Working with Dark Yarn: 6 Tips to Avoid Mistakes

Hello! As the daylight hours shorten here in the northern hemisphere, many of us find that dark yarn can be a challenge to work with! The stitches are much harder to see, leading to mistakes and frustration, so here are my 5 top tips to help you work with darker coloured yarn more easily:

1. Light Up Your Workspace

• Natural Light: Sit by a window whenever possible to take advantage of all the natural light pouring in.
• Artificial Light: Use bright, daylight bulbs, especially in the evenings.

2. Count Your Stitches

• Regular Checks: Count your stitches at the end of each row or round. This will help you catch mistakes early on.

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3. Take Breaks

• Protect Your Eyes: If you find you're straining your eyes, take short breaks to rest them.

4. Add a Pop of Color

• Contrast Yarn: If your pattern allows, incorporate sections of lighter-coloured yarn to make your stitches more visible.

5. Embrace Technology

• Lighting Tools: Consider using neck lamps or crochet hooks which light up, especially during the darker winter months.

6. A Simple Trick for Better Visibility

• White Background: Place a white cloth on your lap to help highlight the spaces between stitches.

By following these tips, I hope you can work with dark yarn more confidently and reduce the risk of errors. Do you have any other tips? I'd love to know, leave me a comment.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Marta xx

PS. Don't miss out on your free Yarn Thickness Guide! Grab your copy today and simplify your yarn selection process. 

Understanding Yarn Weights: A Crocheter's Guide

Why Yarn Weight Matters

Yarn weight, also known as yarn thickness, is a crucial factor in producing the results of crochet projects. Choosing the right yarn weight will determine the gauge, size, texture, drape and even the warmth of your finished piece. Read on to learn about the various yarn weights and their uses.

A Breakdown of the Different Yarn Weights

Let's first of all explore the common yarn weights from the thinnest through to the thickest:

Lace Weight:

• Also known as: (0), Extra Fine, 2ply

• Characteristics: The thinnest yarn, it’s extremely fine and delicate.

• Common Uses: Shawls, doilies, other intricate work.

• Hook: 1.5mm-2mm

• I recommend: Rowan Fine Lace, Zakami Fluffy Lace, Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace

Fingering Weight:

• Also known as: (1), Super Fine, 4ply, Sock Yarn, Baby Yarn (this is my favourite yarn weight!)

• Characteristics: Fine, but thicker than lace weight.

• Common Uses: Socks, hats, baby blankets, lightweight sweaters.

• Hook: 2.25-3.25mm

• I recommend: Hedgehog Fibres Sock Yarn, Coop Knits Socks Yeah, West Yorkshire Spinners 4ply Sock Yarn

Sport Weight:

• Also known as: (2), Fine, 5ply, Heavy Fingering, Light DK

• Characteristics: Versatile weight, not too heavy, not too light! More common in the USA than in the UK.

• Common Uses: Sweaters, shawls, afghans.

• Hook: 3.5-4.5mm

• I recommend: Mrs Moon Pudding, Drops Alpaca Sport, Manos Serena Sport

Double Knitting:

• Also known as: (3), DK,  Light Worsted Weight, 8ply

• Characteristics: The most common yarn weight, easy to work with.

• Common Uses: Blankets, hats, scarves, toys.

• Hook: 4.5-5.5mm

• I recommend: The Scottish Yarn Festival Clan DK, Debbie Bliss Rialto DK, Scottish Balmerino DK

Aran Weight:

• Also known as: (4), Worsted Weight, 10ply

• Characteristics: A very popular yarn weight, easy to work with.

• Common Uses: Blankets, hats, jumpers, scarves.

• Hook: 5.5-6.5mm

• I recommend: West Yorkshire Spinners The Croft Shetland Aran, Rowan Felted Tweed Aran, Uist Wool Meireal 

Chunky:

• Also known as: (5), Bulky Weight, 12-14ply

• Characteristics: Thicker yarn, perfect for quick projects!

• Common Uses: Cushions, rugs, oversized scarves.

