Hi Linda - It's my understanding that acrylic yarn is tough and that is what I use for kids and institutional things that will take a beating; mostly RH Super Saver and Caron One Pounder. I wash & dry after finishing and they do soften a lot. Tiny bit of soap and no fabric softener (allergies and smell).

The site below has zillions of free patterns. Go to the "Free Pattern Directory" to patterns other than afghans.

These and all patterns and pattern books will tell you what type(s) of yarn can be used. You might want to get some books at the library just to help you along.

Have fun searching.

Here is a link that might be useful: Crochet pattern central

lion brand's "homespun" yarn works into a very soft fabric and is acrylic. it can be tossed into the washer and dryer and i haven't seen it pilling. its a yarn i like to knit with.

sometimes the craft stores have samples knitted/crocheted
for you to see what they yarn turns out like when worked.

diggerb

"homespun" is very nice and soft with a wide range of colors but more difficult to work with because of the "curls" for beginning crocheters - Caron Simply Soft and Red Heart Soft Yarn are both softer than the Super Saver but I use Super Saver and Caron One Pounder all the time for afghans -- no complaints about softness or durability.

Thank you, everyone, for your advice. This will make yarn shopping easier. I look forward to browsing through the patterns at the crochet pattern central site! Thanks,
Linda

Caron Simply Soft is my favorite. Wish it came in more color choices. After you wash it and get the sizing off the yarn, it is almost liquid. But I always use fabric softener to cut the static electricity.