How to Substitute Yarn for a Project
Knitting designers often create patterns based on specific yarns, but many yarn crafters substitute other materials for their projects. These switches may be due to preference issues, wool allergies or lack of availability. Substituting yarns can be an intimidating experience, especially if the project is complicated and will take a long time to complete; you don't want to pick a yarn and discover at the end of the project that it doesn't work. You can substitute yarns and avoid frustration with your choices with some research and planning ahead.
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Instructions
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Research the gauge. Gauge, or the number of stitches per inch, is critical when you're knitting a project that requires fitting, such as a sweater or hat. For non-fitted items, such as scarves and shawls, gauge is important, but only in terms of how much yarn you need. Look at the gauge for the suggested yarn and try to find yarns that have a similar stitch-per-inch count on the recommended needle size. It is also important to know whether you tend to be a tight or loose knitter. Remember that gauge for yarns is suggested, not an iron-clad rule. Three knitters with the same needle size may get three different stitch counts.
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Review the fiber content. Select a substitute yarn with a similar fiber content to the original. For instance, silk yarn will behave much differently than wool yarn, even if it is the same gauge. Use similar principles for blended yarns. Compare the two yarns side by side and test elasticity, drape and texture. Additionally, yarns of different fiber contents can weigh differently. Though a skein of silk yarn and a skein of wool yarn may have the same yardage and gauge, the silk yarn will weigh considerably more than the wool, which can pull a finished garment out of shape.
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Knit a gauge swatch. Knitters will often purchase yarns based on the first two steps, however, the gauge swatch will tell you more accurately how well the yarn will suit a substitution. Knit a swatch at least 4 inches by 4 inches. This will tell you how the fabric will drape and give you a good idea of the weight of the final garment.
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Talk to other knitters. The owner and employees of your local yarn shop are likely familiar with the yarn you are purchasing. They can be excellent resources for information about your yarns. Additionally, the online knitting community at Ravelry.com has yarn reviews posted by users and a number of forums on which you can post questions about specific yarns.
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- Photo Credit interior design with floral and balls of yarn image by Jeanne Hatch from Fotolia.com
