Knitting Yarn

	Shop for Knitting Yarn Today

Knitting yarn comes in a huge variety of different types, materials, colors and thickness (referred to as weight), and choosing the right one can be difficult, even for experienced knitters. There are many reasons why you might choose not to use the brand suggested by your pattern, so here’s a few things you’ll want to know when you consider using an alternate knitting yarn.

Do you want a natural or synthetic fiber?

The most common of the natural fiber knitting yarn is cotton and wool is the most common animal fiber. They can be dyed in an endless range of colors, including variegated, which changes colors along the strand. Other animal fibers are used too, such as mohair, cashmere, silk, angora and alpaca, which has recently become more popular for it’s softness. Most knitting yarn made of natural fiber require hand washing, especially wool, which can shrink and become felted with too much agitation in water although these days, some types of treated wool are available that can be machine washed. Check the label and be sure you’re prepared to deal with any special care instructions that may be required. Animal fiber knitting yarn offers a lot of warmth and can keep you comfortable and cozy during the cold winter months so they’re ideal for making items such as sweaters, socks, slippers, hats, mitts, etc. that you wear to stay warm.

Knitting yarn comes in synthetic fibers as well, such as acrylic or nylon and are available in all the colors of the rainbow including variegated. They’re available in many different textures, from fine to chunky, boucle, eyelash, fun fur, chenille, smooth, fuzzy, etc. Synthetic fibers are generally easy to knit with but don’t offer the same kind of warmth as the animal fibers do.

Does your substitute knitting yarn match the look and feel of the original one?

This elegant yoked cardigan is perfect for Spring and knit in Berroco Palace, a merino/silk blend, for great stitch definition and superior drape. Order your kit Today!

If a smooth yarn was used to show off your pattern’s intricate stitch work, you’ll want to substitute with one that is also smooth. Likewise, if the original yarn has a particular texture, try to replicate that as closely as possible, as it will make a difference to the finished look of your project. Matching fiber types is not critical unless it is aesthetically important to your garment. For example, if your pattern calls for a pricey 100% Angora yarn, you could use an angora/wool blend instead, to achieve a similar look for less cost.

What is your budget?

Accessorize Your Knits. Save up to 80% on jewelry!

Experienced knitters know the importance of using the best quality knitting yarn they can get their hands on. In fact, what type of knitting yarn to use is one of the most important decisions a knitter has to make. The choices are endless and the decision depends on what type of project you want to create. There are many pricey designer and specialty yarns that are very luxurious but knitting yarn doesn't have to be expensive.

Knitting a project to completion takes a lot of your time and effort so it makes sense to buy the best knitting yarn you can afford.

 

Make knitting fun! For everything you need, visit Joann's below and find a huge selection of supplies, kits, how-to books, and various brands/blends of yarn.
Hurry--FREE SHIPPING offer ends May 15th.