Knitting Yarn Buying Guide
So, you've decided on your pattern and you now need to take the next steps to completing your project. The first step to the process is picking the yarn. You want to do this prior to purchasing your needles in order to match up the suggested gauge. Walking into the knitting section of your crafts store can be a daunting task. Often times there are many products which are difficult to identify as being different. Here are some steps to help you discover the difference between yarns and how to choose the yarn that is right for you.
Here is what you need to know to get started! - Yarn can be purchased in a:
- ball: wrapped in a ball shape and has a tale that comes out the middle.
- cone: wrapped around a cone and sold in larger quantities per product (it is often cheaper in this form).
- hank: is loosely wound in a circle (it needs to be unwound and rolled into a ball before knitting).
- skein: is a bundle wound by a machine with a tail that can be pulled from the middle.
- There are six different weights a yarn can come in, but these are not a uniform system of measurement.
- Baby or fingering weight is the lightest weight yarn available and is used for the most delicate or soft projects.
- Sport weight is approximately twice as thick as baby weight and can be used for shawls, mittens and baby clothes.
- Double-knitted weight is thicker, but can still be used for baby clothes, light jumpers and mittens.
- Worsted weight is the most common and popular of the weights. It is often used for jumpers, afghans and hats.
- Chunky weight the second thickest yarn is used mostly for thick jumpers and afghans as well as outdoor clothing.
- Bulky weight is the thickest of yarns, and is used for the warmest garments.
- There are five basic yarn fibres. These fibres are used to produce several different styles of yarn which are listed with their picture below.
- Wool Yarn is the most popular fibre for knitting. It is the most versatile fibre in existence and can be used for many garments. Be sure to read the washing instructions before purchasing!
- Cotton Yarn this yarn is also very popular and is easy to wear. While the yarn is washable be sure to reshape the garment as it dries so as not to stretch it incorrectly.
- Longhair Yarn are yarns such as mohair. They are characterized by their softness, but may be difficult for a beginner stitcher to get used to.
- Synthetic Yarn as the name suggests are not natural fibres. However, they are washable and therefore excellent choices for baby garments or afghans which will be washed more regularly.
- Novelty Yarn is possibly the hardest yarn type to knit with due to the uniqueness of them. They vary widely in look (i.e.. eyelash to bouclé) so can make colourful and fun designs.
Choosing Yarn for a Project- When choosing a yarn at a store, it is important to keep a few things in mind before making a purchase. These are the questions you need to answer before making a decision.
- How much yarn do I need? On the materials list of your pattern there will be a suggested length. Write this length down so you will know exactly how many skeins to purchase (the length of the yarn will be published on the label).
- What type of garment am I making? This question will help to determine the weight to use. A fall sweater requires a different weight of yarn than a winter jacket.
- What type of yarn do I want to use? This is the second most important question. Using a heavy weight, wool yarn will not produce a soft delicate baby sweater, so be sure to think about the purpose of your project.
- How much care do I want to put into my garment? This, although similar to the last question, will help you identify the washing instructions on the label. You may want to use a light weight wool for a project, but a blend would help keep maintenance easy.
- Lastly, what colours should I use?! Use as many and as bright of colours as you want. Take special care to match the die lot on each of your skeins (a number under the name of the colour of the yarn). If the dye lots are the same, this means the two skeins are the exact same colour. Just because skeins have the same name does not indicate a precise match in colour!
Always remember to complete a knitting gauge prior to starting your project, and have fun!
| Common Yarns |
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Wool Yarns  Probably the most versatile of yarns, wool is found in many colours and weights. For those who are looking for machine washable yarns, but the same feel of wool, look for Wool Blend Yarns |
Acrylic Yarns
Often used for smaller wearable projects (especially baby garments) as well as non-wear projects (such as covers for electronics) acrylic is known for its bright colours. It is machine washable and inexpensive. |
Polyester Yarns
Another versatile yarn, polyester is both bright and washable. Knitters find this yarn a fun and affordable way to make scarves for friends. It also comes in other varieties of yarn, such as eyelash yarn. |
Sock Yarns
Say "good-bye" to boring white socks. These yarns are found in fun colours and are washable. As the name suggests, this yarn is designed specifically for socks, so use caution if you decide to venture off the beaten path. |
Cotton Yarns After wool, cotton is the second most used natural fibre in the knitting world. Just as versatile, but usually a lighter weight, this yarn can be used for projects large and small! Also look for Cotton Blend Yarns for more options.
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Chenille Yarns
Today's designer yarn, chenille is used in many ways. For the every day knitter this is a yarn that is higher in quality, but still just as versatile. Softer in texture, this material is ideal for baby blankets. It is also machine washable! |
Hemp Yarns
Hemp is the oldest, toughest fibre on Earth. This means no more stretched and worn out garments. The more often a hemp garment is put in the wash the better. So, if you are looking to make something durable, this is it! |
Alpaca Yarns Alpaca wool yarns are considered the best wool in the yarn industry. This yarn is soft and workable, but due to the higher quality, can be quite expensive. Check the pattern for the weight needed, but this is undoubtedly the knitter's favourite yarn. |
Silk Yarns
Possibly one of the most expensive yarns on the market, silk takes the lead in luxuriousness. It can be used in a variety of different projects, but beware to take extra special care of the garments you create. |
Mohair Yarns
This chunky yarn is perfect for large projects, especially the winter jumpers we all love. Easy to manipulate and fairly inexpensive, this is perfect for the beginner who wants to take their first step away from scarves. |
Novelty Yarns
While novelty yarns are fun to look at they may be very difficult to deal with, even as an experienced knitter. Often times these "Fun Yarns" are used as accents on a larger project, rather than used as the primary yarn. They are also packaged in much shorter lengths at higher prices, which could make a large project quite expensive!
| Yarns for Fun |
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Viscose Yarns
Viscose is a blend yarn which has many uses for knitters. Due to its less consistent texture, it can create unique pieces, but can be difficult for beginners to get used to. |
Eyelash Yarns
The eyelash yarn is a fun and easy way to give flare to a scarf or hat. Its recommended use is in smaller projects, but feel free to experiment. Caution: for the beginner, this yarn may be difficult to manage, the "eyelashes" may get caught on the needles. |
Bouclé Yarns
Generally a three-ply (three strands) yarn, bouclé is characterized by one strand being very loose. This causes a rough but bulky texture. It is a bright yarn, but for beginners is difficult due to its tendency to unravel. |
Metallic Yarns
Used as a companion yarn (i.e.: with a different, softer yarn) metallic yarns can be used to add sparkle and pizazz to any garment. Caution: metallic yarns may scratch the skin, so don't use it in that sweater you wanted to curl up next to the fire in. |
Ribbon Yarns
Ribbon yarn as the name suggests, resembles a ribbon with slightly more give and stretch. It is easier than other novelty yarns to manipulate, but still has its challenges. |
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