How do you choose yarn for a pattern?
Start with the yarn specified in the pattern – and know what to look for if you want to substitute it.
Start with the recommended yarn
The pattern is calculated for a particular yarn. Using the same yarn gives you the size, drape and feel shown in the photo. It is the safest choice, especially if you are a beginner.
If you want to substitute yarn
Look at three things: knitting tension (or crochet tension), length per gram and fibre. Tension determines the size of the garment. Length determines how many balls you need. Fibre determines how the garment feels and drapes.
Always make a tension swatch
Even two yarns with the same tension on paper can behave differently. A 15 × 15 cm swatch takes half an hour and saves a whole garment.
More guides
How much yarn do I need?
How to read the yarn requirements in a pattern and recalculate when you change size or yarn.
How do you substitute yarn in a knitting pattern?
Step by step: find a substitute yarn that gives the same size and feel.
How do you substitute yarn in a crochet pattern?
Crochet is more sensitive to yarn thickness – here is how to find a yarn that works.
What does knitting tension mean?
Tension determines whether your garment will be the right size. Here is how to measure it.