How to Use Boucle Yarn

Boucle is a nubby yarn that can fit any budget, ranging from discount store varieties to luxurious handspun blends. A characteristically wavy and irregular yarn, boucle is excellent for some projects but awkward for others. Use this how-to guide to determine which patterns are best suited for boucle and how to guarantee success while using it.

Things You'll Need

• Boucle yarn Knitting needles Crochet hook

Instructions

How to Use Boucle Yarn

1. Use boucle in knitting and crochet patterns, or in any project that is suited for yarn. Look for projects that are specifically designed for boucle, as they will highlight the natural curls and loops of this tactile fiber and make the best use of its natural beauty.

2. Choose simple stitch designs over intricate patterns when using boucle, as the nubby yarn is more easily appreciated when allowed to stand on its own as the key feature of a design. Stockinette stitch, garter stitch or any variety of loose-stitch patterns in both knit and crochet are suitable.

3. Practice your stitches by knitting or crocheting a swatch before using boucle in a project. Be sure you are comfortable with the variance in the fiber and that you are able to maintain an even tension.

4. Knit or crochet loosely in order to allow the boucle yarn to fall naturally into place with each stitch. Tight stitches mask boucle's texture, causing you to lose the benefits of working with this fiber. Tight stitches or improper pattern choices often result in projects that look accidental rather than intentional, due to boucle's unavoidable texture.

5. Experiment with the variety of boucle yarns on the market and discover which brands are most appealing to you. Not all boucle fiber is the same--in fact, it can vary immensely between brands--and you might find you prefer one but dislike another.

Tips & Warnings

• Certain boucle yarns have a tendency to split more easily than others. Boucle can be found in acrylic or natural fiber blends.

Resources

• Lion Brand
• Knitting Daily