Tips to find the equivalent yarn for a model

Have you fallen for a knitting or crochet pattern but can't find the yarn used in the pattern? Conversely, do you love a certain yarn but can't find a pattern that uses it?

Do not worry! You can always replace the yarn used in a pattern by finding an equivalent. Let me tell you how!

Length and weight of the yarn

Usually, patterns will state the yarn with which the model was knitted and photographed. But this does not mean that you have to use the same yarn. There are many beautiful yarns and you should always feel free to substitute them with another equivalent yarn. Whether it's because of your location (not all yarns are available everywhere), your budget, or simply your preferences, you are free to choose anything you want. After all, knitting and crocheting are hobbies, and the most important thing is to have fun :)

Sometimes the pattern will indicate the weight of the yarn used: Lace, Light Fingering (or super fine), Fingering (or fine), Sport, DK, Worsted, Aran, Bulky, Super Bulky, and Jumbo. The pattern also indicates the yardage used for each size. It's the weight (or thickness) of the yarn that is the first piece of information you need. With this information, you can start looking for an equivalent yarn in the same yarn weight category. For example, if the pattern is knitted with Fingering type wool, you need to look for yarns in the Fingering category.

Then, based on the size you chose, the yardage will help you calculate the number of balls or skeins needed to complete your project.

Just a word of caution, these are approximate calculations. Indeed, pattern designers always strive to provide accurate indications. However, the larger the piece, the greater the margin of error can be. Each person's knitting or crocheting tension, a slightly different sample, small changes in the pattern, etc. can affect the initial estimate of the amount of yarn needed.

Type of fibers

In addition to yarn thickness, you should also look at the type of fibers in the original yarn. You should choose a yarn with a similar fiber content if you want to knit or crochet a piece that resembles the one in the pattern picture. Indeed, in addition to possibly affecting the yardage of the project, the fiber used can impact the characteristics of the knit.

For example, a 100% alpaca sweater will have a completely different cut and drape than a 100% wool sweater, even if the yarns are the same thickness. That's not to say that you can't do it, just that the final result will likely be different.

Mixing yarns

This is something I particularly enjoy: creating my own yarn combination for a unique result.

For example, if I want to knit a sweater and the pattern requires DK weight yarn but I am in love with a Fingering yarn (which happens to me very often). I can double my Fingering weight yarn to achieve a DK thickness. Either I double it with itself (the same yarn) or I double it with a yarn of Fingering, Light Fingering or Lace thickness but of a different texture or fiber.

Conversely, if the model is knitted double and I don't want to do that, I can choose a thicker yarn that I will use alone to complete my work. Often we see patterns with a Fingering yarn + a Mohair & Silk yarn, you can certainly replace it with a simple DK thickness yarn.

The indispensable swatch

Whatever happens (and even if you decide to take the same yarn as the pattern) making a swatch is an essential step before starting. Especially for a piece where the fit is important like a sweater!

The swatch allows you to validate the choice of yarn and the size of the needles you will use for your project. We all have different tensions and ways of knitting or crocheting. It's just the way it is. The saying to remember is: you never regret having made a swatch but you always regret not having done one…

If, after all these tips, you are still unsure about your choice, do not hesitate to come to the store and I will be happy to help you find the equivalent yarn for the pattern you wish to knit or crochet.