Decoding Yarn Labels

My first project was a scarf made from a spare skein of yarn lying around my house.  After I finally completed my first crochet item, I instantly wanted to begin a new project.  I walked to my local craft store and confidently walked to the yarn section.  What could be so difficult about picking out a new yarn for a scarf.  Well lets start with who knew there were so many options?  I mean I should have after years of watching my Nannie but seriously who knew?!?  All of the sudden my head was filled with questions... what yarn type, how thick, can I use the needles I have at home, what color/colors, how much would I need, and why does the "same" yarn look different skein to skein?  My simple desire to create a second scarf suddenly felt a little overwhelming.  I wished my Nannie was there to answer all of these questions.  I eventually figured it all out but I know of some new crafters who have been discouraged from creating the project they have in mind due to yarn confusion.  So here is a quick summary to help decode the world of yarn.

As for what type of yarn, looking at the fiber content will be extremely important for some projects, while not as important for others.  Some of the common fibers are wool, fleece, cotton, and synthetics.  

• Wool is a natural fiber made from a sheep's coat.  It is commonly used in knitting and can suit almost any project.
• Fleece comes from the coats of various animals.  Some types of fleece that may seem familiar are cashmere, mohair, and angora.  These fibers are less common, often more expensive, and are not usually used for everyday projects.
• Cotton is another natural option which comes from a plant. It is soft and gentle on skin but also incredibly durable.  I recently discovered 100% cotton yarn is a great housewares fiber for projects such as washcloths.  My vegan friends and customers are fond of this fiber.  
• Synthetics are probably the most common fiber you will find in your local craft store.  Nylon, polyester, and acrylic are often found in some combination.  The yarns can vary greatly in texture and look even when they are comprised of the same material.  These fibers are often your least expensive yarns and are great for everyday projects.  

You may also come across yarns created for a special look such as variegated yarn which is different shades of the same color within a skein or tweed yarn which has color specks of a different color scattered throughout. Novelty yarns are also growing in popularity and variation.  These yarns may include: faux fur, ribbon, alternating thickness, and chenille fibers.  These yarns may be more difficult to work with so they are not the best option for new crafters.

Once you find the fiber you wish to use for your project the next thing to look at is the weight of the yarn. This will help answer a number of questions.  You can find the below symbols on the yarn label to help guide you in your decisions.  Most patterns will specify which yarn works best.      

As you can see from the above chart, the the yarn weight will help you decide the thickness, the hook you should use, as well as an idea of how much you will need.   While this is a good guide it is important to remember these guideline are not absolute. The thickness will also be affected by the stitch you choose.  The hook size for a project may also be affected by how tight you complete your stitches.  In order to better determine the ideal hook for a project you should stitch with different hooks until you match the projects gauge.  

The gauge is how many stitches and rows per a set inch, or square.  Above is a sample of a gauge square on a yarn label.  The hook size in the middle is a good start but once again you final choice will be based on your own personal stitching.  Yarn weight is also very important when you want to create a project with multiple yarns.  While you don't have to use the same yarn type, or even brand it is important that the weighs are the same.  If they are different there will be noticeable differences in thickness, and maintaining the gauge will not be possible. 

As for how much yarn you should purchase this is often the hardest part to determine.  Many patterns make a recommendation for how much to purchase. If you are using a different yarn than the recommended skein then it might be a good idea to use a yarn calculator to ensure you have enough.  When it comes to crochet or knit projects more is almost always better.  This is especially true for yarns that have dye lots, are limited editions, or are being discontinued.  Not all yarns have a dye lot, but be sure to read the label carefully to ensure if there is a lot that you purchase enough skeins from the same lot to complete the entire project.  While it might only be a slight difference, when you begin to work the second dye lot into a project, there will be a notable difference.

I hope this helped decode the yarn label mystery.  Don't be afraid to try new yarns, just make sure you take the time to ensure you have the right yarn and tools for the project you have in mind.  I know I haven't posted part II of our early Mother's Day outing but I am hoping to get the pictures from my sister's camera soon.  

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