Have you ever found the perfect pattern to knit but the recommended yarn is unsuitable because
a) It has been discontinued
b) You would have to eat beans on toast all summer to afford it
c) The colours available just don't match your shoes
Although everyone advises against substituting yarn, it can often be done by following a few simple rules. Here's how:
1. Buy a yarn that knits up to the same tension on the same size needles.
This information is always available from the ball band.
2. Check the fibre content of the original yarn.
Yarns with soft fibres like silk and cashmere will have a certain "drape" to them. It is pointless trying to knit something designed for silk in pure wool, as it just will not sit the same way. Although if the recommended yarn is 70% silk, you don't necessarily have to find a yarn with the same silk content, but know your fibres- something with a high content of another soft, flowing fibre, may well do just fine.
3. Check the length of yarn on the recommended yarn and make sure you buy enough length of the yarn you are substituting.
This information is also available on the ball band. You may need more balls of the substituting yarn if there is less length per ball.
4. Keep an eye on your pattern.
Check that the measurements are what they should be as you go.
For gorgeous yarns and patterns that match perfectly, have a look at ebay shop: Lavender Yarns: Knitting Yarns and Patterns
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