Yarn is typically spun from natural fibres like wool, cotton, or acrylic. It is constructed by twisting multiple strands (or plies) of material into a single, thicker strand. It is typically used for weaving into a thick textile by crochet or knitting. How can you choose the ideal yarn for your next knitting project when faced with a rainbow’s worth of options in a wool store?

Knitting designs are typically developed with a specific yarn in mind, meaning the designer has carefully considered the properties of the yarn they’ve chosen and how those features will affect the final knitted product. For this reason, it is important to familiarise oneself with the properties of the designer-recommended yarn before making a final yarn selection for a given pattern. This includes the yarn weight, which will be addressed quickly, but other classifications must be understood.

Four Things to Think About Before Buying Yarn

As a result of their unique fibre qualities, some yarns are more suited for certain tasks than others. Every knitter should consider a few factors when selecting yarn at a wool store.

The Weight

When picking the yarn, it’s crucial to take weight into account. The weight of the yarn you chose must suit your particular project. Using a thick, bulky yarn for such a delicate project as a shawl would be unnecessary. Contrarily, if you’re making a blanket to keep you warm throughout the winter, you shouldn’t use delicate, thin yarn. How your project turns out depends on the thickness of the yarn.

The Ply

Certain types of yarn are better suited for certain knitting patterns. Stitches look more distinct and textured when working with a yarn with more plies (twisted strands). Those just starting should search for worsted-weight yarn, a medium-thickness option that makes it simple to see each stitch. Single-ply yarn is preferable if the finished garment or product needs a more subtle appearance.

The Project Budget

Although high-quality skeins of yarn are pricey, you may wish to crochet your giant cashmere blanket. When picking out your yarn at a wool store, remember to keep your financial constraints in mind. This is especially important if you are knitting for a profit.

The Drape

The drape of a fabric is its ability to move freely. Knitted fabrics that have drapes are made from long fibres with little crimps. Textiles made from plant materials, like mohair and alpaca, fall nicely. These yarns work well for shawls and other drapey projects where shape retention is not an issue.

The Availability

Pick a yarn that will be relatively inexpensive to replace if you run out. If you’re in the middle of a large knitting project and run out of a rare yarn, you may need help finding more.

The Elasticity

Finally, elastic yarn is springy and comfortable to wear. This occurs either because the fibre has a high crimp or because of the manner it is spun. Tightly spun yarns with many twists are more likely to have elasticity. Fabrics made from these yarns have excellent stitch definition and hold their shape even after many washings and wearings.

Conclusion

This post was written in the hopes that it would aid in selecting the appropriate yarn for your knitting design by demonstrating how the properties of the yarn you select may significantly affect the final knitted garment. Choose the yarn that works best for your project when you go shopping. The design instructions will usually specify the yarn weight and needle size required.