- Fluffy yarn has a habit of getting flattened during storage and can be a bit of a nightmare to work with because of they have a tendency to shed their fibres. Putting the yarn in plastic bag and then into the freezer for a few hours before working with it will help it to keep in fibres and stop them from getting up your nose!
- When buying yarn always make sure you choose balls of yarn with the same dye lot or dye batch number. Yarn companies dye yarn in large batches and there can be slight variations in color between the batches. You can tell what batch the yarn comes from by looking at the batch number on the ball band. So if you don't want to end up with your sleeves a different shade to your body, make sure all of the batch numbers on the balls you buy are the same. I always buy an extra ball than is recommended in the pattern just in case you need a bit extra (most good yarn stores will accept them back if you've bought too many. Believe me, it's better to be safe than sorry as there is nothing worse than running out of yarn and finding that the yarn store has run out of your batch.
- If you are using a different yarn to the one suggested in the pattern be careful to make sure that it knits to the correct tension. It's always best to choose a yarn of the same weight - worsted, finering, chunky etc. Even so, you may still need to play around wth the tension - adding or reducing the number of stitches until the tension square matches that in the pattern. This way you know it's going to knit to the same size - and you won't end up with a sweater that looks like it was made for an orang - utan!
- Again, when using a substitute yarn make sure the length is the same as the one suggested in the pattern. I've fallen fould of this before when trying to save myself some money - buying a cheaper yarn can sometimes mean you end up buying more balls because they aren't as long as the pattern suggested yarn.
- Thank being said, don't be afraid to substitute yarn. It can be a great way to unleash your creativity and produce something completely unique. Also try changing buttons, edgings and trimmings - your inner fashion diva will love you for it
For more knitting articles, tips and advice, visit http://www.blissedoutknitting.com/index.htm
Jo Black has a passion for knitting and craft and believes that everyone can find their bliss through knitting. She's a working Mum living in England with her son, partner and a rather large stash of knitting yarn!
Source: www.articlesbase.com
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