I’ve been crocheting and knitting for 6 decades. I’ve never regretted having leftover yarn to keep in a basket for future use. For example: preemie caps and booties for the hospital NICU, headbands and caps, neck warmers, dishcloths, etc. I like to keep my hands busy when I’m watching tv and these small items fill the time perfectly. I can also take a small bag to a friend’s house or to a family gathering. (If they admire the item, I try to finish it there so I can leave it as a gift.)
Great video! I also want to add that sometimes yarn (especially yarns that are indi/hand/kettle dyed) do not have dye lots on them. In this case, you'll want to "stripe" the yarn. You'll take two balls of yarn and do one row with one ball and one row with the other. Also, if it is an indi dyer or another smaller shop, they may be able to do a custom order for you in sweater/blanket quantities to ensure all of your skeins match, essentially giving you a "dye lot".
Here's why I love watching Nancy's videos. As a beginner knitter, I've searched for instructions via You Tube. There are many videos out there, but I like to watch quick, short, to the point videos. There are many out there that are 45 minutes and their production quality is poor. I get a sense they like to hear themselves talk and talk and try to be witty. Now with Nancy, she gets right to the point and gives you the info she intends to give. I have learned more from watching a few of Nancy's video than I have from others. Thank you Nancy. Keep posting. I love it!!! Anytime you can teach a new knitter something, I'm watching!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so so much for this video, I'm a fifteen yr who's getting into knitting and I couldn't figure out how to get the right yarn for my project, and you were the only one that actually explained this!
Great tips... I’ve learned...the hard way...to buy more yarn than I thunk I will need... I no longer buy only one skein...because I live the color...I buy at oeast two...more if I really love it.
I think these 5 points are really excellent ones. Some comments challenge them -- which is fine for someone who has been knitting a long time. But there recommendations -- and information -- I think are excellent. I loved another one that was given in a separate video reminding to look at -- check! -- your knitting regularly as you go along. I find that this is essential when knitting lace. It is so easy to miss a YO and discover the stiches are off a few rows later. It's so much easier to fix those mistakes sooner than later, and inspecting your knitting regularly, as you go along, helps to avoid these kinds of mistakes. I love these videos and greatly appreciate the time and effort Nancy had has given to creating them. :)
Yes! Doing a lace shawl now Had to think twice ! Those psso need to be checked I've been too fast and ended up w extra stitch from not ensuring the loop was completely passed over Now I just mark and correct on the next row .😉
In 58 years of knitting I have never done a gauge swatch, never used the recommended yarn and all my projects have come out perfect. I have made hundreds of sweaters, shawls, socks, afghans, hats etc. The only thing I do is make sure the dye lots are the same. I have broken every “rule”.
I am exactly the same Elaine! Rules are made to be broken! I have never had any problems with anything I've made. I am absolutely insistent on matching dye lots though.
Yep, same here. I never knit a swatch and I always use acrylics for everything. Acrylic yarn can be washed and dried and is long wearing. There are yarn snobs who turn up their noses at acrylic yarn, but it is all I use.
This was a really helpful video! Im in the middle of knitting a blanket and I made mistake number 4 and only bought a 3rd of the yarn needed, so I had to go back and buy more. Never heard of color lots before this and instantly went to check the balls of yarn for my blanket. I happened to get really lucky that they were all from the same color lot, but its very good to know that in the future I need to check because I never knew the same kind of yarn could have slightly different colors until now. Thank you so much for making this video!
You gave some good pointers. Just purchased some hand dyed(fingering) cotton yarn. The label said there were 335 yds. On my swift I have a counter. I rewound 3 balls were much less than the label. Wrote the manufacturer and suggested them to check their skeins. Sure enough they were short. Making a shawl which I've made 3 times. If I hadn't had the row counter, I would have run short which I was planning to make much later. Would have been in big trouble. Have you experienced that? Thank you , really enjoy your channel.👍🏼🤗
Hi Terri, I have encountered that a few times but more rarely than you would think. The yarns are based on weight not yardage, so they are giving a rough estimate when providing yardage. Sometimes with hand dyes, you'll get differences in different dye batches or lots of yarn which may impact the weight/yardage. I'm glad you caught the mistake and were able to get it corrected by the manufacturer! 😀
This video reminded me of my 4H knitting club leader and how many great things she taught us junior knitters. Now that I am mentioning this I’m thinking I should be giving back by volunteering to teach.
Lots of good info in this video. I never thought of staying with the fiber that the pattern calls for. I usually don’t like knitting with acrylic yarns. I don’t like the feel so I usually just get a mix of acrylic and natural fiber if I have to. Experimenting and swatching helps. Thank you for the tips!
I have just found you and listened to a question and answer video where you talked about gage, blocking, staying true to pattern and more. I have also watched you video on how to pick our correct yarn. I’m a senior lady who is getting back in the knitting saddle. Everything you spoke about what what I needed to hear. Can you send me a website or can you send me the two charges you talked about. I will continue to find your other videos. thanks. Maureen
I'm new to your channel but an old knitter. It would be easier if yarn manufacturers and pattern designers would use this numbering system consistently.
These are great tips. I think my biggest mistake was matching my yarn weight rather than doing that & considering the yarn content. Big help for me. Thanks!
Great tips Nancy! This is a very valuable resource for new knitters. I had been knitting for years before learning the numbering system. In fairness to myself I don’t think it was around back then. And I’ve always been aware of dye lots. But it’s great to know the different yarn weights. After a while you can pretty much tell what they are. Thanks for sharing! Very good information!
Hi Thea, You're right the numbering system hasn't been around that long but it does make selecting yarns so much easier! Thanks for all your kind words and tips! 😀
I have made all those errors at one time or another. My biggest issue now is that I have a fair amount of yarn, but never enough to make a pattern. When and if I ever use it up I am going to obtain pattern and yarn together. If I have a pattern, I will buy the yarn to go with the pattern. That is my goal....will I ever get there???
You can make feathers with the leftover yarn. Look for "macramé feather" online. You can also do fringes, borders (like vertical crochet patterns), pompoms, embroidery, or any smaller appliqués in clothes, blankets, pillows, jewelry, dog collars, etc. Using beads and whatnot. Christmas décor too. I also have bits of different yarn balls that I really want to get rid of, so I am doing all sorts of unique projects. Some I will gift away to friends and family. It does excite creativity!
