How do you choose a yarn?

[stirsmommy]

This is probably a very basic question but how do you choose a yarn for cables like the Irish hiking scarf. How do you know if what you are looking at will make the cables pop? I went to the lys and came home because I couldn't decide. I am making this for a very special birthday present for my so and I want to do it right.
Thanks

[Kaydee]

I usually go for a solid yarn for cables since I find they tent to get lost in a varietated or striped yarn.

[cheesiesmom]

Well, I suppose that with a textural pattern like a cable, I'd want something that was very smooth so the pattern would stand out. I made the Irish Walking Scarf in Lion Wool-ease and it turned out well, though I think if I did it again, I'd look for a "softer" yarn, maybe a nice merino wool. Obviously, I'd avoid anything with a halo or a boucle-type of yarn.

[Silver]

As a general rule, if you want your stitch pattern to really stand out, choose a smooth, single color yarn.

You can use a lightly variegated yarn too, but just remember that the more colors in the yarn, the more it will distract from the pattern. Never use a novelty, fuzzy, eyelash, glittery or multicolored yarn when you really want to show off stitches. There are some exceptions to this rule, but like I said, this is just generally speaking.

[aineepooh1]

I am glad for this post b/c i have been practicing c4F cables last night and i was using a soft solid color yarn and was observing my cabling technique and it was thinking about a varigate. Now maybe i better not

[Braden]

For cables, you want a smooth, solid color, tightly spun yarn. NEVER use a variegated or self striping, but a gradiated yarn is fine, like Ingrid's cabled scarf made with Karaoke.

[brendajos]

i have used a variegated yarn on cables and loved the effect it created. I wouldn't do it on all yarns or all cables but i wouldn't say never.

[Arielluria]

What is this Irish scarf pattern? Can someone please post it?

[Braden]

Irish Hiking Scarf

[Arielluria]

Thanks! That's a great way to show off your cables!