Marr Haven Homemhyarn@marrhaven.com
1.
What information should I look for on the yarn label?
The information
on the yarn label is helpful in selecting the type of yarn and number of skeins
needed for a project. This information includes: yarn brand name, yarn fiber content
(acrylic, cotton, wool, etc.), color name and number, dye lot number or statement
that the yarn is "no dye lot", plies (number of strands), yarn weight
classification, ounces and/or grams, yards and/or meters, knitting or crochet
gauge, home laundering and dry cleaning symbols, and home laundering instructions.
You can find the meaning of the symbols by going to www.yarnstandards.com.
3. Can
I substitute one yarn weight for another yarn weight?
No, each project
is designed to be made with a specific weight of yarn. Changing the yarn weight
will change the size and appearance of the finished project as well as change
the amount of yarn required.
4. Can I substitute different yarn brands
of the same yarn weight?
Yes, but be sure to test the gauge to make sure
that an adjustment is not necessary as you substitute one yarn for another. See
question # 8 to learn more about gauge.
5. Why do some yarns have a
dye lot number and others are no dye lot?
Some yarns are dyed in large
batches with each batch assigned a dye lot number. Using a color from the same
dye batch assures a color match from skein to skein. Other yarns are spun from
fiber that is already colored and are labeled as no dye lot yarns.
6. What are the differences in steel, aluminum, and plastic crochet hooks?
When do I use one kind or size versus another?
Crochet hooks are made
in a variety of materials such a wood, plastic, aluminum, bamboo, and steel. They
come in many sizes designed to be used with different yarn weights. The choice
of material is one of personal preference. Crochet hook sizes are indicated by
letters, numbers, or millimeters (mm). The project instructions will specify the
size of crochet hook required for the pattern.
7. What are double point
and circular knitting needles used for? How are they similar and how are they
different?
Double point and circular needles are different from straight
knitting needles and are used for seamless knitting or "knitting-in-the-round."
Double point knitting needles come in sets of four or five and are used to make
smaller round pieces such as cuffs, socks and mittens. Circular knitting needles
come in various lengths and sizes, and are the tools of choice for larger round
sections such as sleeves, collars, and the body of a sweater. Circular knitting
needles may also be used for knitting back and forth and are ideal for working
in close quarters, such as in the car. Similar to crochet hooks, knitting needles
come in a variety of materials, and the choice of which one to use is a matter
of personal preference. The size of knitting needle required for a project is
specified in the project instructions.
8. What is "gauge"
and how is it determined?
Gauge is the number of stitches and rows in
every inch of knitting and the number of stitches and rows (or rounds) in every
inch of crochet. The required gauge is specified in knitting and crochet patterns
and determines the finished size of the project. Since everyone knits and crochets
differently, it is very important that you make a gauge swatch and match it with
the gauge specified in the project pattern. You may find that if you knit or crochet
loosely, you may have to use a needle or hook smaller than the pattern specifies.
Likewise, if you knit or crochet tightly, you may need to use a needle or hook
larger than the pattern specifies. It doesn't matter what size needle or hook
you use as long as your gauge swatch has the same number of stitches and rows
per inch as specified in the pattern.
9. What is the best way to launder
projects made from yarn?
The first step is to check the laundering instructions
on the yarn label. This will tell you whether to machine wash and dry or hand-launder
and dry flat. Even if the yarn label indicates that you may machine wash and dry,
remember that you are caring for a handmade item. It is recommended that delicate
items be washed in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase, and your handmade items be
washed separately from your other laundry.