I think these are all good rules of thumb to decrease frustration for knitters. I have made the mistake of not matching dye lots when there was not enough of one dye lot for a luxurious solid color silk yarn that I just HAD to have. To my eye, in the store, I could not see much if any difference😆. Unfortunately the human eye is extremely sensitive to color when side by side in neat rows, and you could definitely see the issue on the cardi I made, I.e. my first. Our eyes are so sensitive, that paint stores recommend mixing gallons of paint as you go even if they are dosed with color and mixed in the same trip to the store! The other tough lesson I learned with that project is that silk REALLY stretches and grows with the weight of the garment and laundering, even if you use extreme caution! I have found the same to be true of bamboo and other plant based fibers, but I just LOVE those darn fibers anyway!!! Definitely need to knit/crochet small to account for it if using that type of yarn! IMO though, you can SOMETIMES get away with swapping the dye lot within a project for striped yarns as long as you avoid changing lots within a stripe. It’s a little risky, but I’ve done it successfully! Color is truly fascinating to me!
Enjoyed the video. There is a conundrum when patterns mix different yarns for a project. This seems to be happening more these days, which is making it difficult to match tension using alternative yarns.
Advising to substitute yarn with the same fibre content is very well if you don't have allergies - a lot of the time the whole point of substituting yarn is to avoid allergens! Also, substituting yarn with the same weight category and fiber content doesn't guarantee a match! I am at the moment working with a discontinued 4 weight yarn that is 80% acrylic and 20% wool. The yarn is a little rough for a jumper so I decided to make a blanket. However, the yarn is discontinued and it isn't enough, so I have to add a different brand of yarn. The weight and the fiber content are exactly the same, but the new yarn is still noticeably softer and thinner! I wouldn't get away with it if I was making a garment, but luckily it's a blanket with a forgiving pattern: I can adjust my stitches to make the difference unnoticeable unless you look closely... I bought the yarn when I had no idea of how much yarn I would need for a blanket and I certainly didn't plan to make anything bigger than a single bed or baby blanket. Now, if I find yarn that I don't know yet what it is going to be yet, I always buy a large enough quantity to make at least a jumper. I can always use the leftover with another project, whether it is mittens or a hat, combining with other yarn to make a lap blanket or a shawl, or even making granny squares to practice new stitches.
I agree! I can't with animal fibres unfortunately without my hands swelling up due to allergies, so im forced to stick to plant based or man made fibres. But most patterns i find are with animal fibres :(
@@jkat3911 Hi, I like to use machine washable yarns for blankets such as Merino Superwash, wool/acrylic blends, and acrylic. You're in for a treat! I have an Ultimate Guide to Blankets that will tell you how much yarn you need: blog.nobleknits.com/blog/2015/10/2/ultimate-baby-blanket-guide
I really appreciate the current standardized yarn gauge charts, but I also love vintage patterns which were based on British tetms of plys which I srill get confused by. Then I sometimes shop for cotton yarn which is so frequently used by weavers and that is gauged in wraps per inch or wpi and comes in 8's, i.e. 2/8 or 4/8 or 8/8. How I wish there was a chart standaedizing ALL OF THESE TERMS FOR KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS!
Ive had no dye lot yarn not match Was making an afghan and got sideways with Halloween costumes n holidays Went to gett more and def different color I just alternated balls every row until just the newer shade Worked out but never did that again !
I've found it really matters. I was learning with acrylic dk, kept messing up. My son grabbed me a ball of 30% merino wool, the WI brand, and I started and finished a scarf! I had to frog about 8 inches of work when I realised I had added a stitch after getting too cocky and stopping counting lol, lesson learned. Keep counting regularly, and wool is easier for me. I had far more tension issues with acrylic, but I'm going back to it now to try and get over them. Anyone have advice for someone whose first row is always messy? I'd love to not end up with a big loop at the end of the first few rows lol😅
My biggest buying mistakes were made because I went for the softest skein. Oh, that lovely squishy yarn was delicious but doesn’t work for some projects.
Hi Suzanne, Oh not to worry! I don't think there is a knitter out there who hasn't walked into a yarn shop and bought yarn just because it's SO DARN SOFT and SQUISHY! 😉
Much easier to choose needles size & the yarn, knit a sample, wash it by hand, dry it, then measure it 10 cm and you will know exactly how many stitches in 1 cm, and you will know how many sts to pick up for your size of your project. 💕👋😊
@@nobleknits Furthermore, if you knit your own project and not from the Pattern, what you do: say if in 10 cm of your knitted sample is 21 sts, you : 21 sts by 10 cm = 2.1 sts will be in 1 cm, then measure your hips (which is wider place in your body), example 120 cm × 2.1 sts = 252 sts to cast on (that is if you knit on circular needles/or divide by 2 for Front & Back, if you knit front separately from back), if your knitting you start from the bottom - hips. Sometimes you have to minus 10% from that final figure, if wool is stretch easily. Glad to be Helpful. 👈👍😊
You forgot to mention the mistake of seeing/feeling a skein of yarn and impulse buying, with no idea what you will make of it. Or is that more addiction than error in buying?
Definitely an addiction, bought 50g of silkyarn for 14€ because it was so soft. What the f do I do with only 50gram?! It's to expensive to buy more of it and now it just sits in my drawer...
We are yarn lovers here! Everyone I know has bought yarn just because it is wonderful and had no idea what they were going to knit with it. I think it's a fiber addiction 😀
Hi Nancy! When there is an annual sales of yarn with much lower prices and I don't necessary have a project in mind. Which type of yarn should I stock up for later? Thank you.
What kind of projects do you usually knit and are likely to make again? How much yarn do they normally use? Check your existing patterns before going out for educated guestimates. If you see a yarn you really like have a nosy in the patterns section for that yarn. Even if there isn't one you want it will guide you for what the minimum is for a hip length, roll neck, long sleeved garment in a loose finished fit on you. Or the biggest, yarn hungry version of what it might be used for. Long sleeved A line dress in finer yarn is similar to a summer twinset. Ribbed patterns take a lot more yarn than st st. Aran textures use extra too. An extra ball helps and could be enough for a matching beanie.
ooooh great question. I'd think "sock-weight" yarn is the most flexible for later use- it can be used for lace work and shawls, or doubled/paired up with another yarn to make a dk/worsted weight if you needed something heavier. Plus lots of color-work patterns are often sock-weight, so knitters like to have lots of different colors on hand. For myself, I almost always go for superwash, merino or non-merino, usually in cool/blue tones. And I'm trying to be less of a sucker for multi-colorways that look soooo pretty in store but rarely knit up well.
