Choosing yarn is one of my favorite parts of starting a new knitting project! However, it is a little more involved than just picking up any skein of yarn in my favorite color. It’s important to consider yarn weight, material composition, and color.
The first place to start is with the pattern. The pattern contains information to help you decide what yarn to pick. The yarn listed was used to create the garment pictured in the sample. Using the yarn listed in the pattern will give you the closest results to the pictured garment, but it is unnecessary.
Yarn Weight
When choosing yarn, the first thing to consider is yarn weight. The pattern will state what weight yarn is being used. For example, it might say lace, worsted, or bulky weight. It might also list a number with the letter CYC in front of it. CYC stands for Craft Yarn Council. The Craft Yarn Council website provides standardized information for fiber artists and can be a valuable resource.
Why is yarn weight important?
Yarn weight determines the thickness of the yarn and ultimately the garment. The thicker the yarn, the less stitches will be to an inch. The thinner the yarn, the more stitches will be to an inch. It is important to use the yarn weight stated in the pattern to achieve the gauge. You cannot substitute fingering weight yarn for bulky yarn. They are not comparable and the pattern will not work!
Yarn Composition
Different materials provide different qualities to the yarn. A yarn that is 100% cotton could shrink or stretch after blocking while 100% wool will better retain its shape. Bamboo yarn will provide a smooth finish while mohair or alpaca can give a halo effect. Checking the pattern to see the yarn composition provides clues about how it will act and the properties to seek out.
Color
Choosing the right color or colorway allows a knitting project to shine. It enhances the overall project, defining stitch patterns and making them pop. A stockinette or larger cable pattern can stand up to a bold and varied colorway. While the wrong color or colorway can overwhelm and obscure a knitting pattern. Simpler colors or more subtle colorways enhance intricate and complex patterns.
Do you still need help?
If this all feels overwhelming, several resources are available to help you navigate the world of yarn. YarnSub is a free website that provides excellent information about yarn and can help you choose the best yarn for your project. I use this website frequently! Type in the yarn information provided in the pattern and it will give you many substitutions and explain why it is a good substitute. This information can help guide you toward the best choice. Another excellent resource is your local yarn shop. The people that work there are very knowledgeable and help guide your decisions.
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