How to Read a Yarn Label for Knitting

Label information that will help you select the right yarn for your project.

Whether you're an expert at knitting or just starting out, it's important to know how to read a yarn label. Each skein of yarn is labeled with information designed to help you figure out what the finished product will look like, how large it will be and how it must be cared for. When you're selecting yarn for your project, be sure to take your pattern and compare the needs of project to the information on yarn labels.

Instructions

1. Determine the size of the yarn using the gauge information. Gauge refers to the number of stitches in each horizontal inch, and the number of rows in each vertical inch, of a finished knitted product. Gauge information can help you determine how the finished knitted item will look. Some patterns require a certain yarn gauge.

2. Review the needle size information. Certain needle sizes work better with certain gauges of yarn, and you will need to use the specified needle size if knitting a swatch.

3. Learn the fiber content of your yarn. Common fibers in yarn are acrylic, cotton, and wool. Some fibers are easier to work with or care for, and patterns may specify the fiber content of your yarn. Knowing how to find the fiber content may help you make a decision about what yarn to buy for your project.

4. Check the wash and care advice for the yarn. Most yarn package labels will specify the best way and best temperatures for washing, drying, and ironing the yarn and items made from the yarn. For ease of care, you may wish to select a yarn that can be machine-washed.

5. Compare the yards per skein to the yardage required by your pattern. Many projects require more yardage than is available in a single skein of yarn, in which case you will need to use the yards per skein information to determine how many skeins you must buy for your project.

6. Look for dye lot number data whenever you need to use matching yarn from more than one skein. The exact color of the yarn may vary between dye lots. Prevent color variation problems by checking the dye lot number on each label to ensure that all yarn of each color comes from the same dye lot.

References

• For Dummies: How to Read Yarn Labels
• Annie's Attic: Yarn FAQs

Resources

• Skein Lane: Care Symbols