4:50 and my mind is saying: "but I think I MIGHT be able to make it work if the stitch pattern is in a multiple of 3 or 4...or even 6, 7 or 8....especially if I manipulate the Mandala just a teeny bit either with tension or hook/needle size (depending on whether crocheting or knitting) because I can round up that 22 to 24 or down to a 21 or 20 unless I go up in hook size (which is likely what I'd have to do with crochet due to death grip.)...of course the heavier weight yarn won't look as delicate but that'll work depending on the project" Other part of my brain: "Okay, chica, whoa! Slow down there! Drink some more coffee and finish listening to what Miss Nancy has to say"
Lol! Turkey! Or online. Actually it depends on where you live. I live in NY but on Long Island. We just don't have much of a selection in our brick and mortar stores. We have Michael's, Joann's, Hobby Lobby & Walmart here. Walmart dies not even fill 25% of one aisle with yarn (an aisle being both left and right sides with no breaks start to end) in the northern midwest, you would find more in all of these places.
Welcome to the US! 🇺🇸When you get here, do a search on Google for a yarn shop near you. You may have several boutique stores in your area that carry luxury and hand dyed yarns. In addition, check out KnitPicks.com: www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=726901&u=2075840&m=59159 as well as LionBrand.com: www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1026079&u=2075840&m=72611
How do you sub in Wool acrylic blends like the multitudinous “superwash” yarns? I use them as you would an animal fiber but that’s just been my habit. I don’t know if that’s the rule…
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!! I am severely allergic to wool, and pretty much refrain from using any animal fiber yarns, because I don't want to spend all that money only to have to "throw away" the yarn or half finished product because I'm breaking out in hives. Which means, I always have to substitute (usually) man-made fibers. What tips do you have for people like me?
Use gloves when you knit or stick to other fibers. And don t wear the wool . I am also allergic but I do wear socks and then woolen socks on top or a blouse and then a woolen jacket.not directly on skin but on another material and it keeps me warm
I guess these rules apply if you want to stick to a pattern in a book/magazine. If I had come accross this video when I started knitting I would have given up. 🙂
you mention stitches but you do not mention which stitch.. I do crochet and it seems a blind stitch. one pattern could be waffle and one pattern is back look.. So my question what is this "guess" on what the stitch they used to get this particular gauge.
One thing I've noticed with the yarn weight,is you should be careful with different brands. They may say their the same weight but be different. So they wouldn't work up the same.
You're right, Alicia. That's why it's not an exact science and it takes some trial and error to know what works. I recommend knitting a gauge swatch before you start a project to make sure the yarn looks the way you want it to. Thanks for sharing your advice! 😀
I got a kit from mary maxim for a knitted sweater for my granddaughter. The kit contained pattern and yarn. The pattern was no problem at all but the yarn SUCKED. It wasnt twisted, just straight threads lined up. It split constantly no matter how careful I was. I had to go back and fix stitches time and time again. I will make another sweater using different yarn. The yarn is called Mary Maxim oh my so soft. Horrible yarn.
Hi Knitting Nana, I'm so sorry you had that experience! Check out Knit Picks: www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=726901&u=2075840&m=59159 They make really lovely yarn for all types of projects! 😀
I agree that if you are doing a large solid color project, go the extra mile and match dye lots. Also buy the extra skein and tape the receipt to the label and put it in a ziploc. However I watched your video waiting for you to alter or rescind your first tip/solution. I know women that only work or mostly work in wool or wool blends. I know women who are allergic to all animal fibers (not certain about silk). I have one friend who is allergic to all animal fibers and also feathers. (And her idiot doctor wanted to remove her tonsils! Thank God her chiropractor told her get a 2nd opinion and make sure they know about the alergies. Forty years later & she still has her tonsils.) So what suggestion do you make for her? She cannot stay within the animal family of fibers. Surely there is a synthetic or synthetic blend that can match the give of animal fiber. Isn't a touch of nylon recommended for socks for that reason? (This is a sincere question as I really don't know, I thought it was for "give" in the finished sock though I don't know if nylon really has give.) So your first solution to the error is not a solution at all. Maybe a video on synthetic fibers would be a good idea, for exactly the "substitution" need/reason. Let's face it, people also substitute out of financial need too. I mostly crochet. With both knit & crochet, an item can have stretch depending on the stitch you are using as well as fiber content. My whole post is actually genuine & sincere. Please don't read any kind of attack or hate in it. I am actually eager for a reply. That's why I tune in, to learn. When I have them, I don't hold back, I am a question asker.
Hi! So i think i may have the answer to a couple of questions you had. Nylon in sock yarn is typically used for strength so that the wool (or whatever fiber you may be using) will have a longer life. As far as yarn substitutions, there is bamboo which is quite strong and super soft, cotton (but it is not very stretchy, does have a nice drape for shawls though), and acrylic. You can also use the website yarnsub.com for a wide range of substitutions for yarn.
Hi Maria, Thank you so much for bringing up very good points. I will add a synthetic yarn sub tutorial to my video. I created this video as a very basic tutorial for people just getting into knitting. However, my mother was allergic to wool and silk so I was always giving her yarn substitutions as well. I look forward to making this video! Thanks again! 😀
@@kerridinsmore1528 thank you for your insights. Now that you mention it I do recall something I heard about wear, in regard to the nylon in socks, that does relate directly to stregnth. Oh, and thanx for the site, I will check it out. (I love bamboo, but yeah not what I would think of for give in fabric.)
@@nobleknits I totally agree. Could you please also include plant based fibers in that sub tutorial? I wouldn't want to wear an all-acrylic sweater, for example, but I would love to learn what I have to pay attention to to choose a yarn for a pattern that was written for wool.
