn for your next project.

What is regular cotton?

Regular cotton is cotton fiber in its most common form, after the usual spinning and dyeing processes.
It is a highly valued material because:

- It is breathable and comfortable.
- It has good resistance.
- It absorbs moisture well.
- It is suitable for a wide variety of projects.

Its finish tends to be more matte and natural when compared to mercerized cottons.
At Laral Crafts, some examples of 100% regular cotton yarns are:

- Drops Paris.
- Drops Love You 7.

These are excellent options for blankets, casual wear, dishcloths, accessories, and decorative pieces.

What is mercerized cotton?

Mercerization is a treatment applied to cotton fibers that changes some of their characteristics.
During this process, cotton gains:

- More shine.
- Greater strength.
- Better dye absorption and therefore more vibrant colors.
- Better stitch definition.

The result is a yarn with a more elegant appearance and a more uniform finish. For this reason, mercerized cottons are highly sought after for:

- Decorative pieces.
- Summer clothing.
- Lace work.
- Detailed amigurumi.

At Laral Crafts, you'll find excellent examples of mercerized cotton:

- Drops Muskat.
- Clea Duplo.
- Círculo Amigurumi.

These yarns offer exceptional stitch definition and a sophisticated finish that enhances any project.

What is Egyptian cotton?

Egyptian cotton is not a treatment, but rather a specific type of cotton grown from extra-long staple varieties.
These fibers allow the production of yarns with highly valued characteristics:

- Softer feel.
- Greater resistance to wear.
- Less fiber shedding.
- More uniform finish.
- Excellent durability.

As it is considered a premium cotton, it is often used in projects where comfort and quality are priorities.

At Laral Crafts, you'll find Drops Safran yarn, which is produced with long-staple Egyptian cotton, offering a soft feel, lightness, and excellent quality for garments, accessories, and delicate work.

What is recycled cotton?

Recycled cotton is produced from the recovery of textile waste and production scraps, reducing the need to use new raw materials.
Its main advantages include:

- Lower environmental impact.
- Utilization of existing resources.
- Reduction of textile waste.
- More sustainable production.

It is typically a heavier and less soft yarn than some conventional cottons, but it remains an excellent choice for a wide variety of projects where these characteristics are not important, such as decorative accessories.

At Laral Crafts, you'll find Drops Loves You 9 yarn, an option produced with recycled cotton, ideal for those looking to create more sustainably without compromising on quality.

So which one should I choose?

There isn't a perfect cotton for every project.

Regular cotton stands out for its versatility and natural look.

Mercerized cotton offers shine, strength, and excellent stitch definition.

Egyptian cotton is known for its softness and superior quality.

Recycled cotton allows for more sustainable projects, contributing to the reduction of textile waste.

By knowing the characteristics of each type of cotton, it becomes much easier to choose the ideal yarn for each creation and achieve exactly the result you're looking for.