Choosing the right yarn
Start with the weight your pattern asks for, since that governs tension and finished size. Then think about fibre: wool and merino are warm and elastic, cotton is cool and hard-wearing with less stretch, alpaca is soft with heavy drape, and acrylic and blends are hard-wearing and easy to wash.
How much to buy
- Work to the yardage in your pattern rather than the ball count, as ball lengths differ between yarns.
- Buy all your yarn in one dye lot to avoid visible colour shifts.
- Add a spare ball for garments, and keep a ball band for the care instructions.
Yarn questions
Can I use crochet yarn for knitting? Yes, the same yarns work for both crafts; it's the weight and tension that matter.
What's a safe all-rounder? A machine-washable DK is the most versatile choice for garments, blankets and accessories.