Animal-based fibers are so expensive that I NEVER use them even if my pattern calls for them. I'm NOT paying $25-$50+ PER SKEIN/cake/hank/whatever to make a project that requires 2 or more of those!
Hi Darcy, Thanks for your feedback! While there are lots of yarns in the $25-$50+ price range, you don't have to spend that much for animal based fibers! My favorite place to purchase beautiful yarns at a great price is Knit Picks: www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=726901&u=2075840&m=59159
With all due respect, there are a number of issues with this video. No. 1. It is true that if you use a different yarn from what is advised in the pattern, you will get a different drape and feel. But I think I've used the recommended yarn maybe twice in my life (I am 62 and have been knitting since I was 7). I am highly sensitive to any and all animal fibres, even in combination form. If I only used the type of yarn recommended, then I would never knit a pattern which calls for animal yarn. Yeah, like that's gonna happen. It is important to know that it will come out differently, but if you know that to begin with, it'll be fine. No. 2. The weight-- the problem is that there are plenty of yarns higher than 20 sts per 10 cm/4" which are labeled as "4", worsted weight, and then plenty at 19 or 20 which are labeled DK. Go by gauge, period. And when you know what you're doing, you can play with that as well. No. 3. Yes, yes and yes. And be careful of yarns which are labeled "NO DYE LOT". They lie, lie, lie. And if you call the company, they will confirm that there are still dye lots in those yarns. Ask me how I know. Always, always get the same dye lot. Skeins may look the same in the shop, you'll think, oh, these match fine. And then that one half of that one sleeve just has that block of colour that isn't quite like the rest of it. And then you try to go get more, and there is no more of that dye lot to be found. Can ruin your project. Which leads me to-- Nos. 4 and 5 are pretty much the same advice, and the one point with which I do agree: Always make sure you are calculating your yarn to be enough, and yes, I always, always, always buy an extra skein.
Hi Amie, Thank you so much for all your knitting tips and advice. Most of the advice I provided was for beginners just getting their toes wet in the world of yarn...there is so much to learn and I appreciate all your additional knowledge! 😀
@@nobleknits You're so right-- your video is I'm sure extremely useful for new knitters who don't understand yarn subbing, how much to get, and what the results will be. You have probably some from a lot of heartache and frustration!:-)
No mistakes in yarn using different yarns, making projects can come alive using different sizes of yarn and different types of yarn. When crafting there are no rules. you are just plain wrong. Have been crocheting for over 20 yrs.
I’ve been crocheting and knitting for 6 decades. I’ve never regretted having leftover yarn to keep in a basket for future use. For example: preemie caps and booties for the hospital NICU, headbands and caps, neck warmers, dishcloths, etc. I like to keep my hands busy when I’m watching tv and these small items fill the time perfectly. I can also take a small bag to a friend’s house or to a family gathering. (If they admire the item, I try to finish it there so I can leave it as a gift.)
Great video! I also want to add that sometimes yarn (especially yarns that are indi/hand/kettle dyed) do not have dye lots on them. In this case, you'll want to "stripe" the yarn. You'll take two balls of yarn and do one row with one ball and one row with the other. Also, if it is an indi dyer or another smaller shop, they may be able to do a custom order for you in sweater/blanket quantities to ensure all of your skeins match, essentially giving you a "dye lot".
Hi Kerri, Great tip on hand dyed yarns! Thanks so much for sharing! 😀
I’m just wanting to learn and am glad you’re explaining everything….
Here's why I love watching Nancy's videos. As a beginner knitter, I've searched for instructions via You Tube. There are many videos out there, but I like to watch quick, short, to the point videos. There are many out there that are 45 minutes and their production quality is poor. I get a sense they like to hear themselves talk and talk and try to be witty. Now with Nancy, she gets right to the point and gives you the info she intends to give. I have learned more from watching a few of Nancy's video than I have from others. Thank you Nancy. Keep posting. I love it!!! Anytime you can teach a new knitter something, I'm watching!!!!!!!!!
Hi P Saldana, Thank you for the kind words - you made my day! 😀I've got lots more tips, tricks, and project ideas coming your way! 🥰
I just started crocheting yesterday and wow, I had no idea how there were so many kinds of yarn and there is a purpose for each.
There are no mistakes in buying yarn there are mistakes in matching the right yarn to project
I mean, buying yarn at $14 when you could find it for $7 is a mistake...
Thank you so so much for this video, I'm a fifteen yr who's getting into knitting and I couldn't figure out how to get the right yarn for my project, and you were the only one that actually explained this!
Hi Ana, I'm so glad you found it helpful! Let me know if you have any other knitting questions! 😍
Great tips... I’ve learned...the hard way...to buy more yarn than I thunk I will need... I no longer buy only one skein...because I live the color...I buy at oeast two...more if I really love it.
Thanks for sharing, Sandy! 😀
I think these 5 points are really excellent ones. Some comments challenge them -- which is fine for someone who has been knitting a long time. But there recommendations -- and information -- I think are excellent. I loved another one that was given in a separate video reminding to look at -- check! -- your knitting regularly as you go along. I find that this is essential when knitting lace. It is so easy to miss a YO and discover the stiches are off a few rows later. It's so much easier to fix those mistakes sooner than later, and inspecting your knitting regularly, as you go along, helps to avoid these kinds of mistakes. I love these videos and greatly appreciate the time and effort Nancy had has given to creating them. :)
Hi Carren, Thank you for your kind words and knitting tips! 😀
Yes! Doing a lace shawl now Had to think twice ! Those psso need to be checked I've been too fast and ended up w extra stitch from not ensuring the loop was completely passed over Now I just mark and correct on the next row .😉
i enjoy your videos so much i am a knitter and retired hairstylist i must say your hair is beautiful the cut and natural color are stunning
In 58 years of knitting I have never done a gauge swatch, never used the recommended yarn and all my projects have come out perfect. I have made hundreds of sweaters, shawls, socks, afghans, hats etc. The only thing I do is make sure the dye lots are the same. I have broken every “rule”.
So, you know the main knitters' rule: break all rules, if you know how))))
I am exactly the same Elaine! Rules are made to be broken! I have never had any problems with anything I've made. I am absolutely insistent on matching dye lots though.
