Helpful Tips and Techniques for Knitters
FYI - How much yarn do I need? | Knitting Needle Sizes | Checking Gauge
Common Abbreviations | I-Cord | Yarn Selection Guide | Scarf Patterns
FOR YOUR INFORMATION or "How Much Yarn Do I Need?"
Did You Know:For a Decorative Scarf: (Approximately 4" X 4½ ')
On size 19 needles - 6 stitches - 65 yards
On size 17 needles - 8 stitches - 75 yards
On size 15 needles - 10 stitches - 90 yards
On size 13 needles - 12 stitches - 100 yards
On size 11 needles - 14 stitches - 115 yards
For a Classic Scarf:
- Use needles 1 to 2 sizes larger than suggested.
- Average size = 7" X 5'.
- Uses 150 - 200 grams of yarn.
DK or Sport Weight Yarn- 5½ sts =1" on a size 6 needle - 1400 yards
Worsted Weight Yarn- 5 sts =1" on a size 7 needle - 1200 yards
Aran Weight Yarn- 4-4½ sts =1" on a size 8 or 9 needle - 1100 yards
Bulky Weight Yarn- 3-3½ sts =1" on a size 10 or 10½ needle - 900 to 1000 yards
Super Bulky Weight Yarn- 2-2½ sts =1" on a size 11 or 13 needle - 750 to 800 yards
For an Afghan:
Crib Size 32" X 32" in worsted weight yarn - 1050 yards
In bulky weight yarn - 800 yards
Blanket 36" X 45" in worsted weight yarn - 1650 yards
In bulky weight yarn - 1275 yards
Afghan 48" X 60" in worsted weight yarn - 2950 yards
In bulky weight yarn - 2250 yards
Click here to download this handy guide to determine how much yarn you will need for your project.
| U.S. | Metric |
| 0 | 2 mm |
| 1 | 2.25 mm |
| 2 | 2.75 mm |
| 3 | 3.25 mm |
| 4 | 3.5 mm |
| 5 | 3.75 mm |
| 6 | 4 mm |
| 7 | 4.5 mm |
| 8 | 5 mm |
| 9 | 5.5 mm |
| 10 | 6 mm |
| 10-1/2 | 6.5 mm |
| 11 | 8 mm |
| 13 | 9 mm |
| 15 | 10 mm |
| 17 | 12.75 mm |
| 19 | 15 mm |
| 35 | 19 mm |
Knitting Gauge
To check gauge, cast on enough stitches using recommended needle size to span 4" (10 cm). Work in pattern stitch until piece measures at least 4" (10 cm) from cast-on edge. Remove swatch from needles or bind off loosely, and lay swatch on flat surface. Place a ruler over swatch and count number of stitches across and number of rows down (including fractions of stitches and rows) in 4" (10 cm). If you have more stitches and rows than instruction indicates, use larger needles, if you have fewer, use smaller needles. Repeat until gauge is correct.
I-Cord
Have you ever made I-cord using wooden thread spool with four nails around the opening? Sure you have! Here's a quick and easy way to make it with 2 double-pointed (DP) needles.
Cast on 3 or 4 stitches on one needle. Knit all stitches. *Without turning needle, slide stitches to the right end of needle. Bring yarn around BACK of work, and knit, being sure first stitch is pulled extremely tight. Repeat from *, until the cord is the length you wish.
Give the cord a tug to make the little carry across the back disappear, though there shouldn't be much of a carry if you're only knitting on 3 or 4 stitches.
| Weight | Stitches/Inch | Needle Size |
| Fingering | 6 1/2 - 7 1/2 | 2-4 |
| Sport/DK | 5 1/2 - 6 | 5-6 |
| Worsted | 5 | 7 |
| Aran | 4 - 4 1/2 | 8-9 |
| Bulky | 3 - 3 1/2 | 10 - 10 1/2 |
| Chunky | 2 1/2 and less | 11 & up |
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