Subscriber Series: Yarn for Machine Knitting

You don't need special coned yarn to knit with a knitting machine. Many knitters use yarn on cones so they don't have to work in as many yarn ends as you do with balled or skeined yarn. Machine knitters can knit almost anything a hand knitter can knit, only faster! Stripes, tuck (knit in
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More and more machine knitters are using hand knitting yarn that is put up in balls, skeins and hanks.
By using the information on the ball band, this tool will help you determine if the yarn of interest is appropriate for your machine.

Using a McMorran Yarn Balance (or scale) allows you to identify the yards per pound (ypp) when it is unknown. This tool is available from many sources specializing in weaving yarn . They are invaluable if you regularly use yarns of different weights or you are trying to find out the ypp of
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One of the most often asked question is How much yarn do I need? or Do I have enough yarn to knit my sweater? If you are substituting yarns, or creating your own pattern, it is critical that you know how to calculate the amount of yarn needed. Pour yourself a cup
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Stockinette, Slip, Tuck, Lace all make beautiful fabrics. Each has it’s own characteristics, but which one uses more yarn?

Follow along on our experiment. We have a partial cone of yarn ... which stitch type would make the best use of the yarn we have available?

Determine if you have enough yarn to finish your project. A swatch, a scale and a few measurements and you'll never worry about running out again!

Learn to compare yarns to find new favorites or to substitute yarn in patterns. Understanding the WPI (Wraps per Inch) and YPP (yards per pound) methods of identifying yarns is essential for machine knitters. Do you have a yarn stash with mystery yarn? Use these methods to select
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When working with coned yarn, many knitters are confused by the numbering system.

Yarn on cones is often referred to by the yarn count (3/8, 10/2 etc). By using this traditional Fixed Weight system, knitters and weavers can refer to yarns in a standardized way.

Do you have a pattern using an old yarn? Find a replacement suggestion. Learn more about yarn in your stash. The Vintage Yarn index is a searchable listing of vintage/discontinued coned yarn with replacement suggestions.
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