Simple Crochet Tips: 7 Questions and Answers About Yarn
The right choice of yarn is crucial for a successful finished project, whether you are knitting or doing even simple crochet. You should always buy the best quality of yarn that you can afford, and you need to pay attention to certain characteristics of the yarn you want to use. Have you ever read crochet instructions about yarn, or the label of a skein of yarn, and not known what certain terms meant? This list of seven questions and answered can help you out.
1. How do you learn about the yarn you are choosing? You should always read and compare the labels. The labels will tell you the brand name of the yarn, the fiber that it is made from the color name and number, the dye lot, the number of plies or strands, the yarn’s weight classification, the gauge for knit or crochet projects, how to launder the finished product and the length of the ball that you are purchasing. Some of those pieces of information are simply a matter of personal preference or practicality, for example the color or laundering instructions. But some of the information, such as the weight classification and the gauge, will determine whether you can successfully use a particular ball of yarn for the project you are interested in making.
2. What is weight classification and why does it matter? Don’t be mislead. The term “weight classification” actually refers to the diameter of the yarn, not to the number of pounds that it weighs. It is a straight-forward measure. A smaller strand is a smaller weight.
3. My pattern was published by a yarn company and calls for their brand. Do I have to use that brand? Probably not. If you want to use a different yarn, though, you should crochet a swatch that is a couple of inches by a couple of inches to test for gauge. If your gauge is appropriate, you can use almost any yarn.
4. Yarn gauge? What is that and how do you find it? A yarn’s gauge is the number of stitches across and rows up per square inch in a swatch of crochet. Gauge can vary depending on the weight classification of the yarn, the size of the hook and the tension used by an individual crocheter. Yarn labels will give you an average gauge for the yarn and the recommended hook size. Crochet instructions will give you the correct gauge for the pattern. The correct gauge is crucial when you are crocheting a garment or anything else for which size is important. Gauge matters less for a scarf, afghan or another project for which getting the size exact is less imperative. To find your own gauge, simply crochet a swatch that is a couple of inches across and a couple of inches long. Measure a square inch within the swatch and count the stitches and rows. Compare the gauge on the yarn label, the gauge given in the crochet instructions and your own swatch to make sure that you are using the right materials. If your gauge differs, you will need to adjust the size of the hook or choose a yarn with a different weight.
5. Can I substitute one yarn weight for another one? Probably not. The weight classification of your yarn will have an enormous impact on the size and look of your project. You will also want to change the size of your hook depending on the weight of your yarn. So by changing the weight you are likely to end up with a finished project that is not the right size.
6. What are dye lots? Why don’t all yarns have them? Dye lot numbers refer to the batch of dye that a ball of yarn was dyed in at the factory. Differences in dye lots are subtle but can be noticeable in a finished product, so you should always check the dye lots of the yarn as you buy it and make sure you buy enough to complete your project. When a yarn company dyes the fibers before making the yarns, there is no dye lot number on the label.
7. How do I launder my crochet fabrics? Always refer to the laundering instructions on the yarn label. If the yarn needs to be dry cleaned, it will say so. Otherwise, hand wash your lovely handmade crochet projects in mild detergent and dry them flat. A piece of handcrafted crochet work is too special to be machine washed.