• Hook: 6.5-9mm

• I recommend: Malabrigo Chunky, Drops Andes, Rowan Big Wool

Super Chunky:

• Also known as: (6), Super Bulky Weight, 16ply

• Characteristics: Extremely thick yarn, ideal for large, bold projects, works up very quickly.

• Common Uses: Rugs, household items such as cushions.

• Hook: 10-15mm

• I recommend: Manos Franca, Wool And The Gang Crazy Sexy Wool

If you'd like copy of my Yarn Thickness Guide Infographic, sign up to my mailing list and you'll receive an email with the download (plus 20% off your first order on my website and my Crochet Tips pdf!).

Pro tips on Yarn Weight:

• If the weight is unspecified, use the hook or needle size on the ball band or label as a clue to yarn thickness.

• The higher the meterage per 100g, the finer the yarn. Conversely, a lower meterage per 100g indicates a thicker yarn.

• If you’re substituting yarn for a pattern, choose something which is similar thickness for best results. If you’re looking for more information on substituting yarn, take a look at this previous blog post I’ve written on the topic.

• The size of the crochet hook you use will also affect the finished size and texture of your project. As a rule of thumb, a finer yarn requires a smaller hook, while a thicker yarn requires a larger hook.

How to calculate yarn thickness using a ruler: 

You can determine yarn thickness by wrapping yarn around a ruler, known as the wraps per inch method. Take the ruler and wrap the yarn snuggly around it, then count the number of wraps in a one-inch section. A higher number of wraps indicates a finer yarn, while a lower number signifies a thicker yarn, as follows;

Lace Weight: 14-30 wraps per inch  
Fingering: 12-18 wraps per inch  
Sport Weight: 11-15 wraps per inch  
Double Knitting: 9-12 wraps per inch  
Chunky: 6-9 wraps per inch  
Super Chunky: 5-6 wraps per inch

This wrapping method provides a quick and easy way to estimate yarn thickness for those times when you don’t have the label. However do keep in mind that these are guidelines, some variations may occur.

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Conclusion

If you’re a crocheter (or a knitter!), gaining a good grasp of yarn weights will unlock the key to your crochet and knitting potential. By selecting the appropriate yarn weight for your project, you will achieve the desired look and feel you envisioned. Once you know what you’re doing, you’ll then have the confidence to experiment with different yarn weights to create unique and stunning crochet projects.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Are you ready for a fun and cosy crochet challenge?

Are you ready for a fun and cosy crochet challenge?

The big idea:

Share photos of your finished projects suitable for the winter months following one of my crochet patterns on social media. Each project you complete counts as one entry with the more projects you finish, the more chances you have to win! WiPs (Works in Progress) are of course welcome!

How to enter:

1. Crochet something suitable for the winter following any of my patterns.

2. Take a photo of your finished project.

3. Share the photo on Instagram.

4. Use the hashtag #MMDWinterCrochet and tag me in your post (@marta.mitchell.designs).

Not on Instagram? That’s ok! Email your photos to me: crochet@martamitchelldesigns.com

Prizes: 

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive their choice of either my ‘Crochet & Colour Course’ or my ‘How To Write Up A Crochet Pattern Course’. There will be runner up prizes of individual patterns too!

I've loads of patterns to choose from! Most of my designs are for hats, socks, cowls, shawls etc., I'm sure you'll find something you like! You can find them on my website and on Ravelry.

This challenge ends on Thursday 28th November. Good luck and happy crocheting!

Marta xx

What Is A Dye Lot Number?

Hello! This week’s hot topic is dye lot numbers! Understanding dye lots is an essential skill for creating beautiful, consistent projects so I’m going to unpack what dye lots are, why they matter and how to work with them effectively. 

What are dye lots?

A dye lot is the batch number assigned to a specific quantity of yarn, given to it by the manufacturer or dyer. You'll typically find this information on the yarn band or label, usually beside the colour name or colour number. Eg. Col: Scarlet, Dye lot: 571

Have you ever experienced this?

Can you recall an incident when you crocheted a blanket or a sweater and when you looked at it on completion, there was a strange, noticeable stripe that was a slightly different shade? This is because yarn from different dye lots was used - the subtle variation suddenly becomes very obvious! Read on to find out how you can go about counteracting this.

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Why are dye lots important?

