BrittiTips 101: Selecting Yarn & Tools
Hi there! I’m Britt, and welcome to BrittiTips 101, a series where I’ll walk you through the entire journey of creating your very first knit. From choosing the right pattern, to understanding materials, to knitting the garment itself, all the way to caring for your knits throughout their lifecycle: I’ve got you.
When I first started knitting, it honestly felt like learning a whole new language. I didn’t know where to look for patterns, how to pick the right yarn or needles, or which techniques to learn first. And if that sounds familiar, you’re exactly who I’m writing this for. As part of my mission to help revive knitting for a new generation, we’re starting at the foundation: clear, simple and concise.
This series will consist of the following:
Cycle 1: Choose
Choosing Your Pattern
Selecting Yarn & Tools
Cycle 2: Plan
Swatching with Confidence
Cycle 3: Knit
Casting On & Getting Started
Knitting the Body
Finishing the Knit
Cycle 4: Finish
Blocking & Weaving In Ends
Caring for Your Knits
Thank you for being here, and let’s get your knitting journey started together, one stitch at a time!
Taking Inventory
If you're completely new to knitting, you may not have built up much of a collection of supplies yet, but it’s always worth checking what you already have tucked away at home.
Knitting has been around for generations, so it’s also worth asking family, friends, or neighbours if they have any tools you can borrow. Using second-hand supplies is a great way to get started while you discover your preferences and decide which items you’d like to invest in yourself.
Understanding Yarn Weights
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of a single strand of yarn and is categorized on a standardized numerical scale from 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo). Yarn weights help knitters quickly determine which yarns are suitable for a particular project and which are not.
The weight of a yarn influences how many skeins you will need, as well as the overall look and feel of the finished fabric. A 0-weight yarn creates a delicate, lightweight knit, whereas a 7-weight yarn produces a thick, cozy fabric.
Choosing the correct yarn weight is very important, as it directly affects the final fit of your garment. Select the wrong weight, and your finished knit may turn out far too small or much too large.
BrittiTIP: Most yarn retailers allow you to filter their catalogue by yarn weight. Using this feature will significantly narrow down your options, making it much easier to find the perfect yarn for your project.
Choosing the Right Fiber
There are countless yarn fibers available, and deciding which one is right for you and your project can feel overwhelming. Keep in mind that while the fiber you choose influences the final result, it's equally important to select one that feels comfortable to work with and wear. For example, some people love the warmth and softness of 100% wool, while others find it itchy or uncomfortable.
Yarn fibers can generally be divided into the following categories:
Natural Animal Fibers
Examples include wool, alpaca, mohair, cashmere, and silk.
Natural Plant Fibers
Examples include cotton, bamboo, hemp, and linen.
Synthetic Fibers
Examples include acrylic, polyester, and nylon.
Fiber Blends
Many yarns combine different fiber types to balance the strengths and characteristics of each.
Yardage and Quantity Calculations
Calculating how much yarn you'll need for a project can be challenging, even for experienced knitters. If you thought knitting was purely a creative process, you might be surprised by how much maths goes into it.
The following underlined example demonstrates how yarn requirements are commonly presented in knitting patterns.
The amount of yarn you need depends on the size you are making. Let's say you decide to knit a size L. In the list of sizes below, L is the fifth size listed. When looking at the materials row, you therefore select the fifth number, which is 750. This means you will need 750 grams of yarn.
Since most yarn skeins weigh 50 grams, you'll need 15 skeins to complete your project.
Sizes: XXS (XS) S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL) 4XL (5XL)
Materials: 600 (600–650) 650 (700) 750 (800) 850 (900) 950 (1000) g …….. (50 g = 108 m [118 yds])
The information in brackets - 50 g = 108 m (118 yds) - refers to the yarn's yardage. Every yarn label or product page lists both the weight and the length of the yarn. As long as you choose a yarn with approximately 108 metres per 50 grams, it should be a suitable substitute.
Matching Yarn to Pattern Requirements
When choosing yarn, I recommend beginners to stick to the yarn suggested by the pattern designer whenever possible. Doing so reduces the risk of gauge issues and other miscalculations.
However, the recommended yarn may be outside your budget or unavailable in your country. If that's the case, use the guidelines above to find a suitable alternative with a similar yarn weight, fiber content, and yardage.
BrittiTIP: On Ravelry, you can see which yarns other knitters have successfully used as substitutes. Simply find the pattern you're making and click "Yarn Ideas." You'll see a list of alternative yarns, ranked by how frequently they've been used.
Selecting Needles and Supplies
Choosing knitting needles is fortunately quite straightforward. A 3 mm needle from one brand should be the same size as a 3 mm needle from any other reputable brand. Over time, you'll naturally develop your own preferences for needle materials, cable styles, and brands, but when you're starting out, the size is what matters most.
As you gain more experience, you'll likely discover which materials feel best in your hands, which cable lengths you prefer, and which brands suit your knitting style. My advice is to avoid making big investments at the beginning of your knitting journey. As you gain more experience, your preferences will likely change, so it's better to start with the essentials and upgrade your tools over time as you discover what works best for you.
Budgeting for Your Project
The cost of a knitting project can vary greatly depending on the yarn, tools, and pattern you choose. While yarn doesn't have to be extremely expensive, it's worth remembering that price often goes hand in hand with quality. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
If you're planning to invest 30 or more hours into knitting a handmade garment, it's worth choosing a yarn that will hold up well over time. A quality yarn will not only make the knitting experience more enjoyable but will also help ensure that your finished garment looks beautiful and lasts for years to come.
Below are some of my favourite yarn brands that offer an excellent balance between quality and affordability:
BrittiTIP: Always buy all the yarn you need for your project at the same time and, if possible, from the same dye lot. This helps ensure consistent colour throughout your finished knit.
Choosing the right supplies is one of the most important steps in setting yourself up for a successful knitting project. By understanding yarn weights, fiber types, yardage, and needle sizes, you'll be able to confidently select materials that match your pattern and budget. Don't worry about buying the most expensive tools or yarn right away, your preferences will naturally evolve as you gain experience. Start with the essentials, enjoy the learning process, and remember that every project teaches you something new.
You are now ready for the next step in your knitting journey. Let’s continue with ‘‘Swatching with Confidence’’!
With love,