Yep, same here. I never knit a swatch and I always use acrylics for everything. Acrylic yarn can be washed and dried and is long wearing. There are yarn snobs who turn up their noses at acrylic yarn, but it is all I use.
How does a sweater fit?
You sound like my kindred! I also have trouble sticking faithfully to a pattern and always find myself going rogue 🤭 😁
This was a really helpful video! Im in the middle of knitting a blanket and I made mistake number 4 and only bought a 3rd of the yarn needed, so I had to go back and buy more. Never heard of color lots before this and instantly went to check the balls of yarn for my blanket. I happened to get really lucky that they were all from the same color lot, but its very good to know that in the future I need to check because I never knew the same kind of yarn could have slightly different colors until now. Thank you so much for making this video!
Hi Fire, I'm so glad you found the video helpful and were able to apply the information on your next shopping trip! 😀
Very helpful. Thank you.
You gave some good pointers. Just purchased some hand dyed(fingering) cotton yarn. The label said there were 335 yds. On my swift I have a counter. I rewound 3 balls were much less than the label. Wrote the manufacturer and suggested them to check their skeins. Sure enough they were short. Making a shawl which I've made 3 times. If I hadn't had the row counter, I would have run short which I was planning to make much later. Would have been in big trouble. Have you experienced that? Thank you , really enjoy your channel.👍🏼🤗
Hi Terri, I have encountered that a few times but more rarely than you would think. The yarns are based on weight not yardage, so they are giving a rough estimate when providing yardage. Sometimes with hand dyes, you'll get differences in different dye batches or lots of yarn which may impact the weight/yardage.
I'm glad you caught the mistake and were able to get it corrected by the manufacturer! 😀
This video reminded me of my 4H knitting club leader and how many great things she taught us junior knitters. Now that I am mentioning this I’m thinking I should be giving back by volunteering to teach.
That's a great idea, Ruth! ❤️
Lots of good info in this video. I never thought of staying with the fiber that the pattern calls for. I usually don’t like knitting with acrylic yarns. I don’t like the feel so I usually just get a mix of acrylic and natural fiber if I have to. Experimenting and swatching helps. Thank you for the tips!
As a new knitter I sure appreciated this!!!!
Hi Robin, Welcome to the knitting world! I'm so glad you found me and the video was helpful! 😀
I am new to knitting. Thank you for these great rules and info for buying yarn.
Hi Sarah, I'm so glad you found them helpful! 😀
I have just found you and listened to a question and answer video where you talked about gage, blocking, staying true to pattern and more. I have also watched you video on how to pick our correct yarn.
I’m a senior lady who is getting back in the knitting saddle. Everything you spoke about what what I needed to hear. Can you send me a website or can you send me the two charges you talked about. I will continue to find your other videos. thanks. Maureen
I'm new to your channel but an old knitter. It would be easier if yarn manufacturers and pattern designers would use this numbering system consistently.
Hi Nikki, I agree! They are slowly adopting the CYC weight system. I see more and more use it every year. 😀
These are great tips. I think my biggest mistake was matching my yarn weight rather than doing that & considering the yarn content. Big help for me. Thanks!
So glad you found it helpful, Berni! 😀
Great tips Nancy! This is a very valuable resource for new knitters. I had been knitting for years before learning the numbering system. In fairness to myself I don’t think it was around back then. And I’ve always been aware of dye lots. But it’s great to know the different yarn weights. After a while you can pretty much tell what they are. Thanks for sharing! Very good information!
Hi Thea, You're right the numbering system hasn't been around that long but it does make selecting yarns so much easier! Thanks for all your kind words and tips! 😀
You’re very welcome Nancy!❣️
I have made all those errors at one time or another. My biggest issue now is that I have a fair amount of yarn, but never enough to make a pattern. When and if I ever use it up I am going to obtain pattern and yarn together. If I have a pattern, I will buy the yarn to go with the pattern. That is my goal....will I ever get there???
You can make feathers with the leftover yarn. Look for "macramé feather" online.
You can also do fringes, borders (like vertical crochet patterns), pompoms, embroidery, or any smaller appliqués in clothes, blankets, pillows, jewelry, dog collars, etc. Using beads and whatnot. Christmas décor too.
I also have bits of different yarn balls that I really want to get rid of, so I am doing all sorts of unique projects. Some I will gift away to friends and family. It does excite creativity!
I think these are all good rules of thumb to decrease frustration for knitters. I have made the mistake of not matching dye lots when there was not enough of one dye lot for a luxurious solid color silk yarn that I just HAD to have. To my eye, in the store, I could not see much if any difference😆. Unfortunately the human eye is extremely sensitive to color when side by side in neat rows, and you could definitely see the issue on the cardi I made, I.e. my first. Our eyes are so sensitive, that paint stores recommend mixing gallons of paint as you go even if they are dosed with color and mixed in the same trip to the store! The other tough lesson I learned with that project is that silk REALLY stretches and grows with the weight of the garment and laundering, even if you use extreme caution! I have found the same to be true of bamboo and other plant based fibers, but I just LOVE those darn fibers anyway!!! Definitely need to knit/crochet small to account for it if using that type of yarn! IMO though, you can SOMETIMES get away with swapping the dye lot within a project for striped yarns as long as you avoid changing lots within a stripe. It’s a little risky, but I’ve done it successfully! Color is truly fascinating to me!
Hi Corri, Thanks for sharing all the yarn problems and advice you learned the hard way! 😀
Enjoyed the video. There is a conundrum when patterns mix different yarns for a project. This seems to be happening more these days, which is making it difficult to match tension using alternative yarns.
So helpful! I always ignore the detail to my peril! Thank you! You're a find!
Thanks, Mona! I'm so glad you discovered me! 😀
@@nobleknits I love your little logo of the sheep.. he's adorable! I stopped eating lamb.. how can I when I knit!
@@monazaki7227 Thanks, Mona! Her name is Olive Ewe ❤️
Great tips simply explained. Love the new glasses, they light up your face🤩
Thank you so much, Helen! 🥰
Could you do a video on holding yarns together and the quantities of each. I found this video very easy to understand 😊
You need to know this for crochet as well.
