Choosing the Right Yarn for Knitting Project

The yarn choice is a crucial factor in any project, dependent on various factors such as the season, your concept, fibre preference, pattern recommendations, and the budget. The simplest way to ensure the right yarn for your project is to choose the one recommended in the pattern. However, this isn't always possible for reasons like yarn availability in your country, price, limitation of colours, etc. Let's explore how to find suitable yarn for your project based on quality and appropriateness.

Yarn Weight (Thickness)

If you are looking the yarn for particular pattern, then this step is answered. You must follow the designer recommendation for yarn’s type to achieve a great result. In other words, if your patten calls for DK weight yarn, then find suitable DK yarn, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to get the correct gauge and your finished item would be smaller or bigger than needed.

Note: Those three ponchos are knitted in Aran weight yarn with different fibre combination or wool type from three different brands. For one of those ponchos I had to adjust the knitting needles size to get the correct gauge. Patterns Cable Fantasy poncho and Adult Cable Fantasy poncho

In one of my previous posts you can find useful information how to check your knitting gauge (tension) correctly and what to do if it does not match the recommended in the pattern - check them out here.

However, if you are looking for the yarn for your own idea you have bigger choice and do not have to stick with a particular thickness of yarn. Your choice is much bigger.

When considering yarn weight, think about when and how you'll wear your garment. Are you going to wear your garment next to skin? Will it be a second layer over a long sleeve top or shirt? May be you need a bulky or super chunky yarn for extra warm piece to replace a jacket or lightweight coat.

Note: Adult Temptation poncho is knitted with Cascade Ecological wool, which is chunky yarn and suitable for warm comfy ponchos and heavy weight outwear. Child Temptation poncho is knitted with West Country tweed from Blacker yarns. 

Fingering/4-ply, sport/5-ply, and DK/8 ply yarns in plant-based fibre or wool blend create excellent garments and accessories for spring/summer as well as early autumn. Thicker woolly yarns in DK, worsted, Aran, or bulky weight are perfect for winter. If you need something in between those gauges you can always add a strand of lace weight yarn such as mohair to your main yarn and knit them together. This method is also helps to create new colours without dyeing of your yarn. 

Note: Statice shawl is knitted with strand of DK weight yarn hold together with strand of mohair yarn in contrast colour. 

Materials and fibre content

If you aim to enjoy your knitted garment for years, I recommend opting for yarn made with natural fibres or a wool blend with a minimal percentage of nylon, unless there's a specific reason for using artificial fibres like acrylic. There are options available for every budget in the market.

For a universal garment suitable for any season, consider mixed yarns like cotton-wool, wool-viscose, or wool-silk blends. These combinations provide a great balance, not too warm yet perfect for chilly evenings and unexpected windy days in summer.

For colder seasons, choose warmer yarns such as alpaca, merino, Shetland, angora, cashmere, and others, available in various weights.

However, if you are looking the great yarn for a pair of socks, then at least 15% of synthetic such as polyamide or nylon in it's fibre content is must. Otherwise your socks will wear out way too fast. Do not be tricked by yarn description "sock yarn", always check the fibre content! 

Note: D-light sweater is knitted with 85% of cotton and 15% off cashmere yarn, which makes it perfect garment for any season. 

Choosing the Perfect Colour

Picking the right colour is crucial but tricky. A well-chosen colour enhances your enjoyment of the garment, while the wrong one might relegate it to the depths of your closet. Take time to think about the design and plan how you'll style your future garment.

Bright, vibrant shades lift dull days, while neutral or pastel colours provide extra cozy moments. Hand-dyed yarn from indie dyers offers impressive colour combinations and unique, often non-repeated shades.

Remember, yarn choice depends on the chosen stitch too. Simple stitches like stockinette, ribbing, and garter stitch look great with any yarn and colour. However, for more intricate cable or lace designs, avoid variegated yarn in contrasting shades; simple neutral colons showcase the stitch's beauty better.

Note: Both Hoya vests are knitted with DK weight yarn. The purple vest is knitted with luxury hand dyed yarn and the light vest is knitted with budget yarn. Both vest look great, but the cable is standing out on a light yarn a bit better

Price

Yarn prices vary widely, from a few pounds per skein. Depending on your budget choose budget-friendly yarn from well-known brands or exclusive blends from small companies and local businesses. Regardless of your choice, ensure the yarn isn't discontinued, and you have extra skeins if you decide to modify your project by adding length or width. It is not possible to buy an additional skein in from the same dye lot in case you run out of yarn. 

Note: E-motion poncho is knitted in budget friendly yarn Mary Maxim Natural Alpaca Tweed. 

And don't forgot to check your stash! There is a big chance that your perfect yarn is already waiting for you in your treasure cabinet.

