Selecting a Yarn

• 1). List the pattern characteristics. It is important to discern the basics of the pattern prior to selecting a yarn for a sweater project. Ask yourself the following questions: What season is the sweater going to be worn during? Is the sweater constructed in pieces or knitted in the round? Does the pattern have defined stitch patterns? Will the sweater be worn against the skin? How long or short is the garment?
  
  The answers will let you know what fiber you should look for: yarns for warmer weather sweaters tend to be cotton, silk and linen, and yarns for cooler weather sweaters can be made from wool and alpaca. The construction of the sweater will dictate yarn choice as well: items knitted in the round don't have stabilizing seams and can stretch. For these garments, you will want to choose yarns with a lot of elasticity or "memory," such as wools. Silk, cotton and alpaca don't have as much stretch, and often need stabilizing seams to keep sweaters looking new.
  
  Stitch pattern definition often requires woolen spun yarn, which has a tighter twist than worsted spun. Stitch definition is also enhanced by solid colors, rather than variegated yarns. If the sweater will be worn against the skin, choose something with a soft feel to prevent itchiness. Finally, the length of the garment will determine how heavy it is. Again, longer garments will require yarns with more "memory" or stabilizing elements such as seams and cables.
  
  
• 2). Look at a picture or drawing of the sweater. If the fabric is loose and drapey, you will need to choose a yarn that will enhance those characteristics. If the fabric is densely knitted or felted (matted together), a completely different yarn will be needed. The feel of yarn in the skein can often tell you how it will behave, or you can make a more accurate decision by looking at the fiber content listed on the label. All-wool yarns will felt more than yarns that are blended with plant fibers and silk. Rougher-feeling wools will felt more than smoother ones. Silk, bamboo and other fibers have excellent drape.
  
  
• 3). Read about the characteristics of the yarn. The yarn's label or ball band will be the best place to start for information. The label will let you know what the suggested gauges and needle sizes are, how the fabric should be cared for, fiber content, length of the yarn, color and dyelot. Many yarn stores will have knitted swatches on hand of more popular yarns so you can examine what they will look like knitted.
  
  
• 4). Double-check the dyelot. Dyelots can vary greatly, even though the yarn is labeled as the same color. Make sure you choose yarn from the same dyelot for the best results. If this is difficult, or if there is not enough yarn from one dyelot, purchase an equal number of skeins from two dyelots and alternate skeins row by row for a more even appearance.
  
  
• 5). Purchase extra skeins. It is worth it to buy an extra skein or two over your project requirements. You may need more yarn if you decide to increase the size of your garment, or if you choose to alter the pattern in any way. Many yarn stores will accept returns or exchanges of unused skeins if you find you do not need them at the end of your project.
  
  
• 6). Knit a gauge swatch. Prior to casting on for your sweater project, it is important to knit a gauge swatch so you can determine the number of stitches per inch and so you can see how the yarn behaves. Washing and blocking the swatch will show you how the yarn will behave in the finished garment. Some yarns can grow when washed, and some shrink. This step will help you compensate for the yarn's properties as you knit.