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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!

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!

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