📖 7 minute read
When you start crocheting bags, the first question isn't about stitches, tutorials, or the color of your future bag. It's about the yarn: which one to buy? Cordino, pandorino, fettuccia, pizza lycra, raffia? These are names that — if you don't know them — all have the same effect: confusion.
In this guide, we'll tell you about the 5 main types of yarn for crochet bags, what differentiates them, which one to choose based on the model you want to make, and — most importantly — which one is the most beginner-friendly.
Let's start with the most important thing: there is no single "best" yarn. There is the right yarn for that project and for that experience level. ✨
What makes one yarn different from another
Each yarn for crochet bags is distinguished by four characteristics:
- Thickness: from a few millimeters (fine cotton) to 1-2 centimeters (bulky fettuccia)
- Composition: 100% cotton, cotton blend with lycra, viscose, polyester, lurex (cotton with metallic thread)
- Working properties: soft, structured, elastic, rigid
- Final aesthetic: opaque, shiny, natural, sporty, elegant
Understanding these differences helps you choose the yarn based on the bag you want to achieve, not just based on what's on display.
The 5 main Macrè crochet bag yarns
1. Cordino — the yarn for structured bags
Cordino is a cotton yarn braided into a "cord" shape — hence the name. It is compact, structured, and holds its shape well. It comes in three versions in the Macrè catalog:
- Classic Cordino 500g: 4mm in diameter, in sober colors (cream, black, blue, burgundy, natural). The most versatile. Worked with a size 4 crochet hook.
- Lurex Cordino 250g: shiny version with metallic thread intertwined. In metallic colors (gold, silver, cyclamen, lurex chocolate). For evening bags. Size 4-5 crochet hook.
- Big Cordino 500g: thicker version (6mm) for structured and spacious handbags. Size 5-6 crochet hook.
When to choose cordino: pouches, clutches, mini bags, structured handbags, ceremonial bags.
💡 A special option: the Cordino Tape Yarn 500g is an innovative yarn in our catalog that combines the practicality of cordino (structure, shape retention) with the soft effect of tape yarn. It's perfect for those who want the best of both worlds and we use it for models like the Marisa Bag. Size 5-6 crochet hook.
2. Pandorino — the elasticity that will make you fall in love
Pandorino is a cotton blend yarn with unique elasticity: it works smoothly, is soft to the touch, and gives the bag a slightly softer finish compared to cordino. Available in two versions:
- Classic Pandorino 250g: in natural and pastel colors. This is the yarn we recommend as your absolute first yarn if you've never crocheted before. Size 4-5 crochet hook.
- Lurex Pandorino 250g: shiny version for elegant bags. It works like the classic but with a "jewel" effect. Size 4-5 crochet hook.
When to choose pandorino: first projects, mini bags, pouches, small shoulder bags. It's the yarn for our iconic Stella Bag.
3. Fettuccia — the yarn for soft and trendy bags
Fettuccia (tape yarn) is flatter and thicker than cordino, perfect for medium and large bags. It has a "softer" effect than cordino and is worked with larger crochet hooks. The main versions:
- Pizza Lycra Tape Yarn: the most loved Macrè yarn for summer bags. A mix of cotton and lycra, elastic, in many colors (antique pink, green, fuchsia, sky blue, orange). Size 10-12 crochet hook.
- Smooth Velvet Pizza Tape Yarn: velvet effect, "richer" than pizza lycra. Same base yarn but with a velvety finish. Size 10-12 crochet hook.
- Cotton Tape Yarn 600g: 100% recycled cotton, in natural shades (beige, mud, blue, cream). Perfect for summer tote bags. Size 7-8 crochet hook.
- Fettuccina 150g: thinner version of tape yarn, ideal for small-medium sized bags with a lightweight yarn.
- Lurex Tape Yarn 150g: with metallic thread, for soft, elegant bags. Size 7-8 crochet hook.
When to choose fettuccia: shopping bags, beach totes, XXL bags, openwork bags, summer bags.
4. Magic Cotton — the yarn of vibrant colors
Magic Cotton 100g is 100% classic cotton, thin and breathable. It stands out for its vibrant colors (yellow, pink, purple, black) that remain bright even after washing and prolonged use. It is worked with a size 7-8 crochet hook.
When to choose Magic Cotton: colorful pouches, summer mini bags, accessories, first projects to learn stitches.
5. Raffia and Marshmallow — the special yarns
For those who want to experiment with something different from "classic yarn":
- Raffia 100g: natural viscose, gives the rustic-chic effect of Mediterranean bags. Light, durable, in fresh colors (fuchsia, light blue, green). Size 4-5 crochet hook.
- Marshmallow Cotton 500g: bulky and super soft yarn. Worked with a size 20 crochet hook (or even by hand!) for super soft XXL bags.
Quick comparison table
| Yarn | Result | Difficulty | Ideal bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Pandorino | Soft elastic | ★☆☆☆☆ Beginner | Pouches, mini bags |
| Classic Cordino | Structured compact | ★★☆☆☆ Beginner+ | Clutches, handbags |
| Magic Cotton | Thin, colorful | ★☆☆☆☆ Beginner | Colorful pouches |
| Big Cordino | Structured large | ★★★☆☆ Intermediate | Large handbags |
| Cordino Tape Yarn | Structure + softness | ★★☆☆☆ Beginner+ | Versatile handbags (e.g. Marisa) |
| Pizza Lycra Tape Yarn | Soft elastic large | ★★★☆☆ Intermediate | Totes, shopping, XXL bags |
| Cotton Tape Yarn 600g | Natural structured | ★★☆☆☆ Beginner+ | Beach totes, spacious bags |
| Raffia | Rustic natural | ★★★☆☆ Intermediate | Mediterranean bags |
| Marshmallow | Bulky soft | ★★★☆☆ Intermediate | Soft XXL bags |
The right yarn for beginners
If this is your absolute first time crocheting a bag, our advice is to start with one of these two yarns:
- Classic Pandorino: the most "beginner-friendly." The stitch is clearly visible, it's soft but doesn't slip, and it's easy to unravel if you make a mistake. With a single 250g ball, you can make a complete mini bag or pouch.
- Magic Cotton: excellent for practicing basic stitches before moving on to more structured bags. Again, one ball is enough for a small pouch.
Once you've made your first bag with one of these, you can move on to classic cordino for your second project — you'll immediately feel the difference, but you'll be ready.
Want to start without worries?
Our beginner kits contain the right yarn already measured, coordinated accessories, and a step-by-step video tutorial. We've already chosen the yarn for you.
Frequently asked questions about bag yarns
How much yarn do I need for a bag?
Can I mix different yarns in the same bag?
Are your yarns all certified?
How long do Macrè yarns last?
Which yarn would Macrè choose for a first gift to a friend who is starting out?
In summary
Yarn is the starting point for every crocheted bag. Choosing the right one means starting well: the work flows smoothly, the result is satisfying, and the desire to make the next bag grows. Choosing the wrong one — one that's too difficult for your level, too thick for the hook you have, or a color you don't like — means slowing down, getting frustrated, and sometimes abandoning the project halfway through.
If you have any questions, write to us at info@macrebag.it or contact us via WhatsApp: tell us what bag you have in mind, and we'll suggest the perfect yarn.
Happy crocheting from the entire Macrè Bag family! 💕
