You’ve probably seen it. That bright, bold packaging sitting on the shelves at Walmart or Craftsmart, staring at you while you debate if you really need another skein of acrylic. It’s called Made With Love yarn. And honestly? It’s one of those brands that people either swear by for their budget-friendly blankets or completely overlook because they think "big box" means "scratchy." They’re wrong. Well, mostly.
The yarn world is weirdly elitist sometimes. We get caught up in hand-dyed merino from a specific sheep in New Zealand, and then we forget that sometimes you just want to make a sweater that doesn't cost $200 in materials. That’s where this specific line comes in. It’s the brainchild of Tom Daley—yes, the Olympic diver—and it’s basically his attempt to make knitting feel less like a grandmother’s hobby and more like a modern, accessible lifestyle. It’s chunky. It’s loud. It’s surprisingly soft for what it is.
What Is Made With Love Yarn, Anyway?
If you aren't familiar with the backstory, Tom Daley became a knitting icon during the Tokyo Olympics. Remember those photos of him in the stands, needles clicking away while watching the diving events? People lost their minds. It was a massive PR win for the fiber arts. Not long after, he launched his own brand. Made With Love yarn isn't just one product; it’s a range that leans heavily into the "chunky knit" aesthetic that has dominated Pinterest and TikTok for the last few years.
Most of the line consists of high-quality acrylics and wool blends. We aren't talking about the "Red Heart Super Saver" of the 1990s that felt like sandpaper. Modern manufacturing has changed things. The "15-Minute Foam" and "Cotton Candy" lines are designed for speed. They use a bulky or super-bulky weight, which means you can literally finish a beanie in the time it takes to watch an episode of a sitcom.
Speed matters. Especially for beginners. If a first-time knitter spends three weeks on a single row of a lace-weight silk scarf, they’re going to quit. They'll throw the needles across the room. I’ve seen it happen. But if they use a thick, forgiving strand of Made With Love yarn, they see progress instantly. That dopamine hit is what keeps the hobby alive.
The Breakdown of the Fibers
Let’s get into the weeds for a second. Most of the core collection uses a blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic, or 100% acrylic for the super chunky stuff.
Why does this mix work?
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Cotton provides the structure. It’s breathable. It feels "real" against the skin. But 100% cotton is a nightmare to knit with if you have tight tension because it has zero "give." It doesn't stretch. Your wrists will hurt by hour two. By blending it with acrylic, the yarn gets a bit of bounce. It’s also way easier to wash. You can't just toss a $40 skein of pure alpaca into the heavy-duty cycle of your Samsung washer unless you want a sweater sized for a Chihuahua. With this stuff, you have a fighting chance of it surviving a spill.
The "Cotton Candy" Phenomenon
If there is one specific product people hunt for, it’s the Cotton Candy line. It’s a super-bulky wool-acrylic blend. It’s squishy. It’s huge.
Working with this stuff requires big needles—usually 10mm to 15mm. It feels like you’re knitting with sausages. But the result is that "cloud-like" look that everyone wants for their home decor. It’s the quintessential "cool girl" knit. You see it in high-end boutiques for $300, but you can technically make it yourself for about $40 using three or four balls of this specific yarn.
There is a downside, though. Pilling.
Every single super-bulky yarn, regardless of brand, is going to pill. It’s physics. The fibers aren't twisted as tightly as they are in thinner yarns, so they rub together and create those little fuzzy balls. If you’re making a high-wear item like a pair of pants (don't do that) or the underside of a sleeve, you’re going to see wear and tear. You just have to accept it or keep a fabric shaver nearby. It’s the trade-off for that chunky, oversized look.
Why the Design Matters
Tom Daley didn't just put his name on a label. The color palettes are intentional.
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A lot of traditional yarn brands stick to "safe" colors: dusty rose, navy blue, oatmeal, sage green. Made With Love yarn goes the other direction. We’re talking electric blues, neon oranges, and pastels that actually pop. It mirrors the "kidcore" and "maximalist" fashion trends. It appeals to a demographic that isn't interested in making a beige cardigan. They want something that looks like it came off a runway in London.
