Does this sound familiar? You’ve found a Crochet Pattern or Knitting Pattern, but the yarn doesn’t quite have the composition or look you’re after. Maybe the yarn isn’t available anymore, or you’d like a more affordable option. So how do you find an alternative yarn for your pattern? In this blog post, we’ll explain what to look for when substituting a yarn in a pattern. Keep reading to find out more!
What should you keep in mind when substituting a yarn in a Crochet Pattern or Knitting Pattern? We’re often asked this question, and in this blog post, we’ll share some helpful Tips with you. After all, you naturally want your project to look as much like the original as possible. Plus, especially when it comes to clothing, it’s important to maintain the correct measurements. After all, you don’t want all your hard work to have been for nothing! To ensure your project turns out just as you expect, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips for substituting yarn in a pattern.
Replacing yarn in a pattern? Here's what to keep in mind:
First of all, it’s a good idea to examine the original yarn used to create the pattern. The best way to do this is to check the yarn label or search online for the yarn’s specifications. Then you can compare the yarns based on the characteristics listed below.
Stitch ratio and Needle Size
Each yarn has a unique gauge and recommended Needle Size. The gauge indicates how many stitches you need to cast on across the width to achieve a length of 10 cm, and how many rows you need to knit or crochet to achieve a length of 10 cm. You can always find this information on the yarn label. When substituting a yarn, choose an alternative that is as close as possible to the gauge and Needle Size of the original yarn.
Tip 1: Try to focus as much as possible on the gauge and needle size of the yarn itself, rather than on what’s specified in the pattern. The stitch pattern chosen for the project can also affect the needle size and gauge specified in the pattern (as is the case with lace and ajour knitting). Furthermore, some crochet projects, such as Amigurumi, do not include clear stitch ratios or gauge swatches in the pattern.
Composition of the wire
In addition to Needle Size and Stitch Ratio, it’s also important to consider the composition of the yarn: what is it made of? Projects made with Cotton take on a completely different look when you use Alpaca wool, for example, even if the Stitch Ratio is exactly the same. Furthermore, with clothing, for instance, you want the fabric to drape nicely, whereas with Amigurumi, you want a certain amount of firmness. Therefore, choose a yarn whose composition is as close as possible to the original.
Appearance of the wire
It may go without saying, but when choosing an alternative yarn that’s as close as possible to the original, you’ll also want to consider the yarn’s appearance. What kind of look does the yarn have? For example, is it fuzzy, smooth, twisted, bouclé, stiff, supple, mercerized, or matte? Yarn and Colors Must-have and Yarn and Colors Favorite, for instance, are both 100% cotton yarns for Needle Size 3mm, but because one is mercerized and the other is matte, the finished projects take on a different look.
Here's how to calculate how many balls of alternative yarn you'll need
Have you found a yarn that meets your needs? Then you’ll need to figure out how many balls of the new yarn you’ll need. Don’t fall into the trap of looking only at the weight in grams; instead, base your calculation on the length of the yarn. Use the formula below:
Number of balls of alternative yarn needed = (length of original yarn × number of balls needed according to the pattern) ÷ length of alternative yarn
Tip: If you don't end up with a whole number, always round up. That way, you won't run out of yarn and you won't end up with different dye lots.
Example: The pattern says you need 600 grams of yarn that has a length of 50 grams per 100 meters per ball. Your alternative yarn has a length of 50 grams per 125 meters per ball.
Experiment (and learn): Get started with your chosen alternative
Have you decided on a yarn? Then start by knitting or crocheting a gauge swatch—that way, you’ll quickly see if your gauge matches and if your stitches look good with the alternative yarn you’ve chosen. Even then, you can still easily adjust the size of your Crochet Hook or Knitting Needle, or recalculate your pattern if your gauge swatch doesn’t quite work out. And remember, it’s also wonderful to put your own spin on a project. After all, that’s the charm of crafting!
Having trouble figuring it out? We'd be happy to help you get started!
Need help choosing an alternative yarn? Come to the Yarnplaza Inspiration Center for personalized advice! Our expert staff can assist you in selecting an alternative yarn and help you with the conversion. Plus, you can take your chosen yarn home with you right away. The Yarnplaza Inspiration Center in Zaltbommel is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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