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Posts Tagged ‘knitting yarns’

Different Knitting Needles for Different Knitting Jobs

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

Different knitting needles are needed for different knitting jobs. It is not like some needlecrafts where you can cheat and use the same needles for different threads or knitting yarns. When it comes to knitting jobs, about the only time you want to change the needle size from the recommended size is when you are felting something but that is an altogether different knitting job in and of itself. The knitting needles you need for your knitting jobs vary depending on the job but so do the measurements and sometimes that can be confusing.

Knitting needles are generally based on their gauge or metric measurements. The size needle you need for a knitting job will depend on the size and type of yarn that the knitting pattern calls for. Most knitting yarns are marked with what size needles work best but sometimes, the pattern for a particular knitting job may call for something slightly different … especially if there are complexities of any kind in the knitting pattern that have to be incorporated into the finished product.

The knitting jobs and patterns are pretty much the same wherever you go in the world but the knitting needle measurements will be different in different markets. For that reason, we have included a list of knitting needles, measurements and uses so that no matter what type of knitting jobs you want to do, you can get the correct knitting needles no matter where you are.

Now knitting needles also come made out of many different materials. Plastic, Bamboo and metal knitting needles are the most common but unlike the size, your knitting jobs will not require a certain type of knitting needle so much as your personal preference will. Some people are more comfortable with the natural feel of the bamboo knitting needles. I remember my Grandmother was especially fond of the metal knitting needles though. I think she just liked it because we could all hear her when she was working on her knitting jobs there at the house. Whatever the reasons you have for selecting any particular make of knitting needles, that will not matter nearly as much as the size.

Tags: knitting job, knitting jobs, knitting needle measurements, knitting needle sizes, knitting needles, knitting yarns, needlecrafts
Posted in Knitting Bits and Bobs, Knitting Resources | 1 Comment »

Worsted Knitting Yarn Review

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Beginner knitters are often confused by the term "worsted" knitting yarn because it refers sometimes to weight and sometimes to the makeup of the yarn itself. If you have ever had problems discerning exactly what was meant by “worsted yarn” in one of your patterns, keep this article handy and you should be able to figure it out in short order by looking at a couple of key points about worsted knitting yarns. The first thing you have to figure out is whether it is the weight of the yarn or the type of the yarn being discussed in the pattern.

Worsted Weight Knitting Yarns

If you hear the term “Worsted Weight” when someone is referring to knitting yarn it is generally going to be a medium size yarn. The worsted weight knitting yarn will usually allow four to five stitches per inch. It is a very popular weight for making everything from afghans to sweaters to hats and mittens. The “worsted nature” of the yarn also makes it exceptionally easy for beginners and experienced knitters alike since it is generally very smooth and strong.

Worsted Spun Yarn (Also sometimes known as True or Pure Worsted Yarn)

Originally, worsted spun yarn only referred to wool yarn but the difference between the woolen yarn and the worsted yarn was in the actual preparation and spinning process of the yarn. The term itself comes from the English town of Worstead in Norfolk England. An influx of weavers, tailors and other textile workers in the 1200s made this one of the leading centers in the world for the production of textiles. The spinning process was first recognized there and that is where the term Worsted has its origins.

The preparation process is the first step in the production of worsted knitting yarn that separates it from the woolen yarns. When sheep were still shorn by hand, the process was actually easier and there are still some of the more expensive yarns that utilize this process but that is a different story. When the wool is shorn, the wool is all kept in the same direction meaning that the roots and the ends will all still be facing the same direction.

After this wool has been combed out, the short fibers (any fibers under three inches or about seven and one half centimeters) are removed so that only lengthy fibers remain. They are then combed out individually until they are flat and kept parallel to one another. When the worsted yarn is spun, the placement of the fibers all running in one direction keep the yarn thinner and having a tighter “braid” so that the finished worsted spun knitting yarn has much less space for air or anything else to get through it. This made the worsted spun yarn very popular for the creation of many knitted items.

The Worsted Knitting Yarn is not usually going to be as flexible as the woolen yarn due to the tighter braid. As such, the worsted knitting yarn is not always the best choice for garments that will be worn as an outermost layer and may need to be stretched over other clothes or otherwise require so it may not be the best choice for some items that do require more elasticity.

Today, you can easily purchase worsted yarn that is made from wool, cotton and even acrylic fibers. While the actual fiber base for the knitting yarn may be a bit different, the worsted spun knitting yarn will be a tighter bound yarn and as such, an excellent choice for many of your knitting creations. There is a very good reason that the worsted yarn remains one of the most popular among knitters of all ages and experience levels.

Tags: knitting yarn, knitting yarn review, knitting yarns, woolen yarn, worsted knitting yarn, worsted spun yarn, worsted weight yarn, worsted yarn
Posted in Yarn Reviews | 2 Comments »

Knitting Yarns – A Handy Summary

Friday, October 30th, 2009

For anyone relatively new to the area of knitting, knitting yarn types can often be a source of confusion. Weights of the yarn are talked about when purchasing yarn as well as when discussing the size … both differently. Some people talk about skeins while other people talk about balls or rolls or spools. All of this can easily lead to confusion when it comes to knitting yarns and which yarn does what. This article is meant to be a quick reference source and summary – please leave a comment if you have any tips or additions that would be helpful too!

Lace Knitting Yarn

Lace Knitting Yarn is the lightest weight knitting yarn available. Lace yarn can be difficult to work with and it will be very important that you use the same size needles that are specified in your pattern if you want to get the proper results. The needles may seem large but this is generally to create the lace effect in your finished product.

Baby, Finger, Sock or Super Fine Weight Knitting Yarn

The Super Fine Knitting Yarn is great for lace work as well. In addition, it is a very common yarn for things like socks, baby items and even some other more intimate wear should you be inclined to add that to your personal knitting collection.

Sport, Baby, Double Knitting or Fine weight Knitting Yarn

Fine knitting yarn is very popular for lighter clothes generally worn indoors as well as many decorative and ornamental knitted items. The knitted products may be “stretchy” but not to the extent that you would want for heavier clothes that may be layered or worn in rough outdoor weather.

Worsted or Light Weight Knitting Yarn

The light knitting yarns are among the most common and most popular yarns in use … especially among people learning how to knit. Light knitting yarns generally have great tensile strength meaning they will not break if you pull them too hard making it great for people who are just learning.

Medium Weight Knitting Yarn (Including the Aran Yarn common in some parts of the world)

Medium Weight knitting yarn is very popular for many hats, caps, mittens and other knitted products that require both a certain level of protection while remaining stretchable, soft and relatively comfortable when in use.

Rug, Chunky, Craft or Bulky Weight Knitting Yarn

Bulky weight knitting yarn is one of the most common yarns used for large sweaters, heavy scarves, ascots and shawls as well as a lot of other items. It’s large size makes it much easier for many people to work with and it can still be beautifully crafted into some amazing finished products.

Roving, Super Chunky or Super Bulky Weight Knitting Yarn

The Super Chunky weight knitting yarn is a bit large and cumbersome for some people to work with. Apart from that, it does make some really beautiful items like throw-rugs, heavier capes and some really nice sweaters, and the bulkier the yarn, the less stitches you need to do to complete a project.

I hope this has been helpful, please leave a comment if you have any other advice, tips or questions about knitting yarn!

Tags: aran yarn, bulky yarn, knitting yarn, knitting yarns, lace knitting yarn, sock yarn, sport weight yarn, worsted weight yarn
Posted in Knitting Resources, Yarn Reviews | 3 Comments »