Sustainability and the Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about acrylic. It’s plastic.
A lot of eco-conscious crafters avoid acrylic because of microplastics. It’s a valid concern. However, there’s an accessibility argument here. Sustainable, organic, hand-spun wool is expensive. For a lot of people, especially younger fans of Daley, spending $150 on materials for one project isn't feasible. This brand bridges the gap. It provides a "premium" feeling brand experience at a price point that doesn't require a second mortgage.
Is it perfect? No. But the brand has made strides in ensuring their packaging is minimal and their sourcing is transparent compared to some of the "ghost brands" you find on Amazon that ship in three layers of non-recyclable plastic.
Common Mistakes When Using This Yarn
I've talked to enough people in knitting circles to know where things go sideways with Made With Love yarn.
- The Needle Trap. People see "bulky" and assume any big needle works. If your gauge is too loose, the fabric will look "holy" and lose its shape. If it’s too tight, it’ll be as stiff as a board.
- Ignoring the Dye Lot. This is a rookie mistake. Even with big brands, a "Sky Blue" from January might look slightly different than a "Sky Blue" from March. Buy all your skeins at once.
- The Wrong Project. Don't try to make intricate cables with the super-bulky stuff. The definition gets lost. Stick to simple stitches—knit, purl, maybe a basic rib. Let the yarn do the heavy lifting.
Honestly, the best use for this yarn is a simple garter stitch scarf or a massive throw blanket. It thrives in simplicity.
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The Cultural Impact of the Brand
It’s rare for a celebrity-backed craft brand to actually hold weight in the community. Usually, it’s a cash grab. But because Daley is an actual, visible maker, there’s a level of trust. He’s shown his mistakes on camera. He’s talked about dropping stitches.
This transparency has turned Made With Love yarn into a gateway drug for the fiber arts. I’ve seen people start with one of his kits and, six months later, they’re learning how to spin their own wool or knit socks on size 0 needles. You can't underestimate the value of making a "difficult" hobby feel approachable.
How to Get the Best Results
If you’re ready to dive in, don’t just grab a ball and start.
First, check the yardage. Bulky yarn has significantly less length per ball than thinner yarn. You might think "Oh, four balls is plenty," only to realize you’re halfway through a sweater back and you’re out of yarn. Always buy one more skein than you think you need.
Second, use bamboo or wooden needles if you’re a beginner. Metal needles are slick. The yarn will slide right off. Wood has a bit of "grip" to it, which gives you more control over those thick, heavy strands.
Lastly, blocked your work. Even with acrylic blends, a quick soak (or a steam block) makes the stitches settle. It takes it from "I made this in my basement" to "I bought this at a boutique."
Final Thoughts on the Collection
Made With Love yarn isn't trying to be the fanciest yarn in the world. It’s trying to be the most fun. It’s about the joy of making something with your hands without the pretension that often bogs down the knitting world. Whether you’re a fan of Tom Daley or just someone who wants a soft, chunky blanket, it delivers exactly what it promises.
It’s bright, it’s fast, and it’s accessible. In a world that feels increasingly digital and disconnected, there’s something deeply grounding about holding a thick strand of yarn and turning it into something warm.
Actionable Next Steps for Crafters
- Audit your stash: Before buying, determine if you have the right needle size (10mm-15mm) for the bulky lines, as standard needles won't work.
- Start small: If you're new to the brand, try the "Double Knit" (DK) weight first to test the tension and feel before committing to the massive super-bulky skeins.
- Check local stock: Retailers like Walmart often carry exclusive colorways that aren't always available on the main website, so it's worth a physical trip to see the textures in person.
- Plan for pilling: Purchase a small battery-operated fabric shaver if you plan on making garments; it will double the lifespan of your finished pieces.
- Join the community: Look up the hashtag #MadeWithLoveByTomDaley on Instagram to see how specific colors look when actually knitted up, as colors can shift significantly from the digital thumbnail.