It can be a daunting task to choose yarn for a project because there are so many choices and factors to consider. This handy checklist will help you get organised and make the right choices.
You’ll have a more satisfying experience and a better overall experience if you choose carefully.
Checklist
- Weight
Find a yarn that is similar in weight to the pattern’s yarn. Look up the yarn listed in the pattern if it doesn’t specify a weight. The meaning of words such as “worsted”, “fingering”, and “fibre” can vary greatly in practice. It can be useful to compare the gauge suggested by the pattern to the one listed.
- Fibre Characteristics
Look for a yarn that has a similar content of fibres to the yarn used in your design. Consider the fibre’s properties rather than the exact content. Consider the impact of using fibres that are different from what was used by the designer.
- Construction
Find a yarn with a similar construction as the one specified in your pattern. The spinning preparation (woollen or worsted), the number of plies and twist tightness can make a huge difference. If the pattern requires a chain-construction alpaca mix, do not use a 3-ply yarn because it is the same weight and fibre unless you want to have more drape and less elastic. For information on Aran Yarn, visit woolcouturecompany.com/collections/aran-yarn
- Swatch
If you have a yarn candidate, you can make a large sample (at least 6 inches/15 cm square) using the needles that you will be using for the project. Work your swatch round if the project will be in the round. If the project is flat, you can work with a flat swatch. Wash your swatch, let it air dry and then evaluate it. Pin it flattening it or opening it up if the swatch wants to curl.
- Evaluate your swatch
To get an accurate measurement, do this several times around your swatch. You should leave some space around the edges of your 6 in/15cm square swatch. This is because these edges can get skewed, and mess up your measurement. Does the gauge that you are getting match up with the gauge specified in the pattern? If you can’t achieve the gauge specified in the pattern, change needles and repeat swatching until you are able to. The truth is, if you can’t achieve the pattern gauge you will need to choose another yarn.