Bouclé yarns (50g/50m, mixed yarns)
My first encounter with this yarn was in 2021 when I purchased it Manuska the pattern for the beautiful Emma doll. The designer also gave two hair variations in the pattern, one of which was made with this wonderful bouclé yarn. I searched and searched until I found the Elf Post Office to the side where this reddish-brown bouclé yarn I didn't get it. Beforehand, I consulted with Orsi, aka Manuská, about the parameters of the yarn so that I could make this beautiful Emma doll according to the pattern.
I always test yarns when I buy yarn, and I've been eyeing this for a long time. Bambolina with doll hair yarn, which also falls into the bouclé category. When For Karola's sample I drew my sketch and it immediately occurred to me that a great opportunity to use up such a wonderful yarn for this figure. So, jumping at the chance, I went to get this super fluffy yarn.
Both yarns I crocheted with a 3mm needle to keep the stitches looser. and find them more easily in the next line. Fortunately so the surface didn't become porous, as its texture helped it to hold its shape nicely and be able to be stuffed. To be honest, I made the first few rows completely blind, because the nature of the yarn makes it very difficult to see the stitches. However, once my eyes and hands got used to it, crocheting was a breeze. I think it is much easier to crochet than Alize Softy, which I was almost blind to the end. I really like the end result, I think the figures made with this type of yarn create a really special impression. Bambolina yarn is velvetier and softer, while the curls purchased at Manóposta give the impression of real hair.
Next, I’ll share with you what I think are the pros and cons of this yarn.
Photo: Own (Rebeka Novák-Szabó ev)
PRO
🔘 This yarn can truly add a special touch to any figure. Its texture—depending on the type of bouclé—differs from most other yarns and offers a pleasant feel. I can easily imagine using this type of yarn not only for doll hair but also for crocheting various animal figures like sheep, bears, or puppies. It’s definitely worth giving it a try, as a pattern can take on a whole new meaning when paired with a different yarn.
🔘 It opens the door to playfulness in both design and crochet. This yarn allows for versatile use, whether you want to crochet an accessory, a small detail, or an entire figure with it.
🔘 You can take your crocheting to the next level with it. 🔘 It can take your crochet skills to the next level. This yarn challenges both you and your crochet knowledge, pushing you out of your comfort zone and into new experiences.
🔘 This yarn is not only suitable for crocheting figures. With many yarns, I can't imagine using them for anything other than making figurines, but this one is not. Depending on the yarn, I think it can be used to make a variety of garments, whether it's a hat, earmuffs, or a slightly larger sweater. I would happily wear the Bambolina yarn on myself.
🔘 Sewing with this thread is neither PRO nor CON. Due to the nature of the thread, it is more difficult to sew with it, 🔘 Sewing with this yarn is neither a PRO nor a CON. Due to its nature, it’s more difficult to sew with than average cotton yarn, but in my experience, it handles sewing well—better than chenille yarns, which can shed during the process. they handle sewing wellBetter than chenille threads, which can become bald over time.
🔘 Surprisingly, it handled frogging quite well, though when the yarn snagged on itself, only scissors could help untangle it.
🔘 It offers good value for money.
CONS
🔘 None of the versions I tried had the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification, so they are not suitable for toys intended for babies and toddlers.
🔘 These are usually blended yarns, meaning they’re not made from purely natural fibers. Anyone allergic to synthetic materials will need to find an alternative.
🔘 It's hard to make a magic circle with them..
🔘 The stitches are hard to see, so using this yarn requires some practice and experience. If you'd like to work with this yarn, I recommend trying it first on a smaller project to see how well it suits you.
🔘 This type of yarn is best suited for more experienced crocheters, or for adventurous beginners.
🔘 The color selection is much more limited compared to other yarn types. From the bouclé yarns I’ve tried, only 5–7 shades were available, all suitable as hair colors. This limits its usability to some extent. Some other bouclé yarn brands I’ve come across do offer more color options, but they still don't come close to the variety available in cotton or acrylic yarns.
OVERALL
Based on my personal experience, I really liked this yarn, especially the way its texture helped make my figures truly unique. Personally, I preferred the feel of the Bambolina yarn over the Manóposta bouclé that mimics real hair. I definitely plan to use this type of yarn again for amigurumi figures, and I hope to one day create a cozy sweater from this beautiful yarn as well.
