Knitting is a fun and relaxing hobby. But if you’re just starting out, you may have quite a few questions about the specific of knitting. Luckily, this article will hopefully answer a few frequently asked questions that you might have about knitting. So keep reading and get your needles ready!
1. What information should I look for on the yarn label?
The information on the yarn label will help you select the type of yarn you want and the number of skeins you need for a project. It should include the yarn brand name, fiber content, color name and number, dye lot number, plies (number of strands), weight classification, ounces or grams or meters, knitting gauge, and home laundering and dry cleaning instructions.
2. What is meant by "Yarn Weight Classifications?"
The "yarn weight classification" refers to the size (diameter) of the yarn. The "yarn weight" required for a project and the amount of yarn needed to complete a project is specified in the project instructions. "Yarn weight classification" is a number and/or name assigned to yarn in the following designations:
1 or Super Fine (sock, baby and fingering yarn)
2 or Fine (baby and sport yarn)
3 or Light (light worsted and DK yarn)
4 or Medium (worsted, afghan and Aran yarn)
5 or Bulky (chunky, craft and rug yarn)
6 or Super Bulky (roving and bulky yarn)
3. What are double point and circular knitting needles used for?
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 used 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. The size on knitting needle required for a project is specified in the project instructions.
4. What is "gauge" and how is it determined?
Gauge is the number of stitches and rows in every inch of knitting. Each pattern you use should have a required gauge listed in order to determine the finished size of the project. It is very important that you make a gauge swatch and match it with the gauge specified in the project pattern because everyone knits differently. You may find that if you knit loosely, you may have to use a needle or hook smaller than the pattern specifies. Or if you knit 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.
5. 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 hand made item. It is recommended that delicate items be washed in a mesh laundry bag or pillow case and that you wash your hand made items separately from your other laundry.
6. Where can I get help when I have yarn questions?
In the yarn department you will find numerous yarn books that will be helpful. You can also find information at the following websites: www.learntoknit.com, www.learntocrochet.com, www.knit911.com, www.crochet911.com, and www.craftyarncouncil.com.