What Every Crafter Should Know
We know how exciting it is to start a new crafting project, especially with so many beautiful yarns to choose from. But with endless textures, weights, and colours, the options can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make it easier! Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, this guide will help you choose the perfect yarn to bring your ideas to life.
1. Yarn Weight: Finding the Right Thickness
Yarn weight – or thickness – plays a big role in the final look and feel of your project. Here are the basics:
- Super Fine (lace, sock) – Ideal for delicate items like shawls and socks.
- Fine (baby) – Great for lightweight garments, especially for kids.
- Medium (DK or Double Knit) – A South African favourite for everything from blankets to jerseys, and a fantastic choice for beginners.
- Bulky & Super Bulky – Perfect for cozy winter projects like scarves and hats or even trendy arm-knitting.
For beginners, DK yarn is a great starting point. It’s easy to work with and versatile, meaning you can use it for many types of projects without much hassle.
2. Yarn Fibre: Cotton, Wool, Acrylic, and More
South Africa’s climate varies, so it’s useful to know how different fibres feel and wear:
- Cotton – Soft and ideal for warm-weather projects and those with sensitive skin.
- Wool – Warm and stretchy, perfect for winter wear. Our Rowan Cashmere line offers luxurious warmth for when you’re ready to level up.
- Acrylic – Affordable, lightweight, and easy to wash, making it a top choice for beginners and budget-conscious crafters. Our Elle Charity Double Knit is a versatile, 100% acrylic yarn that’s both soft and durable.
- Milk Cotton – An eco-friendly blend that’s soft on the skin and a delight to work with, available at Pine Needles in a range of shades for any project.
For new crafters, acrylic or cotton yarns are fantastic starting points. They’re durable, versatile, and easy to care for – perfect for practising new stitches or trying your hand at a first project.
3. Colour and Dye Lots: Keeping Your Project Consistent
When choosing colours, it’s good to know about dye lots, which can vary slightly between batches. To avoid colour differences in your project, make sure to buy enough yarn from the same dye lot. Need some colour inspiration? Our Milk Cotton and Elle Charity Double Knit collections offer a wide selection of shades to match your style.
4. Yarn Labels: Your Guide to Everything You Need to Know
Yarn labels provide helpful details, including:
- Fibre content – Tells you what the yarn is made from (e.g., 100% cotton or acrylic blend).
- Care instructions – Important for knowing how to wash and dry the yarn.
- Yardage – Gives an idea of how much yarn you’ll need.
- Gauge – Shows the expected stitch and row counts, essential if you’re following a pattern.
Once you get familiar with labels, you’ll find it much easier to match yarns to your projects.
5. Pine Needles’ Top Yarn Picks for South African Crafters
We’ve curated a lovely selection that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned crafters:
- Elle Charity Double Knit – Affordable and easy to work with, ideal for everything from crochet to knitting projects.
- Rowan Cashmere – A luxurious choice for those looking to spoil themselves with something special.
- Super Chunky Elle Velour – Great for quick projects like arm knitting, and perfect for snuggly winter creations.
Wrapping Up: Your Perfect Yarn Awaits
Choosing the right yarn is the first step toward creating a project you’ll truly enjoy. Remember, while this guide covers the basics, it’s always best to consult your project’s pattern for specific yarn recommendations. Patterns often suggest the ideal yarn weight, fibre, and gauge to help your creation turn out perfectly.
Visit Pine Needles online for a curated selection of yarns, or come by our knitique in Cape Town to browse in person. Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out. And don’t forget to tag us on social media – we’d love to see your finished projects!