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

Knitting pattern - Dreamaway poncho

 If you've been following me for some time, you know how much I love cable knitting and creating various styles of ponchos for my daughters. This autumn, I've crafted another comfortable poncho design for children – the Dreamaway Poncho. Let's take a closer look!

Design overview

Unlike my other poncho designs, typically knitted with quite thick yarn, the Dreamaway Poncho is made with DK weight yarn in a beautiful grey color. The front and back of the poncho are decorated with a stunning cable combination, divided by columns of slipped stitches. Additionally, there's a combination of textured stitches on both sides of the cable panels.

The front and back are joined with four wooden buttons. The design features include dropped shoulders, a wide asymmetrical collar, and an inverse trapezium silhouette.

Yarn choice

The poncho is knitted with Drops Lima from Garnstudio, which is lovely budget friendly pure wool yarn widely available around the world. The yarn comes in many beautiful neutral shades as well as bright vibrant colours. It is quite warm yet a bit itchy if worn next to skin. However, it is great for vests and ponchos, which are normally, make a second or third layer of an outfit. 

For more yarn ideas please see some projects created by my test knitting team on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dreamaway-poncho/people

Knitting pattern

Knitting pattern for Dreamaway poncho comes in wide range of sizes from 2-3 years through 14-16 years. Knitting pattern has both cable charts with row-by-row instructions, size diagram and explanation. 

Knitting pattern for Dreamaway poncho is available from Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrats.

Exclusive promo code for blog readers on Ravelry: get 15% off with code BLOG15 Offer valid until 26th of November 2023.

Other poncho designs with cables.

If you love knitting cables as much as I do, you might be interested in some other designs of mine. 

Saunter Poncho:

This stylish poncho is knitted with worsted weight yarn and has a big comfortable hood for extra warmth and comfort. The front of the poncho is decorated with beautiful yet simple cables combo, the back and sleeves are knitted in simple stockinette.

You can read more about this project here.

Knitting pattern for Saunter poncho can be found on Ravelry and Lovecraft

Cable Fantasy poncho:

Cable Fantasy poncho is timeless design! Without a doubt it is one of my greatest designs! Complicated cable at front balanced with easy to knit moss stitch. This poncho will last years, as it looks great even as a vest when your child gets bigger. 

Read more about Cable Fantasy poncho here.

Pattern on Ravelry and Lovecrafts

Magic Leaves Poncho: 

It is great project for those who love seamless knits with a bit of interest! Magic Leaves poncho is knitted as one piece starting from the bottom of front and it has no seams at all. Beautiful Leaves motif combined with easy to knit tiny cables cables at front and beautiful twisted rib stitch along all edges. Sides of poncho are decorated with wooden buttons for even more stylish and unique look.

Read more about Magic Leaves poncho here

Knitting pattern - Trimetry Bucket hat

Have you ever thought about knitted panama hat for autumn/winter time? Is it really possible? 

My answer is YES to both questions! I have been thinking about panama hat for quite a long time and finally designed one. Please welcome Trimetry Bucket hat!

Design overview

Knitted it DK weight yarn, the hat reversible and can be worn both sides facing. Reversible also means double layered and will keep you and your little one warm and toasty this winter. One layer of hat is knitted with beautiful textured stitch and the second layer is knitted in simple stockinette. 

The crown and brim of hat is knitted in simple garter stitch, which matches the texture of fancy stitch. The brim is knitted with two strands of yarn. It not only keeps ears away from wind but also helps to keep its shape well.

Yarn choice

The sample is knitted with DK weight yarn Drops Lima  in shade Red 3609. It is beautiful wool and alpaca blend yarn, which is soft and warm. If you do not like wearing wool close to skin you can opt for other fibre blend and knit, for example the internal layer, in cotton or any other natural fibre. There is also a great opportunity for playing with colours on stockinette layer by adding stripes or using variegated yarn. You can also knit crown and/or brim in contrast colour.

For more ideas please see the project, completed by my gorgeous test knitting team. 

Knitting pattern

I have written the pattern for wide range of sizes from baby to adult L. Also, there is a handy photo tutorial, which explains how to easy switch from crown to knitting both layers of hat. 

Knitting pattern is available from Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrafts.

To celebrate the pattern release please enjoy 15% off on Ravelry with code NEW15. Offer valid until 22nd of October 2023.

Pattern for knitted Saunter sweater is also available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts More information about sweater is available in my previous post here.

Trimetry socks

Last year I design a pair of cozy socks knitted with the same textured stitch. 

Pattern for Trimetry socks is available from Ravelry. 

Also, do you know that October is a #socktober month and a perfect chance to knit your self a new pair of socks or more! 

