Red Heart is one of the most popular yarn brands on the market right now, and it seems to have the crafting community divided. Those who like it swear by it. On the other hand, those who aren't fans of Red Heart yarn seem to have one complaint in common: its fibers tend to be quite stiff. If you have a ball of Red Heart yarn but find it too rough to work with, don't worry. You won't have to spend an arm and a leg for a softer, natural-fiber alternative. All you need to do is learn how to soften Red Heart yarn.
Supplies Needed to Soften Red Heart Yarn
There are several different methods for softening acrylic yarn, such as Red Heart, and the exact materials you'll need will depend on your method of choice. For the softening technique we're describing in this article, you'll need the following supplies:
- A ball (or finished project) of the yarn you want to soften
- A tub or bowl big enough to fit the yarn
- Water
- Vinegar
- Conditioner
Before we get down to business, we have a quick note. If you're softening a ball of yarn, rather than a finished project, you will first have to take a couple of preparatory steps. Namely, you might have to unravel your ball and make a hank of yarn instead. This will ensure that the inner fibers also get enough soak to soften.
Preparation Before Softening Acrylic Yarn
Before you begin working to soften acrylic yarn, it’s important to prepare both the material and your workspace. If you’re starting with a skein of yarn, unwind it carefully to prevent tangles during the process. For a larger project or blanket, inspect the yarn for any loose ends or snags that could worsen during washing.
When using a machine wash method, place your yarn or finished project into a protective bag. This reduces the risk of creating a tangle and keeps stitches intact. If you plan to machine wash and machine dry, check care labels to determine if a regular cycle or gentler option is better suited to your fiber.
If you’re working with a red heart super saver or super saver yarn, you may find the strands a bit firmer than expected. In that case, winding them into a loose hank before softening can improve results. Having your t-shirts or other soft cotton items in the load can act as a buffer during the wash and dry process, preventing abrasion.
How to Soften Red Heart Yarn: Step-By-Step
Now that you have all your supplies ready, let's jump into it.
Step 1: Fill a Bowl With Cool Water
Fill your bowl or tub with cool water. There should be enough water to completely cover your skein of yarn or finished project. The water should be cold, but not freezing. Some methods call for warm, rather than cool water, in this step. Although you can do this, we recommend giving cold water a go first, so as not to ruin your yarn.
Step 2: Add Vinegar
Add vinegar to the bowl at a ratio 1 of 4. In other words, for every four cups of water, add one cup of vinegar. And don't worry – your yarn won't come out reeking of vinegar after the softening process. The steps we'll take a little later will make sure of that.
Step 3: Soak the Red Heart Yarn
Now, it's time to let your yarn soak in the water and vinegar mixture. You should soak the yarn for at least 20 minutes, but if you have the time, feel free to extend this period. Some crafters will even leave the yarn to soak overnight.
The soak will open up the fibers, making it easier for them to soak and soften. On the other hand, vinegar has color-locking properties, making sure that the color of your yarn doesn't fade while soaking.
Step 4: Drain and Rinse
Once 20 minutes (or longer) have passed, slowly pour the water-vinegar mixture out of the bowl or drain the tub. Be careful not to damage or drop the yarn in the process. Once the mixture has been drained, it's time to gently rinse the yarn, again with cool water.
Always keep in mind that you should be as gentle as possible when handling your yarn or project. Don't rub it while rinsing it off. Rather, gently squeeze to get rid of any excess water, and don't be worried about your yarn being too damp. It needs a little moisture for the next step, anyway. Also, if your yarn smells like vinegar at this point, don't worry. The conditioner should take care of that.
Step 5: Use Conditioner
Use a couple of squirts or sprays of a regular hair conditioner. You can either spray it directly on the yarn or project or rub it in with your hands. Once you're satisfied that there's enough conditioner on your hank or project, let it sit and soak. Once again, this soak should be at least around 30 minutes long, but the longer, the better.
After enough time has passed, once again rinse the yarn with cool water. You can also rub it gently to ensure all of the conditioner comes out, but remember not to be too rough. This step will likely take some patience, but rushing it can result in ruined yarn.
Step 6: Hang the Yarn to Dry
Finally, it's time to dry your yarn. If you've been softening a hank of unused yarn, you can hang it to dry using regular clothes hangers. However, if you've been softening a finished project, hanging it might change the shape of the piece due to gravity pulling on it. In that case, a better idea would be to block your yarn piece using some pins and a blocking mat.
