How to Pick the Best Yarn For Your Next Project
Whether socks, a scarf or even a more ambitious blanket is next on your stitching agenda, having the right kind of kit to hand will help you knit stunning designs as simply as possible. Hand-dyed yarn comes in all kinds of different shapes, sizes and colours. However, choosing the most appropriate types of thread for your project means that no matter how new to knitting you are, you’ll be able to create beautiful crafts, without dropping a single stitch.
Type of thread
The type of thread you choose depends on the knit you’re planning on crafting. With a huge variety of yarn fibres, threads and yarns available, the choice you make will help even the most novice knitters create something beautiful. The most popular types of fibre are wool, cotton and acrylic. Each has multiple benefits that can add to your design, but for complete beginners, you might find that acrylic thread offers the most resilience, so you can get the hang of stitching and purling quickly and simply.
Colour
Once you’ve chosen the type of yarn you’re going to be working with, you can start experimenting with multiple colours and patterns. Some of the most beautiful threads are hand-dyed, with unique colourings that will make your finished creation truly one of a kind. The Foundry Works stock a range of hand-dyed, multicoloured and glitter yarns from independent sellers, so whatever your favourite colour to craft with, you’re sure to find a hue that works for you.
For brand new knitters, you might find it easier to opt for lighter textures and colours, rather than darker dyes. Lighter coloured threads are visible, so you’ll find it more simple to notice any dropped stitches, and easily unpick any issues.
Elasticity
As a general rule, the thinner your thread, the easier it is to manoeuvre when it comes to beginning a new line, and pulling each stitch through. Thicker threads with a greater weight are the perfect choice for a looser type of knit, like a merino wool jumper or a chunky blanket, as they allow you to easily create a beautiful pattern, without any snags or mistakes in your stitches affecting the finished result. Going for worsted weight yarn with a little more stretch is a great idea for less experienced knitters, as you can easily manipulate it as you stitch.
Expense
While it’s easy to get carried away when it comes to choosing luxurious threads and soft yarns, it’s important to consider the longevity of the project you’re taking on. If you’re brand new to knitting, you might find it easier to go for inexpensive, soft threads like cotton or acrylic. If you’re crafting a gift or a more long term project, choosing a more luxurious yarn like cashmere will make even more of a stunning impression.
Putting a lasting knitting kit together is also a great way to save when it comes to expanding your stitching horizons. Investing in some quality plastic, aluminium or wooden needles, alongside a crochet hook and some sharp scissors, will see you through multiple knitting projects to come, without having to source new equipment each time you pick up the needles.
Durability
If you’re taking on a clothing project like socks, a scarf or even a cosy knitted jumper, the yarn you choose needs to be durable enough to go through daily wear and tear, in addition to regular washing. Some dyes are more likely than others to run, especially if they’re brighter hues, or artificially produced. Checking out whether your yarn is likely to run or shrink under washing conditions will help you make the best decision when it comes to choosing the perfect thread.
The thickness of the yarn you choose needs to be taken into account here, too. As well as the natural fibres of each type of thread affecting the weight of the yarn, your choice will impact how long your final project will last, depending on what it is being used for.
