Overview: Hard to get, costly shipping as it usually ships from Russian area of the globe. I think it is well worth it and is a great yarn to work it. I enjoyed it soo much I ordered several colors in this yarn for making socks. When you order more the shipping is usually cheaper.
Availability:Online Etsy, Ebay, Amazon less expensive and more accessible than Alize.
Weight Material: Fingering Size 1
Material: 41%Cotton, 39%Wool, 13%Nylon, 7%Elastic
Texture: Little rough but not bad.
Memory:Okay has thin elastic thread.
Overview: Doesn't come in solid colors generally, usually self striped. While it is cheaper and more available in the states it isn't going to hold it's stretch for very long due to the type of elastic thread. I can see it corroding easily and would not suggest drying in the dryer. They wash up okay when put into the wash. Due to the yardage it would take 2 skeins to make a pair of socks. To be honest not a favorite.
Sock made with the Paton Stretch Sock Yarn along with Video tutorial on how to make it.
Cascade Fixation Yarn Review
Cost: $5 to $6 a skein you will need 2 for a pair of socks.
Yardage: 100yds
Availability: ebay, etsy, amazon
Weight: DK
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex
Texture: Soft and Stretchy
Memory: Seems great before working with it, then isn't so great after knitting with it.
Overview: Seems springy before working with it, but due to its heavy texturing it doesn't stay as springy after working with it because the stitches don't slide around because of the texture. I find that due to its texture the stitch work doesn't show up as cleanly and so not so much a fan of it. Plus you don't get that much of it in one skein and it is expensive. It also I have been told shrinks a lot after washing it. I haven't tried it yet to know if that is the case with washing. It is very soft though I will give it that. You can get it in faster as you can get it within the US. Oh but you can get solid colors in this yarn that is an option that Paton doesn't have.
So I noticed that Red Heart put out a variety of scrubby yarns, and I figured I would buy them and give them a review. Lets dive into what I found!!
Sparkle
Cost: $3.50 -$4.50
Yardage: 174yd
Availability: Craft Stores
Weight: 4 worsted
Material: Polyester
Water Hold Amount: 1/3cup
Drying Time: 18 hours
Texture: Itchy
Overview: You get a lot of yardage and it is pretty, it also has stretch to it for easier use. I found it itchy and it mostly a yarn I would use for ornaments and decoration rather than use for wash cloths.
Cotton
Cost: $4-$5
Yardage: 121yd
Availability: craft stores
Weight: 4 worsted
Material: cotton
Water Hold Amount: Little more than 1/4cup
Drying Time:(Edit) longer than 24 hours if humid (if dry less than 24 hours)
Texture: moderately rough
Overview: I liked this one best of all, it can work as a wash cloth and it just the right amount exfoliant. It also would work as a dish towel. It has no give, but at least a moderate amount of yardage.
Original
Cost: $3.50-$4
Yardage: 92yds
Availability: anywhere
Weight: 4 worsted
Material: polyester
Water Hold Amount: more than a 1/3 cup
Drying Time: 24 hours
Texture: rough
Overview: I think this one was my least favorite. It has no give so watch your tensioning. It is very rough and it is best for dishes and things you need to well scrub. I was very rough on my hands. I didn't think it came with enough yardage either. They at least come in vibrant colors.
If you would like to get the patterns above check out this new mini book of gift patterns on Ravelry!!!