How to Read a Yarn Label – Crochet & Knit Tips

1. How to Read a Yarn Label – Crochet & Knit Tips Symfonie Yarns

2. Introduction • Yarn labels offer a lot of details that are relevant anytime you think of planning a project. Most yarn manufacturers produce a label that shares information regarding the yarn to be easily worked into crochet and knitting projects. The yarn bands are often packed around the skein, hank, ball, or form available in the local yarn store. • The labels or bands list abbreviations that may be confusing if you don’t understand the purpose. In this blog, we’ll look at the different sections of the yarn label and decode the factors that help with planning your knitting and crochet projects. Also, these details will help you choose the right project and pattern that beautifully showcases your yarn choice.

3. All about Yarn • Yarn is the soul of the creative passion of fiber artists, whether they work with knitting needles or crochet hooks. The vast world of yarn includes different fibers, textures, thicknesses, colors, and dyeing techniques. As a knitter or crocheter, using a suitable yarn for your project is essential. Not all yarns work for all projects. Take, for example, a lightweight shawl that will not suit the winter lap blanket or a hat. Understanding your yarn or, simply, accurately reading the yarn label makes the shopping process so much easier, along with planning your project. • So, the next time you are exploring yarn, here are some points the labels will cover:

4. Image credit: craftyarncouncil.com

5. Brand Name and Yarn Name • Yarn weight category • An important feature is how thick or thin the yarn is. The standard yarn weight system classifies numbered from 0 to 7. • Here are the 7 yarn weight categories, according to the Craft Yarn Council Yarn Standards. • #0 Lace weight - The thinnest yarn is typically used for delicate projects. Think of intricate patterns like lace shawls, doilies, or summer wear. • #1 Super Fine weight, also calledFingering yarns. A thin yarn is often used for socks. • #2 Fine weight, also known as Sport weight or even sock weight, and frequently used for baby clothes

6. Brand Name and Yarn Name • Yarn weight category • An important feature is how thick or thin the yarn is. The standard yarn weight system classifies numbered from 0 to 7. #4 Medium weight: Also known as worsted weight, it is versatile and is neither too thin nor too thick, ideal for sweaters. • #5 Bulky weight: Sometimes called chunky weight. A thicker yarn is typically used for winter accessories such as hats and scarves. • #6 Super bulky weight: A thick yarn typically used for accessories and home decor projects such as blankets. • #7 Jumbo weight: The thickest yarns, often used for arm-knitting and other craft projects.

7. Yarn Weight and Yardage • Also, on the label, you’ll find the physical weight of the yarn, labeled in ounces or grams, along with yards hand dyed yarn and metres. The weight tells you the amount in each ball or skein. • Most knitting or crochet patterns mention the quantity of yarn. Match it with the label to know you have enough for your project. If it’s a, you might want to have enough as the dyer produces unique lots. • Next to the weight, you’ll find the yardage. The yardage tells you the length of yarn in the ball or skein. Check the yardage in the ball against the yardage called for in the pattern to know how many balls of yarn to buy for your project.

8. Yarn fiber • Next is fiber content. This section will tell you what the yarn is made out of. The fiber content will also give you an idea of how the yarn will feel and behave. For example, wool yarn is going to be warm and durable. • Cotton yarn will be breathable. And yarns labeled “superwash” have been specially treated to make them machine washable. Many yarns are a blend of silk, acrylic, or other material. Knowing the blend percentage helps knitters and crocheters understand the yarn features and characteristics.

9. Gauge • The next part of the label is the gauge. Knitting and crochet gauge denote the stitch and row count within a designated area – typically a 4 x 4 inch (10 x 10 cm) square. Accurate gauge data is paramount, directly influencing the finished project's dimensions. Loose gauge yields an oversized project, while tight gauge results in a more miniature creation. • Typically represented by two squares – one bearing knitting needles and the other a crochet hook – gauge holds multifaceted information within a confined space: • Gauge Swatch Size: Located above or below the square, numerals denote the swatch's width and height, often measuring 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm). • Stitch and Row Count: Positioned along the square's bottom and right sides, these numbers signify stitches and rows encompassed within the swatch. Knitting squares may read something like "9 sts and 10 rows," while crochet squares could display "6 sc (single crochet) and 8 rows."

10. Recommended Needle or Hook Sizes • Written in alphanumeric codes, denote the yarn's recommended knitting needle or crochet hook sizes. • Example: "13 (9mm)" for knitting and "N-13 (9 mm)" for crochet. This recommendation, however, is adaptable, with patterns often dictating larger or smaller needles for varied fabric density. Gauge. Numbers at the bottom and right sides of the square will indicate how many stitches and rows you can fit into the gauge swatch. You’ll see something like 9 sts and 10 rows in the knitting square. You’ll see something like 6 sc (single crochet) and 8 rows in the crochet square.

11. Care instructions • Last but not least, the label will also include washing instructions. Understanding the best way to wash and dry your finished project is essential to stay beautiful for years to come. Washing instructions also mean blocking instructions; you would need them to plan your projects. Most wool yarns are hand wash only, so you won’t want to put them in your washing machine or dryer.