Buying Yarn—Reading a Yarn Ball Band

Yarn Fiber, Measurements, Weight, Color, and Dye Lot

Aug 2, 2009

A yarn ball band tells the yarn fiber, suggested care, length, gauge, suggested needle size, yarn weight, color and dye lot. Yarn comes in balls, hanks, or skeins.

Each ball of yarn is packaged with a ball band, which gives essential information about that ball of yarn. It gives fiber composition and care, measurements, gauge, suggested needle size, weight, color and dye lot. It is important for knitters to pay attention to all of the information on the ball band before buying the yarn to make sure that it will be a good choice for the planned project.

Balls, Hanks, or Skeins

Yarn may be sold in balls, hanks (yarn is wound in a big loop and twisted), or skeins (yarn is wrapped in an oval and pulled from the center), depending on the type of yarn and how the manufacturer chooses to package it. Yarn can be knit directly from a ball or skein, but hanks have to be rewound into balls in order to prevent tangling.

Yarn Fiber Composition and Care

The yarn ball band gives the fiber composition of the yarn. There are so many different fibers that are used in yarn, from animal to plant to acrylics, and often a yarn will be made of several different types of fibers. The ball band will also give directions about how to care for the yarn, particularly whether it is machine washable and dryable. When buying wool, pay special attention to whether it is machine washable or will felt.

Yarn Length and Weight

The ball band tells how many yards (or meters) are in that ball of yarn so the knitter can calculate and get enough for the project. The band also gives the weight of the yarn, usually in grams.

Yarn Gauge and Suggested Needle Size

The gauge tells how many stitches and rows per inch the yarn will knit. This is just a generalization, though, as each knitter’s gauge is slightly different, but it can help in deciding if the yarn is right for the project. Any needle can be used with any yarn, but the suggested needle size will help the knitter stay on gauge and usually is the easiest size on which to knit that yarn.

Yarn Weight

The yarn ball band will also give the weight, or thickness, of yarn, which is given a number from 1 to 6:

When choosing yarn for a project, make sure that it is the same thickness as the pattern calls for. Light and medium weights are the most common, and projects from hats to scarves to sweaters to blankets can be done well using this thickness. Super fine and fine yarns are best used for lace, socks, and baby projects. Bulky and super bulky are best used for projects that need warmth and bulk, such as blankets.

Color and Dye Lot

The yarn ball band also tells the color and gives the dye lot. A dye lot is yarn that was dyed in the same batch of dye, so when getting yarn for a project make sure it is all from the same dye lot or there may be slight variations in color. Cheaper yarns, particularly acrylics, sometimes don’t have dye lots.

Source:

Parkes, Clara. The Knitter’s Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn. New York: Potter Craft, 2007.

The copyright of the article Buying Yarn—Reading a Yarn Ball Band in Knitting Yarns & Machines is owned by Emily Chauviere. Permission to republish Buying Yarn—Reading a Yarn Ball Band in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.