All my socks patterns are available from Ravelry with 15% off until end of month. Use code SOCKS15. 

Check my Instagram page for some tutorials and chats about sock knitting and more.

Yarn review - Samite from Blacker Yarns

I recently received a parcel from Blacker Yarns containing their new Special Blend Knitting yarn – Samite. This yarn, Samite, was created to celebrate Blacker Yarns' 15th anniversary in the market.

I've been a fan of Blacker Yarns for a few years now and have used their products to create numerous designs for both children and adults. I even had the opportunity to visit their team in June this year, which you can read about in my post.

So, I was thrilled to try this new addition and experiment with different stitches, comparing it to their existing products. Let's take a closer look at these lovely skeins and explore what we can knit with them.

Yarn story

The story behind Samite yarn is a tribute to Cornwall, celebrating the county's connection to the Arthurian legends in local folklore and literature. In the Middle Ages, Samite was known as a luxurious and heavy silk fabric.

Blacker Yarns' Samite range is crafted from a blend of 15% recycled silk, smooth drapey Blue Faced Leicester, and the airy froth of Shetland wool. This unique combination of pale and dark fibers results in a yarn with rich colors and delicate silk nepps. Samite retains the characteristic bounce of Shetland wool and is more durable than the standard silk blend, making it perfect for colorwork, cables, and texture.

The yarn palette consists of eight colors, including one undyed and seven brightly dyed shades. All colors are named after characters from the legends of King Arthur: Merlin (Undyed), Lancelot, Guinevere, Uther Pendragon, Gawain (The Green Knight), Nimue (The Lady of the Lake), Galahad, and Morgan Le Fay.

Technical Information.

The Samite yarn is available in both fingering and DK weights, offering a total of eight beautiful shades. These colors provide endless possibilities for stunning colorwork projects. The range includes subtle heather tones like Uther Pendragon, Gawain, and Galahad, as well as vibrant options such as Lancelot, Morgan Le Fay, and Nimue. Additionally, there are natural blends like Merlin (undyed) and the taupe/brown shade Guinevere. What I particularly appreciate is how well each shade complements both natural colors and other shades within its own color family. Among my personal favorites are the two green hues and the bright shades: Lancelot, described as pink but closer to a muted beetroot color in my opinion, and Nimue, a vibrant pop of yellow that pairs beautifully with Galahad (dark navy colour).

Swatching:

I created three swatches using different techniques and two different needle sizes, all of which have been properly blocked.

1.         The first swatch, done in stockinette, was knit using 3.75 mm (US 5) knitting needles with a gauge of 19 stitches per 10cm/4 inches. I measured the size of the swatch before and after blocking, confirming that the fabric retains its size after washing, which is a fantastic characteristic.

2.         The second swatch features cables and was knit on 4 mm needles, a more common choice for DK weight yarn. The cables look neat and beautiful after blocking, making this yarn an excellent choice for Aran projects.

3.         My third swatch showcases twisted stitches, a technique I'm currently addicted to. I could not resist adding a garter stitch background (and moss stitch to my cable swatch, as you may have noticed) to some triangles. This swatch was also knit on 4mm needles.

 As you can see, the Samite blend performs wonderfully on all three swatches, resulting in a soft fabric with a slightly rustic appearance, thanks to the recycled silk and the yarn's subtly uneven colour.

I have not explored lacy stitches yet, as I am not particularly fond of lace knitting on 4mm needles with DK weight yarn. However, I am confident that Samite in 4-ply weight would be ideal for creating delicate and beautiful lace garments and accessories.

You can read more about the yarn and obtain it from Blacker Yarns website here.

Project Ideas with Samite:

Samite is incredibly soft and comfortable against the skin. I thoroughly recommend it for various knitting projects, ranging from snug cozy hats to warm oversized sweaters. It's also an excellent choice for children's knits since it's non-itchy, creates a bouncy and flexible fabric, and maintains its quality after washing.

Here are a few of my designs that I would be delighted to reknit using the Samite blend:

1. Chainring Hat

Pattern is on Ravelry. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chainring-hat

2. Saunter Sweater

Pattern is on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/adult-saunter-sweater

3. Saunter Poncho

Pattern is on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saunter-poncho

4. Cable Whisper Vest

Pattern is on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cable-whisper-vest

Knitting pattern - Adult Saunter Sweater

Happy Fall knitting everyone! As you know I love creating matching sweaters with my kids and Saunter sweater is not an exclusion. So today I am happy to share big version of this design – Adult Saunter Sweater.