Due to the nature of the dyeing process, each batch of yarn can have slight variations in colour. This isn't a problem if you're only using one skein or ball, but if you're working on a larger project that requires multiple skeins or balls, it's crucial to ensure they all come from the same dye lot. Otherwise, you might end up with unsightly colour variations in your finished piece. Today’s topic was inspired by the fact that I am about to run out of the main colour for my Battenberg Blanket (eeeek!) and need to make sure that the extra yarn is from the same dye lot.

My pro tips for working with dye lots:

1. Hand-dyed yarn: If you're working with hand-dyed yarn, there might not always be a batch number, and even if there is, there could still be variations between skeins. To avoid these colour inconsistencies, try alternating between skeins every round or two to blend them together.

2. Local yarn shops: Many yarn shops offer a great service where they can hold back yarn for you for a large scale project and you may (or may not) need to buy more. This is a FANTASTIC service, so support your local yarn shops whenever possible (and remember to let them know when you've finished your project so they can pop the yarn back on the shelf).

3. Online yarn shopping: If you order your yarn online and need more, you may be able to contact the company with your dye lot number because you might be able to buy yarn from the same batch. Larger companies are unlikely to help you here, but smaller ones might - it’s worth a try!

4. Keep Those Yarn Bands!: Don't forget to hang onto your yarn bands! They're the only way you’ll be able to identify dye lots and ensure colour consistency in your projects. If you’d like to see how I look after my ball bands, check out this blog post to find out more.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Marta xx

PS. Want to learn more crochet tips from me? Sign up for my free ‘25 Crochet Tips’ PDF to improve your crocheting skills even further!

 

Crochet and Sustainability: Your Guide to Being More Eco-Friendly

Hello! Are you looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of your crochet? There are so many opportunities to create what we do in a more sustainable way. Tiny changes can make a big difference, right? I will say right away that none of us is perfect, and I certainly don't want to be seen as being judgemental here. I know I don’t get it right all the time. However, by incorporating eco-friendly practices into your projects, you can help to minimize your environmental impact and create beautiful, conscious pieces at the same time. With all this in mind, let's explore some of the options to make your crochet endeavors more sustainable.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Yarns

• Bamboo: This is a rapidly renewable resource that produces soft and durable yarn. The drape of the fabric crocheted in this fibre can be stunning!

• Local: Support local or national yarn producers to reduce transportation emissions, provide local employment and embrace traditional farming and spinning methods. 

• Organic Cotton: Choose yarns made from organic cotton, which is grown without harmful pesticides or fertilisers.

• Merino Wool: Be aware of the practice of mulesing in merino sheep, it’s a painful and unnecessary procedure which is causing many consumers and brands to now advocate for mulesing-free merino wool.

• Recycled Yarns: Yarn made from materials like plastic bottles or recycled fabrics, are becoming more and more popular. In fact I have some Kremke Reborn Wool in my stash which I’m keen to try soon. It’s formed of 65%-75% wool and the rest is other fibres such as viscose, nylon or acrylic depending on the textiles used in the recycling process. 

• Fair Trade Yarns: By choosing Fair Trade yarn, you’ll be ensuring ethical working conditions and pay to farmers.

• Wool: Where possible, choose wool from ethically sourced, cruelty-free farms.

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Reducing Waste

• Leftover Yarn Projects: Create small, functional items like coasters, face scubbies, bookmarks or pot holders from leftover yarn.

• Stash Busting: Prioritise using yarn from your stash before buying new. It’s amazing what we can find in our cupboards, under the bed etc - you’re likely to find something there you’d forgotten about!

• Scrappy Projects: If you’ve been around me for any length of time, you’ll know how much I love a scrappy blanket! These are perfect for using up all the left-over bits & piecesyou have from other projects. I have several scrappy projects on my blog for FREE, you can find Scrappy Blanket II here.

Sustainable Project Ideas

• Reusable Items: Crochet reusable iems such as bags, dishcloths or produce bags to reduce single-use plastic consumption.

• Upcycled Projects: Create new items from recycled materials, for example from old clothing or fabric scraps. One item I’ve enjoyed making is a bathmat crocheted up in long strips of old T-shirts.

