Oh, wow, so you want to crochet something? That's great! But your pattern doesn't tell you what yarn to use or, if it does, it tells you to use the yarn made by the company that published the pattern. (And, we all know that they do that to make money off the yarn.) So, what yarn should you really use?
Here are some things you might not consider.
I screwed up my first project. You're going to screw up, eventually. That's okay. Everyone does. (I still screw up, in fact!) You may be luckier than I am - or better at reading the instructions - and do perfectly fine this first time. More than likely, though, you won't and you do not want to spend a huge amount just to have a tangled, knotted mess.
Go to the nearest craft store. Get the cheapest stuff they've got and use it to make the project (or a few squares if it's a granny square project) the first time. Buy the suggested number of skeins plus one more. That extra skein will allow you to cut out any yarn that gets too tangled or unravels too much to work with, while avoiding the tearful realization that you no longer have enough to finish the project.
Now, work through the pattern carefully and see where your mistakes are. (For granny squares, choose your joining method and practice it.) Then, once you know what you're doing, I want you to do one thing:
Wash and dry what you've just made while following the manufacturer's instructions. Feel how much softer it is? The company that made your yarn uses chemicals to keep it from unraveling while you work with it. With that stuff washed out, what you just made feels a heck of a lot better to touch.
Barring the yarn that can't go in the wash, this will happen with every yarn you use.
Now, go get the yarn you fell in love with while looking for the stuff you just used and make your project again. I know you bought it already and have it waiting. (It's what I would have done.)
For scratchy, there are variants depending on a variety of factors. If you're making a dish scrubby, you might use the normal medium weight yarn, a yarn specifically for scrubbies, or even a strip of fine tulle from the craft store.
You can try converting the design into a (very light weight) yarn. Keep in mind that something that is a minimum of six inches in worsted weight translates to about one or two inches across in size 30 thread. Adjust your sizing or the number of motifs you're making.
Well, hopefully, I've helped a bit. Go. Have fun and enjoy your crocheting!
Here are some things you might not consider.
Is this your first project?
Do not, whatever you do, buy the most expensive yarn out there.I screwed up my first project. You're going to screw up, eventually. That's okay. Everyone does. (I still screw up, in fact!) You may be luckier than I am - or better at reading the instructions - and do perfectly fine this first time. More than likely, though, you won't and you do not want to spend a huge amount just to have a tangled, knotted mess.
Go to the nearest craft store. Get the cheapest stuff they've got and use it to make the project (or a few squares if it's a granny square project) the first time. Buy the suggested number of skeins plus one more. That extra skein will allow you to cut out any yarn that gets too tangled or unravels too much to work with, while avoiding the tearful realization that you no longer have enough to finish the project.
Now, work through the pattern carefully and see where your mistakes are. (For granny squares, choose your joining method and practice it.) Then, once you know what you're doing, I want you to do one thing:
Wash and dry what you've just made while following the manufacturer's instructions. Feel how much softer it is? The company that made your yarn uses chemicals to keep it from unraveling while you work with it. With that stuff washed out, what you just made feels a heck of a lot better to touch.
Barring the yarn that can't go in the wash, this will happen with every yarn you use.
Now, go get the yarn you fell in love with while looking for the stuff you just used and make your project again. I know you bought it already and have it waiting. (It's what I would have done.)
 |
| This cat loves crochet. |
Do you need it to survive pets, children, or rampaging hordes on a regular basis?
Generally speaking: The cheaper the yarn, the more rugged it is. There's a reason that every grandmother is issued an afghan made from Red Heart Super Saver. It's not because it's cheap, but because it can take a beating and still look good. |
| Actually, I'm pretty sure all cats love crochet. |
Does it need to be extremely soft? Or scratchy?
Baby yarn is the softest stuff out there that will survive general use. You can get organic. You can get acrylic. But, the baby yarn versions of your preferred yarn will be the softest thing you'll find. Just keep in mind that baby yarn is thin and requires a smaller hook. That said, be prepared to adjust your pattern sizing or run two strands at the same time with a larger hook. If doing the latter, double your yardage.For scratchy, there are variants depending on a variety of factors. If you're making a dish scrubby, you might use the normal medium weight yarn, a yarn specifically for scrubbies, or even a strip of fine tulle from the craft store.
Is it a table cloth, doily, table runner, or lace?
Sadly, most table cloth patterns are thread crochet patterns. The same goes for many doilies, table runners, lace accents, and some necklaces. Your pattern should tell you what size thread to get and their suggested hook. I have personally seen little to no difference between thread brands. Get whatever catches your eye or suits your finances. |
| Left: Yarn Right: Thread |
You can try converting the design into a (very light weight) yarn. Keep in mind that something that is a minimum of six inches in worsted weight translates to about one or two inches across in size 30 thread. Adjust your sizing or the number of motifs you're making.
How warm or cool does it need to be?
Thicker yarn worked with the same tension and pattern is warmer than thinner yarn. If your pattern calls for a particular weight, though, you're going to need to adjust the number of stitches if you're going up or down a yarn thickness. You don't need to worry about it if you're making an afghan or other blanket. It'll just be bigger. A sweater on the other hand.... |
| Top: Worsted Bottom: Bulky |
Well, hopefully, I've helped a bit. Go. Have fun and enjoy your crocheting!
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