What to Look for When Selecting Yarn for Your Knitting Project

Picking out the right yarn is a decision you will make early on in your knitting project, and it’s one that will influence the outcome greatly. Even with the same pattern, the end product will vary significantly depending on the yarn’s fiber, weight, texture, and color.

Once you learn a few basic concepts, selecting yarn for your next project will be much easier.

Begin by Referencing the Pattern

If you are knitting a pattern, the first thing to do is to check what kind of yarn weight and fiber it calls for. Patterns are written with specific yarns in mind, and using a different yarn will likely change the size, texture, and drape of the finished item.

Note the following:

• Yarn weight
• Fiber type
• Quantity of yarn needed
• Gauge
• Needle size

This doesn’t mean that you have to use the exact yarn that was listed by the pattern designer, but try to find a yarn with a similar profile.

Getting to Know Yarn Weight

The term yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn, and it impacts how big your stitches will be and how fast your project is going to grow.

Typical yarn weights include everything from super-fine to super-bulky.

Pick Based on Your Project

Super-fine yarn is often the best choice for lightweight clothing and accessories. Worsted weight yarn is a great all-around option for sweaters, scarves, and other general knitting.

Bulky and super-bulky yarns can help you knit up a warm piece in a hurry, which is great for those looking to see quick results.

Learn About Yarn Fibers

The fiber content of your yarn will determine its softness, warmth, strength, drape, and maintenance.

Wool

Wool is warm, stretchy, and available in many types. It’s one of the most common choices for garments and accessories.

Cotton

Cotton breathes well and has less elasticity than wool, which makes it great for lighter weight clothing and household projects.

Alpaca

Alpaca is incredibly soft and warm. It creates a wonderfully cozy fabric, though it behaves somewhat differently from wool.

Synthetics

Acrylic and other synthetic yarns can be inexpensive, sturdy, and easy to wash. They’re great for beginner projects and everyday wearables.

Get to Know the Yarn’s Texture

When you first learn how to knit, a smooth yarn helps you see your stitches clearly, making it easier to master the basics.

A highly textured, fuzzy, or novelty yarn can produce great effects, but it can be hard to discern where each stitch begins and ends. If you want to learn how to knit cables, lace, or any other complex stitch pattern, a smooth yarn will make that easier.

Texture Can Add to the Beauty of Your Project

Don’t be afraid to experiment with texture once you’ve mastered the basics. A fluffy, plied, or multicolored yarn can add a whole new dimension to your knitting.

Take Your Time When Choosing Color

Color is one of the most fun aspects of choosing yarn, but it also plays an important role in how your project looks. Dark colors might obscure the details of your stitch pattern, while lighter shades can bring out the texture.

Variegated yarns can yield beautiful results, but they may compete with your stitch pattern. For some stitch patterns, a single, plain color allows the structure of the knitting to shine.

Knit a Gauge Swatch

A gauge swatch might seem like an unnecessary chore when you are itching to get started on your project. However, it is one of the easiest ways to prevent headaches down the road.

How tightly you knit affects both the size and density of your fabric. Even if you use the recommended yarn weight and needles, you will still need to check whether your gauge matches that of the pattern.

By knitting a swatch, you’ll be able to see if your gauge is correct before you begin working on your project.

Check That You Have Enough Yarn

Prior to beginning your project, verify the total amount of yarn required. You will then need to check how much yarn there is in each skein or ball.

Whenever possible, ensure that you have enough yarn for the whole project from the same dye lot. There can be slight color differences between dye lots, and it may be visible in larger projects.

Wrapping Up

The ideal yarn isn’t necessarily the softest or most costly option. It’s the yarn that suits the project’s goals, pattern, method, and aesthetic.

The more you knit, the more comfortable you will become at predicting how different fibers, weights, textures, and colors will behave. In time, selecting the perfect yarn will become part of the process of creating.

At KnitHorizon, we think that getting to know your yarn is every bit as essential as learning how to knit stitches. Once you understand how your yarn works, you will have the freedom to turn a pattern into something uniquely yours.