How to pick the right yarn...

**rsbs** · 03-24-2009, 01:46 PM

I just spent WAY too much time window shopping the yarn section at Hobby Lobby. I've found that this time of year, they start slashing prices & I'm scouting it out for later, when they slash them further

But, I don't have any patterns for the HL brand yarn, "Yarn Bee" so I'm not sure what I can use...
How do you know what types of yarn you can use for a pattern that calls for a specific brand?

**dcompton** · 03-24-2009, 02:52 PM

I'm no expert, but I would think the main consideration would be the weight of the yarn - sport, worsted, bulky, etc. Different brands may change the gauge somewhat, but you can do a pattern swatch and make any adjustments you need to.

Others may have a more "scientific" answer.

**marjorie** · 03-24-2009, 06:58 PM

Very often yarns have numbers on the sleeve the yarn is in, ranging from 1 to 5. These correspond to the bulk of the yarn. I believe one is fingering weight, 5 is super bulky. Sometimes you need to not only consider the bulk of the yarn but the lay as well. How will it drape? Will it be like the item you are wanting to substitute? There are many yarn comparison charts on the net, and feel free to ask if I can help in any way.