So you just learned about types of needles and yarn the next thing you need to know is how to read the Yarn label. If you haven't checked out the post about needles and yarn you can do so here.
Reading A Yarn Label
If you look on the back of your yarn, you will see some cryptic symbols. If you are not used to reading those, it could be a little confusing. Knitting patterns will tell you what kind of yarn to buy for that project. Or you may want to substitute the type of yarn the pattern calls for with something you like better. Maybe you want a thicker yarn or you are creating your own pattern. You will need to know how to read a yarn label.
So lets take a look at a yarn label from one of the yarns in my stash.
This is where it will tell you what the weight of your yarn is. Like we discussed in Getting Started. This one tells me it is a Medium - Weight 4 yarn.
2. Knitting Gauge
This here tells you what the recommended size needle for this type of yarn is, as well as the desired knitting Gauge/tension for that size needle. So here this tells me If I use a 4.5mm needle I should have 20 stitches and 26 rows for every 4x4 inch square. If you are a tight or lose knitter you might have to change your needle size to fit the Gauge or your finished project may not fit properly.
Note: Knitting gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch. Most labels measure in a 4x4 inch gauge but most gauge rulers are 2x2 so you would just divide the label number in half. You can learn more about knitting gauge here.
3. Crochet Gauge
Exactly the same as the kitting gauge but used for crocheting.
4. Washing Instructions
This is very important. If you wash your item in something other then what is labeled, you may end up with something totally different then what you made or something that will not fit.
The dots in this washing machine symbol tells you how hot you can have the water. 1 dot is the lowest and 6 is the highest. [same goes for drying and ironing] So here you should wash in cold water and the two lines under it tells me it should be on gentle or delicate cycle.
5. Bleaching
This triangle is the bleaching symbol and it has a big X so that tells us Do Not Use Bleach.
6. Drying
Same thing as for washing. Dry on low heat and on gentle or delicate cycle.
7. Ironing
This one is also pretty straight forward. The X on the iron symbols states Do Not Iron.
8. Dry Clean Instructions
The big circle is the dry clean instructions. Here it tells us simply Do Not Dry Clean.
Here is a handy chart for other Laundry symbols that may come in handy.
Now I suggest you keep your yarn label once you finish your project in case you forget how to care for that item. Or, if you made it as a gift, maybe pass it along with the gift so they know how to care for it as well.
There are other things the Yarn Label will tell you as well.
1. The name of the Yarn
2. The fiber content ex. cotton, acrylic, etc.
3. The Net weight and approx length of the yarn in both US and metric [grams/ounces, meters/yards]
4. Country of Origin
5. The Company Information and distributors info.
Have any helpful tips on reading yarn labels? Have a question? Feel free to comment below.
Happy Knitting!
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