Knitting Yarn

Knitting yarn today comes in hundreds of different weights, ply and content.  You may be overwhelmed when trying to decide which to choose from for you knitting project.  Below we will discuss yarn packaging, yarn weight and yarn fiber. You will learn how to read yarn labels and read about the most requested and popular yarns today.

Yarn Packaging:    Here is an explanation of each type of packaging

Ball - It is exactly how it sounds.  The yarn is wound into a ball shape.  Usually the yarn can be pulled from the center of the ball.

Cone - These are large commercial type cones of yarn.  Often weighting 1 pound or more.  This is a good option considering that the price is often cheaper when sold by the pound.  You also don't have to worry about running out of the yarn when your in the middle of a knitting project.

Hank - This is often a big circle of yarn twisted.  The only disadvantage to this is that you have to untwist the yarn and then wind it into a ball to be more convenient.

Skein - A machine wound bundle of yarn.  Usually you can pull the yarn from the center.

Yarn Weight:   Available yarn choices

Baby weight or fingering weight - This is a thinner yarn and is best used for baby clothes, fine weight socks, gloves, shawls and sweaters.

Sport weight - Twice as thick as fingering weight.  Used for gloves, socks, light sweaters, baby clothes, shawls.

Double-knitted weight - A little thinner than worsted weight and thicker than sport weight.  Good to use with baby clothes, light sweaters. gloves, socks, shawls.

Worsted weight -  The most versatility used and popular weight.  Can be used for many projects such as, mittens, socks, sweaters, afghans, etc..

Chunky weight - A thick yarn.  Used for cold weather items such as, thick wool socks, outdoor sweaters and jackets, afghans.

Bulky weight - The thickest yarn available.  Great for chunky sweaters, jackets, coats, afghans.  Makes knitting project much faster since it is a thicker yarn.

Yarn Fibers:  The various fibers that make up yarn.  Which do you prefer?

Cotton yarn -  Cotton feels comfortable, wears well, and washes good.  Unfortunately it stretches out of shape and the colors can fade with washing.

Longhair yarns -  Fuzzy yarn such as angora, mohair, cashmere.  A more expensive yarn and can sometimes make it hard to see the knitting stitches you are working on.  However, does make for a beautiful project.

Novelty yarn - These fun yarns are made of both natural and synthetic fibers.  Examples are, metallic, chenille, chubby boucle etc..  These yarns can be made of synthetic or natural fibers.

Synthetic yarn -  Synthetics require little care and are affordable, colorful and attractive.  Work well for afghans and baby clothes due to the fact that they are washable.  However, some synthetics can look cheap.

Wool yarn - The most popular choice for knitters and crocheters.  The yarn is durable and can last for years.  An excellent choice for cold weather items such as sweaters and afghans.  Be sure to pick a wool that washes well.

Reading Yarn Labels

Being able to understand the yarn label is very important in selecting the correct yarn for your knitting project.  The label will tell you the dye lot number, the fiber content, weight, suggested gauge washing instructions and much more.

Color Name / Number - The color name and number given by the company for this particular color.

Dye-Lot Number - This number indicates the dye in which this yarn was colored.  Some synthetic yarns do not have a dye-lot.  This would be indicated on the label as well.

Manufacturer's Name  -  The name of the company who made the yarn.

Brand Name - This is the name given to this particular brand (type) of yarn.

Fiber Content -  What the yarn is made up of. 

Yarn Size / Ply -  This will tell you if the yarn is a fingering, worsted or bulky weight.

Yarn Length in Yards/meters - The yarn length.  You will want to decide the amount of yarn needed by yardage as opposed to weight.  Some yarns weight more.

Suggested Gauge - The manufacturer will suggest which knitting needle or crochet hook needs to be used to make an appropriate gauge size, (stitches required to make an inch).

Washing Instructions -  You will see symbols that instruct you how to wash and care for your yarn.