Design overview

Adults Saunter Sweater is knitted in the same style as it’s child version and it’s design features are dropped shoulder, boxy silhouette and long turtleneck collar. Front of sweater is decorated with beautiful cables combination. The sweater is generously sized with 15-20 cm/ 6 - 8 inches of positive ease. The only distinction is that, despite its deep dropped shoulder, it features some armhole shaping for a better fit around chest area in the adult version, whereas the child version is simpler and lacks this shaping.

Yarn choice

Adult Saunter sweater is knitted with Pure Shetland DK Coffee range yarn in shade Cappuccino form Blacker Yarns. This yarn is dedicated to love of coffee and made with Shetland fleece, the finest of all British Breed wools. It comes in 6 beautiful shades. The yarn is lovely to work with and creates soft drapery fabric, which is lovely to wear next to skin.

Knitting pattern

Knitting pattern for Adult Saunter sweater comes in wide range of sizes from XS months through 3XL. It is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts. 

Knitting kits

Blacker Yarns launched the project kits for Adult Saunter sweater which can be purchased from their website. Project kits come in a recyclable box and contain the set of yarn Pure Shetland DK Coffee Range and the pattern. 

Discount code

To celebrate the pattern release I am happy to offer exclusive discount 15% off the pattern for blog readers. Please use code BLOG15 on Ravelry. Offer valid for both child and adult Saunter sweaters until 25th of September 2023.

Adult Saunter Poncho 

There is also comfortable adult poncho in my collection, which is knitted with the same cables combo and raglan sleeves. You can read more about this poncho here and find knitting patterns for it on Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

Knitting kits for Adult Saunter poncho are also available from Blacker yarns. Please see their website. 

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

Knitting pattern - Saunter sweater

As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, we can feel the familiar excitement in the air – it's the beginning of a new knitting season!

I am happy to introduce you to my new sweater design that's sure to become your fall and winter wardrobe staple. Please welcome Saunter Sweater! 

Design overview

Saunter Sweater is comfortable oversized sweater which is knitted bottom up on straight needles.  Design features are dropped shoulder, boxy silhouette and long turtleneck collar. Front of sweater is decorated with beautiful cables combination. The sweater designed with positive ease of 10-13 cm/ 4 - 5⅛ inches

Yarn choice

Saunter sweater is knitted with Pure Shetland DK Coffee range yarn in shade Latte. This yarn is dedicated to love of coffee and made with Shetland fleece, the finest of all British Breed wools. It comes in 6 beautiful shades. The yarn is lovely to work with and creates soft drapery fabric, which is lovely to wear next to skin.

Knitting pattern

Knitting pattern for Saunter sweater comes in wide range of sizes from 18-24 months through 13-14 years. It is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts. 

Knitting kits

Blacker Yarns launched the project kits for Saunter sweater which can be purchased from their website. Project kits come in a recyclable box and contain the set of yarn Pure Shetland DK Coffee Range and the pattern. 

Discount code

To celebrate the pattern release I am happy to offer 15% off the pattern with code COFFEE15 on Ravelry. Offer valid until 17th of September 2023.

Saunter Poncho 

There is also comfortable poncho in my collection, which is knitted with the same cables combo, raglan sleeves and the hood. You can read more about this poncho hear and find knitting patterns for it on Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

Knitting pattern for lacy shawl - Flaxynet shawl

I have designed a versatile shawl that suits every season of the year! Knitted in simple lacy stitch within a simple triangular design, this project is also ideal for beginners. Please welcome Flaxynet shawl.

Design overview

Knitted with easy to memorize lacy stitch, the shawl has triangular shape. Simple eyelets create a beautiful drapery fabric with exquisite texture. The knitting starts from bottom corner up which allows for adjusting of length ranging from small bandana or shawlette to a large shawl. You can add tassels to the shawl’s corners or fringe along the edges for an extra special look. You can even use your Flaxynet shawl as a sarong. The design offers so many possibilities!

Yarn choice

Flaxynet shawl is knitted with 5-ply/sport weight linen yarn, which makes it perfect for warm weather as well as for transition from summer to autumn. It can be also knitted in cotton, wool and any yarn blend. In addition, you can use thinner yarn for more delicate fabric or heavier weight for more rustic cozy look. 

My sample is knitted with Antigone by De Rerum Natura in shade heron. 

Knitting pattern

Knitting pattern for Flaxynet shawl is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts. Finished measurements for full size shawl are 56 inches (142 cm) measured along the wingspan and 26¾ inches (68 cm) measured down the centre spine

PROMO CODES FOR RAVELRY:

310 - to get 10% off for 3x patterns

515 - to get 15% off for 5x patterns

Flaxynet collection

Flaxynet shawl knitted with the same stitch as two my other recent designs – Flaxynet sweater and Flaxynet tee. Those three items create perfect collection. Knitting patterns for both are available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.