August Newsletter

Most designers endeavor to convey useful information on yarn alternatives with their patterns but the yarn world is a vast ocean of beautiful choices. Let’s dive in. At All Strung Out, we begin with Ravelry and click the link that takes us directly to the details of the yarn that was used to knit the designers example. That information includes weight, gauge, fibre content, texture, yardage and usually a description. Armed with this information, we can round out how the designer used this yarn and how it contributed to their overall vision. Often, yarns will be incorporated “off-gauge” and that can be confusing to a novice knitter or crocheter. ( This is where swatching is invaluable, and knitting math is necessary.) Stitches essentially create a fabric and the challenge is to judge if the fabric is suitable.

Drape, structure, durability, softness, boardiness- are a few terms that can describe that resultant fabric. For many knitters, some characteristics are more crucial and then those parameters can be prioritized. Often one may have other filters, such as a fibre sensitivity, or perhaps a personal commitment to use ethically sourced or organically rated yarn. All of these elements require consideration. Above all, be assured that with our extensive collection of yarn, and collective experience, we can match your pattern up with the perfect yarn substitute!