You are absolutely right, Pauly! 😀
Great resource for knitters and crochet ears, thank you,
You're welcome, Pat! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video 😀
I tend to use mostly cotton mix and it is usually the right thing to use
Thanks for sharing, Joyce! 😀
Your site is one of my favorite knit sites!
Hi Nealie, Wow! 😍That made my day, thanks!
I’ve just discovered your site and enjoy your advice and ideas
Hi Robyn, I'm thrilled you found me! I'll keep the knitting ideas and tips coming! 😀
Wow my first time with you. I will be back. 👌👍
Hi Elizabeth, I'm so glad you discovered me and enjoyed the video! 😀
Advising to substitute yarn with the same fibre content is very well if you don't have allergies - a lot of the time the whole point of substituting yarn is to avoid allergens! Also, substituting yarn with the same weight category and fiber content doesn't guarantee a match!
I am at the moment working with a discontinued 4 weight yarn that is 80% acrylic and 20% wool. The yarn is a little rough for a jumper so I decided to make a blanket. However, the yarn is discontinued and it isn't enough, so I have to add a different brand of yarn. The weight and the fiber content are exactly the same, but the new yarn is still noticeably softer and thinner! I wouldn't get away with it if I was making a garment, but luckily it's a blanket with a forgiving pattern: I can adjust my stitches to make the difference unnoticeable unless you look closely... I bought the yarn when I had no idea of how much yarn I would need for a blanket and I certainly didn't plan to make anything bigger than a single bed or baby blanket.
Now, if I find yarn that I don't know yet what it is going to be yet, I always buy a large enough quantity to make at least a jumper. I can always use the leftover with another project, whether it is mittens or a hat, combining with other yarn to make a lap blanket or a shawl, or even making granny squares to practice new stitches.
Hi Claptrap, You made some great points! Thanks for sharing your tips and yarn substitution ideas. 😀
I agree! I can't with animal fibres unfortunately without my hands swelling up due to allergies, so im forced to stick to plant based or man made fibres. But most patterns i find are with animal fibres :(
Hy can you please share how much yarn you need for a blanket and which type of yarn material is best
@@jkat3911 Hi, I like to use machine washable yarns for blankets such as Merino Superwash, wool/acrylic blends, and acrylic. You're in for a treat! I have an Ultimate Guide to Blankets that will tell you how much yarn you need: blog.nobleknits.com/blog/2015/10/2/ultimate-baby-blanket-guide
I really appreciate the current standardized yarn gauge charts, but I also love vintage patterns which were based on British tetms of plys which I srill get confused by. Then I sometimes shop for cotton yarn which is so frequently used by weavers and that is gauged in wraps per inch or wpi and comes in 8's, i.e. 2/8 or 4/8 or 8/8. How I wish there was a chart standaedizing ALL OF THESE TERMS FOR KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS!
Needle recommendation.
Excellent tips for a beginner like me. Thanks a lot
I never buy an extra skein but I always seem to use one less than is called for by the pattern anyway! I think it might be a tension thing?
Ive had no dye lot yarn not match Was making an afghan and got sideways with Halloween costumes n holidays Went to gett more and def different color I just alternated balls every row until just the newer shade Worked out but never did that again !
Nancy, I always appreciate your reminders!!!!
Thanks, Nancy! 😀
Good video Nancy. Should you buy extra yarn to allow for the gauge swatch?
Hi Stacy, Yes! Excellent point - I should have mentioned that in the video. Designers usually don't include yardage for the gauge swatch. 😀
Hi Stacy, Yes! Excellent point - I should have mentioned that in the video. Designers usually don't include yardage for the gauge swatch. 😀
@@nobleknits Thank you.
Thank you so much for this information it helps me lot with my knitting!!
Hi Meagan, I'm so happy it's helpful for you! 😀Let me know if you ever have knitting questions!
Your presentation was nicely done. Good rips
Tips were good
Hi Patty, thanks for your kind words and correction...at first I thought..did I 💨??? LOL 😉
Thank you Nancy! All good points!
You're welcome, Donna. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 😀
Very useful video and very well presented. Thank you.
I've found it really matters. I was learning with acrylic dk, kept messing up. My son grabbed me a ball of 30% merino wool, the WI brand, and I started and finished a scarf! I had to frog about 8 inches of work when I realised I had added a stitch after getting too cocky and stopping counting lol, lesson learned. Keep counting regularly, and wool is easier for me. I had far more tension issues with acrylic, but I'm going back to it now to try and get over them. Anyone have advice for someone whose first row is always messy? I'd love to not end up with a big loop at the end of the first few rows lol😅
Thank you! Great tips Nancy!
Hi Faye, I'm so glad you enjoyed them! 😀
My biggest buying mistakes were made because I went for the softest skein. Oh, that lovely squishy yarn was delicious but doesn’t work for some projects.
Hi Suzanne, Oh not to worry! I don't think there is a knitter out there who hasn't walked into a yarn shop and bought yarn just because it's SO DARN SOFT and SQUISHY! 😉
We do not have the symbol of weight yarn in Germany or most of Europe. The label tells you only the recommended size needle.
Much easier to choose needles size & the yarn, knit a sample, wash it by hand, dry it, then measure it 10 cm and you will know exactly how many stitches in 1 cm, and you will know how many sts to pick up for your size of your project. 💕👋😊
Great tip, Larissa! Thanks for sharing 😀
@@nobleknits Furthermore, if you knit your own project and not from the Pattern, what you do: say if in 10 cm of your knitted sample is 21 sts, you : 21 sts by 10 cm = 2.1 sts will be in 1 cm, then measure your hips (which is wider place in your body), example 120 cm × 2.1 sts = 252 sts to cast on (that is if you knit on circular needles/or divide by 2 for Front & Back, if you knit front separately from back), if your knitting you start from the bottom - hips.
Sometimes you have to minus 10% from that final figure, if wool is stretch easily.
Glad to be Helpful. 👈👍😊
@@larissakravcova8626 Great advice for all of these knitters - thanks for sharing! 😀
Certainly did. I relate to nr. 2. Thank you.
Hi Irene, glad it was relatable! 😀
I made a mistake sorting my stash according to color. It would be much easier to have sorted to weight.
Thank you Nancy, always interesting tips!