• Repair and Restore: Give old items a new life by crocheting repairs or additions. I’ve dedicated a whole blog post to this topic, which you can read here.

• Seasonal Projects: Crochet seasonal items like scarves, hats and mitts instead of opting for fast fashion alternatives.

Spreading Awareness and Inspiring Others 

• Share Your Journey: Document your sustainable crochet projects on social media to inspire others and raise awareness about eco-friendly crafting. You can gently encourage others to adopt sustainable crafting habits by sharing information and resources you’ve found.

• Join Sustainable Crafting Communities: Connect with like-minded crocheters and share ideas for sustainable practices. This could be online or in person groups, go find your crowd!

Conclusion

By incorporating even a sprinkling of these sustainable practices into your crochet practice, you’ll be contributing to a healthier planet. Please remember that we're all human and we all make mistakes; it's important to be understanding and supportive of each other to keep the community the friendly place it’s known to be. So, let's try to make more eco-friendly crochet to create a more sustainable future together, one stitch at a time.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

The Art of Yarn Substitution: Four tips to find your perfect yarn match!

 

Hello! Have you ever fallen in love with a crochet or knitting pattern, only to discover the specified yarn is unavailable, discontinued, or simply out of your budget? Don't worry, in this blog post I'll explore the topic of yarn substitution, a valuable skill that will allow you to personalise projects, overcome yarn limitations and equip you with the knowledge to confidently choose alternative yarns for your next project.

1. Finding the Perfect Match: Yarn Weight and Meterage

The foundation of successful yarn substitution lies in understanding yarn weight and yardage. Look for the meterage or yardage per unit of weight (e.g. metres/yards per 50g or 100g) in your chosen pattern. Aim for a substitute yarn with a yardage as close as possible to the original. A slight deviation of 20 meters per 100g is generally acceptable, but significant variations can impact the size, drape and yarn usage of your finished project.

2. Fibre Content Matters: Understanding Drape

The type of fibre used in the yarn significantly affects your project's final look and feel. Consider the fibre content (merino wool, cotton, alpaca, etc.) specified in the pattern and ask yourself questions such as whether the finished project is a flowing, floaty fabric or is it a stiff, structured material? When substituting, prioritise a yarn with similar fibres. This ensures your project maintains the intended drape, stitch definition, stretch, and care requirements. Many yarns are actually blends, so, if the pattern calls for 100% Blue Faced Leicester wool, a 70/30 blend of Blue Faced Leicester and Alpaca is a perfectly acceptable substitute.

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3. Swatching: Your Gateway to Success

This might sound boring, but trust me, swatching is the best thing to do when it comes to yarn substitution! Create a small square using your chosen substitute yarn. This allows you to assess its behavior when crocheted or knitted. Observe the drape, the stiffness, and the overall look. Does it match your vision for the project? Swatching helps you to make informed decisions before committing to an entire project with a potentially unsuitable yarn. To find out more about swatching, read this blog post with my 6 Tips for Better Swatches.

4. Resources for the Resourceful Crafter 

Navigating the world of yarn substitution can feel overwhelming, fortunately there are some valuable resources to guide you:

• Yarnsub.com: This website is has been a lifesaver for me so many times! You enter the yarn you want to substitute, and Yarnsub will suggest alternatives with a helpful match percentage rating. It's very user friendly, I totally recommend it!

• Ravelry Project Pages: If you have access to Ravelry, explore the project pages for your chosen pattern. See what yarns other creators have successfully used for inspiration.

• Social Media: Instagram and Facebook both have amazing crochet and knitting communities! Look for project hashtags or ask your followers for recommendations on suitable substitute yarns.

Conclusion:

By following my top tips and using the resources available, you'll be able to tackle yarn substitution with confidence! If you're following one of my patterns, please reach out to me with yarn substitution questions, I'm more than happy to help you make a good decision. Don't be afraid to experiment with a bit of trial & error to find the perfect yarn match to bring your vision to life.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

P.S. Share the love! Please spread the word about yarn substitution by sharing this post on social media. You'll find the image above is pinnable on Pinterest, or share to your Instagram stories. Thank you for your support!