Knitting Yarn Selection Tips And Tricks
Most everyone who knits appreciates all of the variation in the yarns and fibers available on the market today. Even in a large store like Wal-Mart, you can discover many different kinds of yarns. As you move to craft stores and knitting shops your yarn selection options go through the roof. At these specialty shops you can find yarns made of some of the most exotic fibers such as alpaca and cashmere. For a knitter, browsing through all the options in a store which carries yarn can take hours and is a very enjoyable pastime.
Yarn selection for your knitting projects is a much more complicated process than simply selecting a color which appeals to you. While yarn color clearly matters, the most important thing about the yarn you select is that it matches your project and that it is the highest quality available in your price range. The product you end up with is a direct result of the yarn you choose; if you choose quality you will have a quality end product, if you choose a lesser yarn it will show in the quality of your finished work.
If your knitting pattern calls for a very lightweight smaller yarn and you use a larger chunky yarn, then you can count on your end project being a very different size than the pattern states. While this is easy to adjust for in the case of scarves and blankets, it is not as easy when you are making things like socks, hats, and sweaters. It is important to keep this in mind when you are selecting your yarn.
Some of the highest quality yarns available are made from natural fibers from animals and plants. These yarns are: cottons, alpaca, mohair, cashmere, and wools. Each yarn has a different feel and thickness that should be considered when you are deciding how you want your finished project to turn out.
Another consideration when you are choosing a yarn is how it can be cleaned. If you are making a baby blanket or baby garment, then you will want to insure that it can be machine washed and possibly dried. Dry cleaning just won’t do in the case of items for babies; they need to be able to be machine washed.
When you are looking at yarn for a particular pattern, make sure that you understand the fiber content and structure as well as the gauge of the suggested yarn. If you are going to substitute another yarn it is important to match the fiber content, structure and the gauge of the new yarn to the one suggested in the pattern. If you do not do this, then your end project will not come out as you expected.
While no one particularly loves knitting a swatch to check for gauge, it is vital when you are looking at substituting a different yarn for a pattern. This quick check will show you if your gauge is correct for the pattern or if you will need to switch needles or adjust your tension.
As you can see, yarn and fiber selection is very important for all knitters to consider. If you choose the wrong yarn for your project it will be blatantly obvious in your finished project. However, if you choose the correct yarn, your project will be as fabulous as you set out to make it. By always using a high quality yarn you can assure that you end up with high quality finished projects.
Trudi Bolka is a writer for Uniformhaven.com which sells dickies scrubs, discount dickies scrubs and lab coats as well as a host of additional products.
Crochet Baby set – colorful hat, bib and booties
|
|
Classic Elite Quick Knits: 100 Fabulous Patterns for Wraps, Socks, Hats, and More (Classic Elite Yarns) $15.19 TAUNTON PRESS-Classic Elite: Quick Knits. This compilation features some of the most interesting accessories published by Classic Elite Yarns over the past few years. Because they are small and portable accessories lend themselves very well to all ranges of knitters and due to minimal sizing requirements they are great for gift-giving to friends and loved ones. The 100 patterns included in this co… |
|
|
Crochet So Fine: Exquisite Designs with Fine Yarns $13.65 INTERWEAVE PRESS-Crochet So Fine. With designs featuring lightweight yarns and flexible stitches; Crochet So Fine will help you make beautiful garments and accessories with exquisite drape. Let expert Kristin Omdahl teach you techniques specific to crocheting with fine yarns then choose from twenty stunning projects. Every project in Crochet So Fine features innovative design and stitch details th… |
|
|
One Skein $7.00 INTERWEAVE PRESS-Everyone has the time to spend on projects requiring only 1 skein of yarn! More than 30 knitting and crochet projects that range in size and experience level provide both beginning and experienced knitters a variety of projects. The stitch patterns and instructions are easy-to-follow and quick to use. Quickly create a felted purse, a crocheted bag, cozy scarves, a pretty tank top,… |
