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How do I Choose the Best Knitting Wool?

Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee

Knitting wool is available in a number of types suited to different knitting projects. Factors to consider when choosing knitting wool include the gauge, color, and texture of the yarn. The fiber content of the yarn can also be very important. All fibers may not be suitable to the needs of all knitting projects. Many knitters also believe that quality is an important consideration when choosing knitting wool.

Gauge, or tension, is a knitting term that typically refers to the number of stitches that should appear in a pattern. Gauge is generally measured by the number of stitches that you can fit into a four-inch (10-centimeter) square of knitting, based on the size and thickness of the yarn. Knitting patterns often work based on gauge. The gauge on a pattern should tell you how many stitches you need to make, and how small they should be, in order for the pattern to be a success. If you choose a yarn of the wrong gauge to work your pattern, the finished product may be distorted.

Knitting needles and yarn.
Knitting needles and yarn.

You might want to consider the color and texture of any knitting wool you choose. Smooth yarns are generally easiest for beginners to work. Variegated yarns may not work well with some patterns, because they can tend to hide the stitching. Novelty yarns are often the most difficult yarns for knitters to work with, as they can present challenges related to their odd texture and fiber content.

Wool is shorn from sheep.
Wool is shorn from sheep.

The fiber content of your yarn can be very important to the success of your pattern. When choosing knitting wool, you might want to consider choosing a yarn made of fibers that meet the needs of your pattern. Some fibers, such as cotton, may not be suitable for stretch patterns. Fibers that generally lack elasticity are often best suited for afghans and garments that hang straight. Elasticized fibers are typically used to make knitting wool appropriate to fitted garment patterns.

Novelty yarns, like eyelash yarn, are often the most difficult to work with.
Novelty yarns, like eyelash yarn, are often the most difficult to work with.

Higher quality wools are generally considered less likely to pill. If you are looking for an inelastic fiber, a higher quality wool is less likely to stretch. If you are choosing elasticized wool, then a higher quality yarn will retain its elasticity for longer. Higher quality wools are also more likely to remain colorfast.

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    • Knitting needles and yarn.
      By: picsfive
      Knitting needles and yarn.
    • Wool is shorn from sheep.
      By: sevaljevic
      Wool is shorn from sheep.
    • Novelty yarns, like eyelash yarn, are often the most difficult to work with.
      By: Andreja Donko
      Novelty yarns, like eyelash yarn, are often the most difficult to work with.
    • The gauge, or stitches per inch, of wool yarn is important to consider.
      By: Ekaterina Lin
      The gauge, or stitches per inch, of wool yarn is important to consider.
    • When selecting knitting wool, make sure that the color and texture suits the knitting project.
      By: joephotostudio
      When selecting knitting wool, make sure that the color and texture suits the knitting project.
    • Wool yarn can be dyed into a variety of colors.
      By: Claudia Paulussen
      Wool yarn can be dyed into a variety of colors.
    • Different kinds of wool are be better for articles that might get wet.
      By: adisa
      Different kinds of wool are be better for articles that might get wet.