It is manufactured to mimic its natural fiber cousins, such as wool or cotton, at a lower cost and higher quantity. The biggest difference between acrylic and natural yarns is in the fibers themselves. Acrylic fibers are manufactured from petroleum products by melting and extruding the materials into long, thin fibers.

These fibers are then treated depending on the desired result. Acrylic fibers can be twisted to various tightness, blended with natural fibers during spinning, brushed, cut, and otherwise manipulated to produce a wide range of yarn types.