Choosing yarn

[lmvclearwater]

I plan to knit the Chic Cable Sweater from a pattern I got from Ravelry. The yarn recommended is Red Heart Shimmer, 100 gram balls, 280 yards. I am going to use Knit Picks Simply cotton worsted, which are also 100 grams, but only 164 yards. So I need to make sure the yardage is enough, rather than the weight. Is this the correct way to make sure I have enough yarn for my project?

[Shandeh]

I plan to knit the Chic Cable Sweater from a pattern I got from Ravelry. The yarn recommended is Red Heart Shimmer, 100 gram balls, 280 yards. I am going to use Knit Picks Simply cotton worsted, which are also 100 grams, but only 164 yards. So I need to make sure the yardage is enough, rather than the weight. Is this the correct way to make sure I have enough yarn for my project?

It's a good way to get started, but be sure to buy an extra skein, just in case.

[suzeeq]

Yes, multiply the yardage in the pattern to find the total used, then divide the 164 yards into that number to find how many balls of the simply cotton. Cotton weighs a lot more than acrylic or wool, which is why there's less yardage in a ball. Yarn is sold by weight so the yardage can differ depending on the fiber.

[lmvclearwater]

Yes, multiply the yardage in the pattern to find the total used, then divide the 164 yards into that number to find how many balls of the simply cotton. Cotton weighs a lot more than acrylic or wool, which is why there's less yardage in a ball. Yarn is sold by weight so the yardage can differ depending on the fiber.

Thanks Suzeeq! On the last sweater I made, I matched the cotton yarn recommended for another, and so the weight matched. I started this project, and realized that I should have been thinking about yardage, not weight. I was very lucky to realize my mistake early enough. I was able to get enough yarn with the matching dye lot to continue on. Big whew! I also got another ball, just to make sure I have enough yarn. That way I can make the sweater and sleeves a little longer, as well. Lisa