You're welcome - so glad you enjoyed! 😀
You forgot to mention the mistake of seeing/feeling a skein of yarn and impulse buying, with no idea what you will make of it. Or is that more addiction than error in buying?
Definitely an addiction, bought 50g of silkyarn for 14€ because it was so soft. What the f do I do with only 50gram?! It's to expensive to buy more of it and now it just sits in my drawer...
We are yarn lovers here! Everyone I know has bought yarn just because it is wonderful and had no idea what they were going to knit with it. I think it's a fiber addiction 😀
@@haha101de Do embroidery or knit/crochet on clothes. Or make a delicate crocheted pair of earrings.
@@haha101deCould you embellish a pair of gloves or mitts with fancy cuffs ? Or a lacy yoke on front of sweater ?
Hi Nancy! When there is an annual sales of yarn with much lower prices and I don't necessary have a project in mind. Which type of yarn should I stock up for later? Thank you.
What kind of projects do you usually knit and are likely to make again? How much yarn do they normally use? Check your existing patterns before going out for educated guestimates.
If you see a yarn you really like have a nosy in the patterns section for that yarn. Even if there isn't one you want it will guide you for what the minimum is for a hip length, roll neck, long sleeved garment in a loose finished fit on you. Or the biggest, yarn hungry version of what it might be used for. Long sleeved A line dress in finer yarn is similar to a summer twinset.
Ribbed patterns take a lot more yarn than st st. Aran textures use extra too. An extra ball helps and could be enough for a matching beanie.
ooooh great question. I'd think "sock-weight" yarn is the most flexible for later use- it can be used for lace work and shawls, or doubled/paired up with another yarn to make a dk/worsted weight if you needed something heavier. Plus lots of color-work patterns are often sock-weight, so knitters like to have lots of different colors on hand. For myself, I almost always go for superwash, merino or non-merino, usually in cool/blue tones. And I'm trying to be less of a sucker for multi-colorways that look soooo pretty in store but rarely knit up well.
@@annabaker4857 Thank you! I'll keep that in mind 🤞
@@michellebyrom6551 You answered that question the same way I would have. Thanks! 😀
4:50 and my mind is saying: "but I think I MIGHT be able to make it work if the stitch pattern is in a multiple of 3 or 4...or even 6, 7 or 8....especially if I manipulate the Mandala just a teeny bit either with tension or hook/needle size (depending on whether crocheting or knitting) because I can round up that 22 to 24 or down to a 21 or 20 unless I go up in hook size (which is likely what I'd have to do with crochet due to death grip.)...of course the heavier weight yarn won't look as delicate but that'll work depending on the project"
Other part of my brain:
"Okay, chica, whoa! Slow down there! Drink some more coffee and finish listening to what Miss Nancy has to say"
😁 "death grip" I am famillar.
@@mariab.1997 Rofl 😂😂😂
Appreciate this video Nancy!
Thank you so much, Debra! 😀
very good advice!!
Thank you so much, CherryBlossom! 🌸
I love getting tips and learning
Thanks, Ada! 😀
love the explanation. THank you
Hi F Zein, I'm so glad you found it helpful! 😀
Excellent video!
Thank you so much, Wendy! 😀
Great video!!
Thanks, Vonda! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 😀
The biggest mistake I make is crossing the threshold of the shop ! lol
Great Tips Nancy, thank you for sharing. Also thank you for the printable chart 😊
You're welcome, Linda! I'm glad you enjoyed 😀
Great video…very useful!! Thank you!!
I'm so glad it was helpful, thanks! 😀
This was so helpful!
Hi Deb, I'm so happy to hear that! 😀
I speak portuguese from Brasil and I’m going to move US next month. What a good place to buy yarn? Thank you for your video.
JOANN Fabrics and Craft Store
Hobby Lobby Store
Michaels Store
Some WALmart
They all have beautiful yarns!
Lol! Turkey! Or online. Actually it depends on where you live. I live in NY but on Long Island. We just don't have much of a selection in our brick and mortar stores. We have Michael's, Joann's, Hobby Lobby & Walmart here. Walmart dies not even fill 25% of one aisle with yarn (an aisle being both left and right sides with no breaks start to end) in the northern midwest, you would find more in all of these places.
Welcome to the US! 🇺🇸When you get here, do a search on Google for a yarn shop near you. You may have several boutique stores in your area that carry luxury and hand dyed yarns. In addition, check out KnitPicks.com: www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=726901&u=2075840&m=59159 as well as LionBrand.com: www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1026079&u=2075840&m=72611
Very informative. Thanks
I'm glad you found it helpful, Susan! 😀
Great info, thanks!!!
You're welcome, Judy! 😀
I usually buy one skein more than the project calls for.
Perfect! 😀
As I just said, I am a beginner and I do not know knitting. I do loom knitting though. Are there any different tips for loom knitting?
How do you sub in Wool acrylic blends like the multitudinous “superwash” yarns? I use them as you would an animal fiber but that’s just been my habit. I don’t know if that’s the rule…
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!! I am severely allergic to wool, and pretty much refrain from using any animal fiber yarns, because I don't want to spend all that money only to have to "throw away" the yarn or half finished product because I'm breaking out in hives. Which means, I always have to substitute (usually) man-made fibers. What tips do you have for people like me?
Use gloves when you knit or stick to other fibers. And don t wear the wool . I am also allergic but I do wear socks and then woolen socks on top or a blouse and then a woolen jacket.not directly on skin but on another material and it keeps me warm
I guess these rules apply if you want to stick to a pattern in a book/magazine. If I had come accross this video when I started knitting I would have given up. 🙂
you mention stitches but you do not mention which stitch.. I do crochet and it seems a blind stitch. one pattern could be waffle and one pattern is back look.. So my question what is this "guess" on what the stitch they used to get this particular gauge.
What if the pattern says animal based yarn wool alpaca etc and you're severely allergic to them and cannot use them at all. What do I do?
One thing I've noticed with the yarn weight,is you should be careful with different brands. They may say their the same weight but be different. So they wouldn't work up the same.
You're right, Alicia. That's why it's not an exact science and it takes some trial and error to know what works. I recommend knitting a gauge swatch before you start a project to make sure the yarn looks the way you want it to. Thanks for sharing your advice! 😀
thanks..💗💗
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😀
I am a new knitter and I learned a few things already. I guess I am making a few mistake already…
@jaffra313, girl, I aint mad at you. You got it like THAT!!
