Finding the right yarn for the job so you get the best possible result does take a little knowledge and finesse. . We have given you a general suitability classification on each yarn specification plus here is a quick guide of commonly asked questions to help you select the best yarn for your next project.
Merino has been the industry standard for infant garments. Our Flight, Merino Soft, Orb, Pulse and Albertine ranges all provide you with Merino softness combined with machine washability – ideal for busy parents or charity donations.
If machine washing isn’t a deal breaker for you, also consider Vintage (Maree did all her baby knits in Vintage), Chatswood, Mahana, Eros or Pearl Lustre. If you are unsure, every yarn listing has a suitability suggestion in its specifications.
Southlander, Highlander Heathers and Perendale are three yarns which are made from robust locally grown fleeces which produce yarns that allow you to make garments that will last a lifetime. Providing warmth and durability, projects made from these yarns require the minimum of fuss with only occasional hand washing and de-pilling.
Vintage & Pulse Merino are two great yarns which combine excellent quality with outstanding value. Both are smooth four fold yarns which give you excellent stitch definition, are suitable for all ages and have great wear and robustness but are still soft enough to be worn against the skin.
We have made two yarn ranges specifically for this purpose. Cozy & Snug are made from durable New Zealand growth crossbred fleeces and have both received a special post dyeing treatment to allow them to be washed on a gentle cold cycle. Great for accessories like blankets or garments for age two years onwards. Cozy and Snug allow you to buy 100% NZ natural yarn at the very best price.
We recommend that knitters always knit a tension square before they begin their project. Even expert knitters may not be experienced in knitting every type of yarn and can expect a variance in tension from yarn to yarn. Any variation will impact on the size of the finished garment. See instructions below for how to check your tension. Not having correct tension is the number one cause for garments not fitting correctly.
The term ply traditionally referred to the number of single spun threads twisted together to make a finished yarn. However ply is often used as a description for the thickness for a yarn.
We advise that it is best practise to use yarns from the same batch as subtle colour variations can occur from batch to batch. If you are unable to get more yarn to complete a project in the same batch, we recommend using the differing batch on elements such as sleeves, collars or separate with stripes or textured stitches to mask any colour variances.
We always recommend at least a 10% contingency for every project to account for variances in your tension, subtle modifications or mistakes. If the yarn is a one off, discontinued or on sale, we recommend a 20% contingency. It is always better to have yarn leftover and knit a wonderful accessory than run out and be forced to modify your design!
Yarn substitution is what we are expert at here at Skeinz! Patterns are written and tested often for very specific yarns – however if you were to substitute we always recommend you go like for like as much as you can. We always calculate our yarn requirements based on metres not ball weights as the metre per ball can vary from yarn type, fibre content and construction. If in doubt – email us and we can help guide you.
Due to the process of yarn spinning and balling, sometimes knots do occur. Industry standard is no more than two knots in any one ball. If you do find a knot in your yarn, we advise unpicking your knitting to the beginning of the current row. Cut the knot out, then rejoin your yarn at the edge and continue knitting. If you are knitting in the round you can splice the yarns together or cut out the knot leaving enough ends to weave into the back of your work.
First check your tension for each and every project. If you have loose tension you need to reduce the size of your stitches so try knitting on a smaller needle. If you have firm tension you need to increase the size of your stitches so try knitting on a larger needle. It is important to achieve the stated tension in the pattern as this has been used to calculate the pattern instructions. Any variation could result in an item measuring smaller or larger than stated.
It depends on the yarn – many yarns can be knitted from either end but some yarns may tangle and knot if worked from the inside (like brushed mohair).
Generally, to sew up your garment you should use the same yarn you have used to knit it. However, when knitting with a fancy yarn (like brushed mohair) we often recommend using a matching plain yarn instead.
Superwash refers to a trademarked specific shrink treatment on the fibre to make the yarn machine washable, where as a yarn simply labelled as machine washable is one that could have either fibre or and after yarn treatment applied to allow the yarn to be washed in the machine. We always recommend you hand wash all your knits, regardless of the nature of the yarn – this prolongs the life of your garment and reduces wear and stretching.
Pilling is perfectly normal! All hand knitted or crocheted garments will pill so some extent once they are worn. Stronger more rustic yarns (like Southlander) or those with more twist (like Orb) will pill a little less. Regardless, part of your care regime for your precious hand made garments is a good quality depillar like our Fabric Shavers or Sweater Stones. These will help keep your items looking as good as the day they came off the hook or needles.
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