In either case, refrain from simply tossing your yarn in the dryer if time permits it. While this is a time-efficient method for drying your yarn, it could also break down the fibers and ruin your yarn or project. If you don't have the time to wait for the whole thing to air dry, make sure you use the mildest setting on your clothes dryer.
After taking all the steps for yarn softening described above, you should be left with vibrant, quality, yet soft-to-touch Red Heart yarn adequate for all kinds of projects. Check out our free and paid Red Heart patterns to give your newly softened yarn a go!
Alternative Ways to Softening Methods
While the vinegar and conditioner soak is popular, there are other gentle ways to soften acrylic yarn without damaging it. A machine wash on a short cycle with cold water can help relax the fibers, especially if you add a small amount of fabric softener or liquid fabric softener. For a quicker option, toss the yarn in the dryer with dryer sheets to reduce static electricity and leave it feeling a lot softer.
For those working with Red Heart Super Saver or other acrylic yarns, you might try misting the fibers with a diluted mix of cheap hair conditioner and water in a spray bottle. This no-soak method can help prevent a tangled mess and is especially useful when you want to soften a finished project without reshaping it.
Aftercare & Long-Term Maintenance
Once your yarn is wonderfully soft, a few care habits will keep it that way. Use a laundry bag or lingerie bag when you wash and dry a blanket or larger project to protect the stitches. Always choose cool water or cold water settings and avoid hot water or harsh regular detergent.
If you use fabric softener or Downy fabric softener, make sure you run a rinse cycle so there’s no residue left that could irritate sensitive skin. Dry by laying flat to air dry or tumble dry on low with a dryer sheet. With the right approach, your knitted item will stay soft and ready for years of use.
Understanding Different Types of Acrylic Yarn
Not all acrylic yarn feels the same straight from the skein. Some brands, like super saver, are made for maximum durability, which can result in a firmer texture when new. Others use different manufacturing treatments that affect how quickly they soften.
Acrylic yarns with tighter spins may need more work to soften, while loosely spun fibers often respond faster to soaking or the hair conditioner method. Color-rich yarns with varied yarn colors or unique dye lots may benefit from a little vinegar or white vinegar in the soak to help preserve vibrancy.
Storage Tips for Your Red Heart Yarn Stash
Keeping your stash organized can help maintain softness. Store skeins in breathable containers to avoid moisture buildup and static electricity. If your yarn has been in storage for a long time, a gentle washing or quick machine wash can refresh it before use.
Avoid packing baby blankets or any knit projects too tightly, as compression can create creases in the fibers. For high-value or expensive yarns, consider wrapping them in cotton cloth to protect them from dust and sunlight.
Creative Uses for Softened Red Heart Yarn
Once you’ve mastered how to soften red heart yarn, the possibilities for creative projects are endless. A beautifully treated yarn can bring a cozy, smooth texture to home décor, garments, and gifts. It’s especially nice for items that will be worn close to the skin, like scarves, hats, and lightweight sweaters.
For fiber artists who enjoy knitting or crocheting, softened yarn is perfect for detailed stitch patterns because it drapes more naturally. You can create everything from casual t-shirts to decorative throws, ensuring your work looks polished and feels comfortable.
It’s also a great choice for projects made for children, such as blankets or toys. A softer finish not only improves comfort but also helps your work stand up to repeated wash and dry cycles. Whether your goal is function or fashion, softened yarn elevates the final product.
Troubleshooting Common Softening Problems
Sometimes even the best softening routine doesn’t deliver the results you expect. If your yarn still feels like scratchy yarn, try a second round of treatment using liquid fabric softener in a gentle regular cycle. This can help break down stubborn stiffness.
If the fibers appear dull or lose their bounce, it might be due to overwashing. In that case, skip a regular wash and instead use a quick machine wash with minimal agitation. Avoiding excessive heat and agitation will protect the fibers and extend the life of your projects.
Tangles are another common frustration. To prevent tangling, place the skein or project in a protective bag before washing. This is particularly important for intricate designs or delicate shapes. By making minor adjustments and understanding how your yarn responds, you can get back on track and enjoy the benefits of a truly soft, ready-to-use material.
Shop Mary Maxim for All Your Yarn Softening Supplies
Mary Maxim has all the stuff you need to care for your yarn, from fabric softener and hair conditioner to tools for every stage of your softening methods. Whether you’re working with other yarns, Red Heart yarn, or your favorite heart yarn, you’ll find the right products to make them soft and project-ready.
Our collection includes materials for baby items, colorful yarn colors for creative projects, and specialty tools like a blocking mat. With everything from baking soda to laundry bag options, we make it simple to create beautiful, lasting pieces. Happy crafting!
