This will give the fabric a lighter, airier feel, and will clearly show gaps between stitches. If you're wearing a jumper made with larger needles, you'll probably want to make sure you've got something on underneath! Some projects require a tighter tension.
For example, if you're using cotton yarn to make face cloths, you'll want a stiffer fabric, so you'll probably use a needle size of around 4 mm or even smaller. When you're working from a pattern, always check the gauge before you start. Knit a gauge swatch and compare your stitch count to what the pattern says. Some of us naturally knit looser or tighter, so you may need to change your needle size to meet gauge. For some projects - scarves, for example - gauge is not crucial.
Others, like jumpers, cardigans or hats, really need gauge to accurate. Think of how long it takes to knit a jumper.
That's a lot of time to waste on something that doesn't fit! Worsted is thicker than DK. Worsted is sometimes known as 10 ply yarn, while DK is referred to as 8 ply. These terms aren't totally accurate the number of plies a yarn contains varies according to the spinner - something that can get quite technical. They're good to keep in mind, though, as they give you a general idea of yarn weight. Although DK is lighter than worsted, they are both considered to be medium weight yarns, and they're often used for the same kind of projects.
You might be able to substitute one for the other, but always knit a gauge swatch first. The term ply can be quite confusing. That's because we use it in two different ways. First, ply can refer to the weight of a yarn. Secondly, it's used to define how yarn is spun. We've already talked about yarn weight, so you know that worsted is also known as 10 ply. In spinning terms, though, worsted can have any ply count! For spinners, a ply is a single strand of yarn. Look closely at the yarn you're using: you might see several fibres wrapped around each other.
These are plies. Generally, a higher ply count suggests that a yarn will be longer-lasting and less likely to pill. Single-ply yarns can be very attractive, but they're usually best for garments like scarves, shawls or cowls; use one for a jumper and it may start to pill very quickly. Yarns with four or more plies are a better choice for making garments that will last.
Worsted refers to a yarn weight, not a fibre. In fact, you can find worsted yarns of pretty much every fibre , including blends.
Hi Jaime, It will require a bit of trial and error but that is definitely an option. What is the gauge recommended by your pattern? Depending on how chunky the original yarn is I would start knitting a swatch holding two strands of DK and see how the gauge compare to the one recommended by the pattern. Let me know what the gauge is so I can advise further. It will require a bit of trial and error in order to make up the gauge, you may need to alter the needles size slightly or possible even hold a lace weight with the Aran to make up the thickness.
If you would like to email me with the pattern information and the yarn you want to use I will be able to advise you further. If you create a tension swatch with your Aran weight and compare the gauge to the one in the pattern you will be able to get a better idea of how much alterations — if any — you will need to make.
I would like to make the boulevard blanket. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Name Required. Email Required. All Rights Reserved. Mrs Susan Johns 8th October at am Permalink. Kate 9th October at pm Permalink. Laura Hallabrin 14th October at pm Permalink. I have a double knit pattern can I use Aran wool? If so do I just adjust needles? Eugenie 14th October at pm Permalink.
Jaime Payne 19th November at am Permalink. Eugenie 20th November at pm Permalink. Linda Bateman 28th February at pm Permalink. I have a pattern for chunky, but I only have Aran wool, can I substitute?
Charlee 4th March at am Permalink. Corrinne 4th October at pm Permalink. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated Reply.
Leave a Reply Click here to cancel reply. If the pattern suggests a DK weight yarn, then look at DK weight yarns to substitute. Compare tensions, knit a swatch, and be sure that you are using the size of needles that the pattern calls for. Look around on the internet for information on the old yarn and see if you can discern the weight. Beware all who attempt this — without knitting a swatch, you are playing with fire.
Some knitters are pros at making yarn substitutions in this way, with experience gleaned from decades of advanced knitting. For the rest of us, this method can be fraught with problems, especially when knitting a garment. This can certainly be done with success, but only if you knit a swatch first. You can! But it's worth bearing in mind that DK is a slightly thinner yarn to worsted, so the best way to substitute is by going up a needle or hook size so that the tension will be the same.
Another option is to double up your DK and use a bigger needle or hook size, but whatever you decided you just need to make sure the gage is matched.
There are lots of places to find discontinued yarn, but we recommend contacting the yarn manufacturer as first port of call. You might find that they have balls of discontinued yarn left behind in their stock room. You never know! Explore our yarn guide. GBP Change Select your country.
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