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.
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
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