yarn substitution

[mdoohan]

Hello all,
I am hoping a more experienced knitter than I can give me advice on a yarn substitution. I want to knit the Shibui Mix No. 1 sweater. The pattern calls for two Shibui yarns held together, and while they are beautiful yarns this is my first sweater and I don't want to spend that much on yarn. But I've looked at hundreds of patterns and I really like the cut and style of this one. So I am thinking I can use a different, single yarn, as long as I gauge it correctly, right?
The yarns they use are a worsted weight and a lace weight held together and the gauge is 14 st/ 4 inches. So is it safe to say that I should be able to use a slightly thicker single yarn, like bulky i guess, and maybe adjust needle size to achieve 14 st/ 4 inches?

[salmonmac]

Yes, a bulky on needle sizes ~9-11 should work for 14sts/4". See how the gauge swatch goes and whether you like the drape of the knit fabric.

[suzeeq]

Even a thicker worsted ought to get that gauge on a size 10½/6.5mm needle, but a bulky would work too.

[mdoohan]

So, as long as the swatch gauges right and I like the resulting fabric, I shouldn't worry about using a totally different yarn? The result will be sort of a version of the same in different fabric? That's great, very helpful.
Thank you both!

[Jan in CA]

The only other thing to keep in mind is that when you use a yarn that is different it may affect the way the fabric looks. I rarely use the suggested yarn and I usually like it just fine and sometimes more. You're gauge swatch will give you an example.

[GrumpyGramma]

So, as long as the swatch gauges right and I like the resulting fabric, I shouldn't worry about using a totally different yarn? The result will be sort of a version of the same in different fabric? That's great, very helpful.
Thank you both!

The only other thing to keep in mind is that when you use a yarn that is different it may affect the way the fabric looks. I rarely use the suggested yarn and I usually like it just fine and sometimes more. You're gauge swatch will give you an example.

I never seem to use the yarn suggested for the pattern. I have found that a springier, stretchier yarn can affect the fit and I often should use a smaller size to allow for needing less ease in the garment. This I've learned the hard way and understand why a little better because ArtLady explained it in another thread...I'd link to it but I don't recall which one it was.

[mdoohan]

I never seem to use the yarn suggested for the pattern. I have found that a springier, stretchier yarn can affect the fit and I often should use a smaller size to allow for needing less ease in the garment. This I've learned the hard way and understand why a little better because ArtLady explained it in another thread...I'd link to it but I don't recall which one it was.

Also very useful advice, thank you. Is it accurate that if I sub merino for silk that would, in fact, be a springier, stretchier yarn?