How To Make Acrylic Yarn Softer

There’s a particular kind of disappointment that comes with finishing a beautiful knitted blanket — only to realize it feels like sandpaper against your skin. Acrylic yarn is affordable, colorfast, and practically indestructible, but softness? That’s sometimes where it falls short. The good news is that making acrylic yarn softer is entirely possible, and most methods use things you already have at home.

Whether you’re working with a scratchy skein fresh off the shelf or trying to revive a stiff, washed-out finished project, these techniques genuinely work.

Why Acrylic Yarn Feels Rough in the First Place

Acrylic is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based polymers. Unlike wool or cotton, it doesn’t have natural oils or breathability. The individual fibers are essentially tiny plastic strands — and cheap manufacturing can leave them feeling coarse, pill-prone, or stiff.

A few specific culprits behind scratchy acrylic:

• Low fiber quality — budget skeins cut corners on how finely the strands are spun
• Coating residue — manufacturing lubricants left on the fiber
• Heat damage — over-drying in a machine dryer makes fibers brittle
• Friction — the way fibers rub together during weaving raises micro-burrs on the surface

Understanding the cause helps you pick the right fix.

Method 1: The Hair Conditioner Soak (Most Popular Fix)

This is the go-to method in the yarn community — and for good reason. Hair conditioner works on acrylic fibers the same way it works on your hair: it coats each strand with a light, smoothing film.

What You Need

• A clean basin or sink
• Lukewarm water
• 1–2 tablespoons of cheap, creamy hair conditioner (no need for premium brands)
• A clean towel

Step-by-Step

The result? Noticeably softer yarn, often after just one soak. Think of it as a deep conditioning mask — but for your craft supplies.

Method 2: Fabric Softener Wash

Liquid fabric softener is another reliable option, especially for larger finished items like blankets or sweaters. It penetrates the fiber structure and lubricates the surface, reducing that scratchy, static-charged feel.

How To Do It

1. Hand-wash or machine-wash the item on a gentle cycle in cold water
2. Add ¼ cup of liquid fabric softener during the rinse cycle
3. Skip the spin cycle if possible — or use the lowest setting
4. Lay flat to dry in a shaded spot

Pro tip: Don’t use dryer sheets as a substitute here. They coat the surface unevenly and can leave residue that attracts lint.

Method 3: Freezing the Yarn

This one sounds unusual, but it’s surprisingly effective for skeins that feel stiff before you even start working with them.

Why It Works

Cold temperatures cause synthetic fibers to contract slightly, then relax as they return to room temperature. This micro-movement loosens the fiber structure, reducing stiffness.

Steps

1. Place the yarn skein in a sealed zip-lock bag
2. Put it in the freezer for 24–48 hours
3. Remove and let it thaw completely at room temperature
4. Gently stretch and squeeze the skein as it warms up

This won’t transform rock-hard yarn into silk, but it takes the edge off noticeably stiff skeins — like defrosting a muscle before a workout.

Method 4: Steam Blocking

Steam blocking is a technique knitters already use to shape finished pieces, but it also does wonders for softening. The heat relaxes synthetic fibers without the abrasion risk of machine washing.

What You Need

• A garment steamer or an iron with a steam setting
• A clean pressing cloth or thin towel
• A foam blocking mat (or clean carpet)

Steps

1. Pin or lay the item flat on the blocking mat
2. Hold the steamer 2–3 inches above the surface — don’t press down
3. Move steadily across the item in slow, even passes
4. Let it cool and dry completely before moving

Caution: Never let a hot iron directly touch acrylic. It will melt. The steam-only approach is the rule here — no exceptions.

Method 5: The Pillowcase Dryer Trick

For already-finished items that survived the wash but still feel rough, this trick adds a final softening push.

1. Place the item inside a pillowcase, tie or pin it closed
2. Toss it in the dryer on the lowest heat setting
3. Add two or three clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls
4. Run for 10–15 minutes max

The gentle tumbling action is like a massage for the fibers — it loosens them up without the direct heat damage that comes from running acrylic on high heat.

Comparing Softening Methods at a Glance

Choosing the Right Yarn From the Start

Sometimes the real answer to scratchy acrylic is buying better acrylic. Not all synthetic yarns are created equal.

Acrylic Yarn Softness Tiers

If softness is your top priority, look for terms like “anti-pilling,” “soft-spun,” or “baby-safe” on the label. These signal better fiber processing.

What NOT To Do

Just as important as knowing the fixes is knowing what makes things worse.

• Don’t use hot water — it can permanently warp acrylic fibers and cause felting in blended yarns
• Don’t over-dry on high heat — this is the single biggest cause of stiff, rough acrylic
• Don’t iron directly — melted acrylic is irreversible
• Don’t use vinegar as a softener — it’s effective for wool but does essentially nothing for synthetic fibers
• Don’t scrub aggressively — friction raises the fiber surface and creates more pilling

Key Takeaways

• Hair conditioner soaking is the easiest, most effective, and most widely proven method to soften acrylic yarn — it works on both raw skeins and finished projects
• Heat is the enemy: high dryer temperatures cause brittleness, while steam (used carefully) can be a tool
• Freezing is a low-effort option for stiff skeins before you begin a project
• Fabric softener works especially well on large items like blankets, adding a fresh scent as a bonus
• Investing in mid-range or premium acrylic yarn saves the softening effort entirely for projects where comfort matters most

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you make acrylic yarn softer without washing it?
The freezer method works without any washing — seal the skein in a zip-lock bag and freeze for 24–48 hours. As the fibers thaw and relax, they loosen up noticeably. You can also gently stretch and manipulate the skein by hand to break up fiber stiffness.

Can hair conditioner damage acrylic yarn or change its color?
No — hair conditioner is safe for acrylic fibers and won’t affect the dye. Use a plain, white or clear conditioner rather than a tinted one to avoid any unlikely color transfer. Rinse thoroughly and the yarn will be unaffected structurally.

Why does acrylic yarn get stiffer after washing?
This usually happens due to heat or agitation during machine washing. High spin cycles and warm water cause the fibers to compact and stiffen. Always wash acrylic on a cold, gentle cycle and avoid high-heat drying.

How do you soften acrylic yarn that’s already been crocheted into a blanket?
A fabric softener soak or rinse works best for finished items. Submerge the blanket in cool water with ¼ cup of liquid fabric softener, soak for 20 minutes, squeeze gently, and air dry flat. One treatment usually makes a significant difference.

What is the softest type of acrylic yarn for sensitive skin?
Look for yarns labeled “baby yarn,” “anti-pilling,” or “soft-spun acrylic.” Brands like Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Pound of Love, and Paintbox Simply DK are popular for being skin-friendly and suitable for items worn directly against the body.

Does acrylic yarn get softer with use over time?
Yes — repeated use and washing gradually softens acrylic yarn as the fibers break in and the surface coating wears down. Items like scarves and blankets that get frequent use tend to feel noticeably softer after several months compared to when they were new.

Can you use a clothes steamer to soften an entire skein of acrylic yarn before using it?
Absolutely. Hold the steamer 2–4 inches from the skein and pass it slowly over the fibers without touching. Let the skein cool completely before winding or working with it. This is a great prep step for premium projects where you want the softest possible result from the start.