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weigh your options in yarn
One of the most fun aspects of yarn art is that it’s variable. You, the artist, can modify any pattern to suit your expressive nature, especially if you are armed with an understanding of yarn weights. The thickness of the yarn is what determines its weight, ranging from cobweb thin to nearly rope thick. The Craft Yarn Council of America lists six categories of yarn weights: When you couple a specific yarn weight with a specific size of needle, every knitter should produce about the same number of stitches. The higher the number, the thicker the yarn and the fewer stitches per inch you’ll make. These six standard categories are generally followed within the yarn industry. Manufacturers weigh in Other manufacturers provide a gauge statement on the package, giving you an idea of what the outcome will be when you use that yarn. For example, you may read that a yarn will produce "24 stitches and 22 rows per four inches on size four needles." When you consult the standard chart (below) you'll see that the yarn you’re about to buy is “Sport” or “Baby” weight. Making it your own One note of caution: If you’re working on a project that involves sizing, like a sweater or booties, knit up a gauge swatch before you get too far. Not all yarns in a certain weight category are exactly the same – and you don’t want to waste your creative energy on pulling out stitches.
Yarn Weights Table
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