How to Knit With Homespun Yarn

Hand spinners use a wheel to make yarn.

Whether you spin the yarn yourself or buy it at a yarn shop or fiber festival, knitting with homespun yarn results in a one-of-a-kind project. Compared with commercially spun yarns, homespun is inconsistent, but it is this flaw that makes the yarn fun to knit. No special knitting techniques are required for knitting with homespun, but a few steps can help you choose the right project for this yarn.

Things You'll Need

• Homespun yarn
• Knitting needles

Instructions

1. Purchase enough yarn to complete the project. Hand-spinners usually produce limited amounts of yarn in the same color or texture, so if you have a project in mind for the homespun yarn, you might have only one chance to purchase it.

2. Choose a project that enhances the inconsistencies of the homespun yarn. For example, if the yarn has thick and thin areas, choose a pattern where gauge is not critical, such as a scarf. If you only have a small amount of yarn, consider a hat or fingerless gloves.

3. Knit a gauge swatch. If you are making a garment or something that must fit, knitting a gauge swatch is an important step. If you are experimenting with the homespun yarn, use the swatch to test stitch patterns and needle sizes to get a fabric that you like. If your yarn supply is limited, you can unravel the swatch to use the yarn.

4. Combine the homespun yarn with commercial yarn. For example, try knitting a sweater from the top down, starting with the homespun yarn. When you run out, complete the sweater with commercial yarn in the same gauge.

References

• All Fiber Arts: Knitting with Handspun Yarns
• Blonde Chicken: Five Free Patterns for Handspun Yarn
• "Spin to Knit"; Shannon Okey; 2006