Let me start by saying that choosing the right type of yarn for a project can be overwhelming. I remember when I first started selling my crochet items.. I'd go to my local craft store with one thing in mind: baby hats. Back then, that's all I made. So, I'd go spend an hour aimlessly walking up and down the yarn aisles. The only questions I asked myself were: How much of this can I afford? And, which colors will be most popular? I used lots of bright (kid-friendly) colors in acrylic or cotton. Simple and easy to care for. I didn't go anywhere near wool or the more expensive yarns. Why, you ask? Well, I was cheap + I didn't know any better. Keep in mind, this was 9 years ago.. a lot has changed in a decade..
Today, there are so many options that choosing just one can feel paralyzing. With new brands popping up and all of the big brands creating really unique yarns.. the options are practically endless. Not to mention those specialty yarn shops that feature amazingly talented indie dyers that each have their own style. Today, there's naturally dyed yarn, gradient/ombre yarn and even speckled yarn. Speckled yarn! How can you choose? Well, there's no simple answer.
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing yarn. Not all yarn will work for all projects. Most patterns have a suggested yarn to use. This type should work best as it has typically already been tested with that particular project. However, sometimes yarn can be discontinued or sold out. Sometimes it can be too expensive or just not available in your area. Whatever the reason, it's very important to find something similar so your project will look as it should!
Step #1: Weight (Sport, DK, Worsted, etc.)
One of the most important things when substituting a yarn is the weight. If you use a weight other than the recommended one, your gauge will be thrown off. If your gauge is off, your project won't be the same size as the pattern. Bulky yarns make thicker more durable items for the cold months. Lighter weight yarns are great for shawls and spring or summer garments. There are many different weights and each is used for a very different type of project..
Lace weight - 0 on the label. It's comparable to crochet thread and is often used for lace shawls and doilies.
Fingering weight - 1 on the label. Commonly called "sock yarn" is often used to make socks and baby items.
Sport weight - 2 on the label. Is often used for lightweight garments as well as baby blankets and other baby items.
DK weight - 3 on the label. Commonly called "light worsted" is often used for sweaters, hats & lightweight scarves.
Worsted weight - 4 on the label. This popular choice is used to make sweaters, accessories, blankets & home decor.
Bulky weight - 5 on the label. Also called "chunky" is often used to make rugs, heavy sweaters or scarves & blankets.
Super Bulky weight - 6 on the label. These are even thicker and are used to make heavy blankets, baskets, toys & rugs.
Jumbo weight - 7 on the label. This giant yarn is typically made of fabric or wool roving. It's ideal for arm knitting or big stitch projects using a huge hook (or needles). It's often used to make oversized scarves, blankets & unique home décor.
Step #2: Texture (the look/feel of the fiber)
There's smooth, fuzzy, flat, chunky, thick & thin, sparkly, and even knit yarn! Use your common sense when choosing! If you're making a Spring cardigan, you're not going to use a chunky wool yarn. The same goes for if you're making an oversized scarf, you won't be using a lace-weight yarn. Use the texture that will be the smartest and most comfortable for the season you will be wearing the item/garment in. If you're using a more textured stitch, go with a smooth or flat yarn. If you're using a simple stitch that doesn't stand out much on it's own, you can then go with something fun like a fuzzy or thick & thin yarn!
Step #3: Ply (single, 2-ply, 4-ply, etc.)
The more plies your yarn has, the more definition your stitches will have. For instance, a single ply yarn has only one twist - think handspun wool yarns. Your stitches will be more un-polished and won't have as much definition. Where as a 4-ply yarn has four twisted strands - think Caron simply soft. This yarn will have a neater look and more defined stitches. Yarns with more plies are twisted tighter and are great for cables and other stitches you want to show off.
Step #4: Color (gradient, self-striping, etc.)
Choosing the right color is mostly personal preference, however there are many different types of colorways that you can get! If you don't dye your own yarn, or buy hand-dyed yarn.. you'll likely fall mercy to the color limitations of the big brands. They offer plenty of solid colors to choose from, but have a much more limited amount of those fun gradients, variegated and self-striping yarns. Keep in mind, busy yarns don't work well with busy stitch patterns. If you've got a lot going on, stick with one solid color! It won't take away from your special project, which will make all the difference.
Step #5: Fiber (animal, plant, etc.)
Last, but certainly not least.. possibly the most important part of your choice! Fiber type. Different fibers come from different places: There are three main types of fiber: animal-based, plant-based and man-made. Each feels unique to the other and will react differently when used in different projects. Some fibers help to keep you warm when it's cold out and others help to wick away heat and moisture when the weather is hot! Some fibers are soft and warm while others can be scratchy or itchy. Fiber type is one of the most important pieces of information when it comes to yarn. It's definitely an important aspect and something you want to be knowledgeable about when starting a new project.
Animal-based:
The most common and well known animal fiber is wool and contrary to popular belief.. it's not all itchy! There are hundreds of different breeds of sheep which means lots of different wools that vary from super soft to coarse/itchy. Here's a tip, if you're looking for a soft wool go for a low micron count! The higher the count is, the coarser the wool! Some other well known and very well liked animal fibers are: Angora, Alpaca, Cashmere, Mohair and Silk.
Plant-based:
The most common plant fiber is cotton. When compared to wool, it's stronger and less itchy .. which makes it a good alternative for anyone with allergies to animal fibers. It's also very durable and maintains it's shape really well. Other well known (man-made) plant fibers include: Bamboo (a cool and silky fiber that creates beautiful drape) and Tencel (an eco-friendly fiber that is cooling and adds a beautiful lustre and strength).
Man-made:
The most popular man-made fiber is Acrylic. AKA "synthetic yarn", it's lightweight, soft and warm with a wool-like feel. It's widely available, inexpensive, color-fast and durable. It's also washing machine safe. If you're on a yarn budget, you just can't go wrong with acrylic! Some other man-made fibers include: Polyester (which is commonly used in novelty yarns), Nylon (which is used in sock yarns for durability and stretch), and Rayon (which is the softest of the synthetics, but can sometimes be slippery to work with).
Guys, I could talk about yarn all day, but I won't! I hope that in reading this post, you've learned a bit more about the different yarns + fibers out there and I hope it helps you be more prepared when choosing yarn for your next project!
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