Yarn

  • When buying yarn, look at the label to find out what weight the skein is categorized under, either, fingering weight, sports weight, worsted weight, or bulky weight. The label should also tell the color of the yarn. It also lists what size knitting needle they suggest you use to knit the yarn with, plus the washing instructions. Most labels also include a free pattern.
  • The label normally says what fibers the yarn is made out of, weather, acrylic, wool,alpaca, linen, nylon, bamboo, soy, or corn. Be careful when you are picking out yarn, because, the fibers may effect your project. For instance, if you knit a sweater with alpaca, wool, or mohair, that is not preshrunk, your project will shrink about 30% when it is washed. When it shrinks it turns into a ‘felted’ texture. Linen is neat because it gets stronger as you wash it. Bamboo is not a hot yarn, therefor, it is good for knitting summer clothing.