All Yarn - Buy Yarn for Knitting and Crochet Australia ~ Page 5 ~ Crossways Wool and Fabrics

Choosing Yarn

Frequently asked questions

Start with the pattern, then the ply

Most Australian patterns name a ply, and that is the first thing to match. Ply is our way of describing yarn thickness: 4 ply is fine, 8 ply is the everyday middle weight, and 12 ply and up is chunky. The ply tells you the needle size and the tension the pattern was written for, so a yarn of the same ply from a different brand will usually work, as long as your tension square matches.

Fibre decides how it feels and how it washes

Wool and merino are warm, elastic and forgiving to knit, and merino is soft enough for next to the skin. Cotton is cool and holds its shape, which suits summer tops, dishcloths and amigurumi. Acrylic is light on the budget and machine washable, so it is the practical choice for blankets, toys and anything washed often. Blends take the best of each: a little nylon in a sock yarn is what stops the heel wearing through.

What we stock

Patons, Cleckheaton, Panda and Heirloom cover the plies Australian patterns call for, at everyday prices. Fiddlesticks adds a wide colour range, Bambini is the extra fine merino we recommend for babies, and Fiori, Malabrigo, Noro and Rowan are the special skeins for a project that deserves them. If a colour matters, come and see it under real light in store, or ask us to check a dye lot before you order.

What does ply mean in Australian yarn?

Ply describes thickness, not the number of strands. 4 ply is fingering weight, 8 ply is DK, 10 ply is worsted and 12 ply or more is chunky. Patterns name the ply they were written for, so match that first.

Which ply is the most popular?

8 ply. It is what most Australian patterns call for, knits on 4mm needles and suits jumpers, cardigans, blankets and baby knits.

How much yarn do I need?

The pattern says. Check the ball band for metres per ball, divide the pattern's total metres by that and round up, then add one spare ball from the same dye lot.

Can I substitute a different yarn?

Yes, if the ply matches and your tension square comes out the same as the pattern's. Knit a 10cm square first and change needle size until it matches.

Do you sell yarn by the ball or the skein?

Both. Patons, Cleckheaton, Panda, Heirloom and Fiddlesticks come in balls. Hand dyed yarns such as Fiori and Malabrigo come as skeins, and we can wind them into cakes for you.

What is the difference between wool and acrylic yarn?

Wool is warm, breathable and elastic, and needs gentle washing. Acrylic is lighter on the budget, machine washable and holds colour well, but is less warm and can pill. Blends give some of each.

What yarn should a beginner start with?

8 ply wool or acrylic in a light, solid colour so the stitches are easy to see. Cleckheaton Country, Fiddlesticks Superb or Panda Magnum are all forgiving, and a scarf or beanie is a good first project.

Can I check a dye lot before ordering?

Yes. Call or email with the yarn and shade and we will check what is on the shelf and hold balls from the same lot for you.

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