I got a kit from mary maxim for a knitted sweater for my granddaughter. The kit contained pattern and yarn. The pattern was no problem at all but the yarn SUCKED. It wasnt twisted, just straight threads lined up. It split constantly no matter how careful I was. I had to go back and fix stitches time and time again. I will make another sweater using different yarn. The yarn is called Mary Maxim oh my so soft. Horrible yarn.
Hi Knitting Nana, I'm so sorry you had that experience! Check out Knit Picks: www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=726901&u=2075840&m=59159 They make really lovely yarn for all types of projects! 😀
I agree that if you are doing a large solid color project, go the extra mile and match dye lots. Also buy the extra skein and tape the receipt to the label and put it in a ziploc. However I watched your video waiting for you to alter or rescind your first tip/solution. I know women that only work or mostly work in wool or wool blends. I know women who are allergic to all animal fibers (not certain about silk). I have one friend who is allergic to all animal fibers and also feathers. (And her idiot doctor wanted to remove her tonsils! Thank God her chiropractor told her get a 2nd opinion and make sure they know about the alergies. Forty years later & she still has her tonsils.) So what suggestion do you make for her? She cannot stay within the animal family of fibers. Surely there is a synthetic or synthetic blend that can match the give of animal fiber. Isn't a touch of nylon recommended for socks for that reason? (This is a sincere question as I really don't know, I thought it was for "give" in the finished sock though I don't know if nylon really has give.) So your first solution to the error is not a solution at all. Maybe a video on synthetic fibers would be a good idea, for exactly the "substitution" need/reason. Let's face it, people also substitute out of financial need too. I mostly crochet. With both knit & crochet, an item can have stretch depending on the stitch you are using as well as fiber content. My whole post is actually genuine & sincere. Please don't read any kind of attack or hate in it. I am actually eager for a reply. That's why I tune in, to learn. When I have them, I don't hold back, I am a question asker.
Hi! So i think i may have the answer to a couple of questions you had. Nylon in sock yarn is typically used for strength so that the wool (or whatever fiber you may be using) will have a longer life. As far as yarn substitutions, there is bamboo which is quite strong and super soft, cotton (but it is not very stretchy, does have a nice drape for shawls though), and acrylic. You can also use the website yarnsub.com for a wide range of substitutions for yarn.
Hi Maria, Thank you so much for bringing up very good points. I will add a synthetic yarn sub tutorial to my video. I created this video as a very basic tutorial for people just getting into knitting. However, my mother was allergic to wool and silk so I was always giving her yarn substitutions as well. I look forward to making this video! Thanks again! 😀
@@kerridinsmore1528 thank you for your insights. Now that you mention it I do recall something I heard about wear, in regard to the nylon in socks, that does relate directly to stregnth. Oh, and thanx for the site, I will check it out. (I love bamboo, but yeah not what I would think of for give in fabric.)
@@nobleknits wonderful. I look forward to it.
@@nobleknits I totally agree. Could you please also include plant based fibers in that sub tutorial? I wouldn't want to wear an all-acrylic sweater, for example, but I would love to learn what I have to pay attention to to choose a yarn for a pattern that was written for wool.
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
does anyone actually take that extra skein back to the store? 🙃
Not very often, LOL! 😀
Animal-based fibers are so expensive that I NEVER use them even if my pattern calls for them. I'm NOT paying $25-$50+ PER SKEIN/cake/hank/whatever to make a project that requires 2 or more of those!
Hi Darcy, Thanks for your feedback! While there are lots of yarns in the $25-$50+ price range, you don't have to spend that much for animal based fibers! My favorite place to purchase beautiful yarns at a great price is Knit Picks: www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=726901&u=2075840&m=59159
My problem is I always buy too much of a yarn. Then I have lots of left overs to make other items
With all due respect, there are a number of issues with this video.
No. 1. It is true that if you use a different yarn from what is advised in the pattern, you will get a different drape and feel. But I think I've used the recommended yarn maybe twice in my life (I am 62 and have been knitting since I was 7). I am highly sensitive to any and all animal fibres, even in combination form. If I only used the type of yarn recommended, then I would never knit a pattern which calls for animal yarn. Yeah, like that's gonna happen. It is important to know that it will come out differently, but if you know that to begin with, it'll be fine.
No. 2. The weight-- the problem is that there are plenty of yarns higher than 20 sts per 10 cm/4" which are labeled as "4", worsted weight, and then plenty at 19 or 20 which are labeled DK. Go by gauge, period. And when you know what you're doing, you can play with that as well.
No. 3. Yes, yes and yes. And be careful of yarns which are labeled "NO DYE LOT". They lie, lie, lie. And if you call the company, they will confirm that there are still dye lots in those yarns. Ask me how I know. Always, always get the same dye lot. Skeins may look the same in the shop, you'll think, oh, these match fine. And then that one half of that one sleeve just has that block of colour that isn't quite like the rest of it. And then you try to go get more, and there is no more of that dye lot to be found. Can ruin your project. Which leads me to--
Nos. 4 and 5 are pretty much the same advice, and the one point with which I do agree: Always make sure you are calculating your yarn to be enough, and yes, I always, always, always buy an extra skein.
Hi Amie, Thank you so much for all your knitting tips and advice. Most of the advice I provided was for beginners just getting their toes wet in the world of yarn...there is so much to learn and I appreciate all your additional knowledge! 😀
@@nobleknits You're so right-- your video is I'm sure extremely useful for new knitters who don't understand yarn subbing, how much to get, and what the results will be. You have probably some from a lot of heartache and frustration!:-)
No mistakes in yarn using different yarns, making projects can come alive using different sizes of yarn and different types of yarn. When crafting there are no rules. you are just plain wrong. Have been crocheting for over 20 yrs.
The main mistakes is buying cheap, imported and man made fibers
I hate videos. LEt me read it
omg why doesnt the usa just have the ply on the label ? makes it way easier to find substitutes by ply of the yarn
Very valuable info. Thank you for sharing 😊
Hi Chlexie, I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😀
I made a mistake sorting my stash according to color. It would be much easier to have sorted to weight.