Yarn Weight 6 Patterns
Nico Sadiq
In this blog post I will show you how to modify a knitting pattern for a different yarn weight. Since I have gotten quite a few questions about this topic lately, I feel like this is a subject worth exploring in a dedicated blog post.
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The question of how to modify a knitting pattern if you choose to use a different yarn than the one indicated in the pattern, is relevant for all kinds of knitting patterns. Whether it is a a garment, hat or other accessory pattern, you can adjust it to your needs. And we will discuss this topic in general down below. However, I would like to specifically focus on modifying sock knitting patterns for different yarn weights.
Does this mean that you are limited to choosing a sock knitting pattern that was written for DK weight yarn? Of course not. You can adapt any knitting pattern and make it work for the yarn of your choice. You simply need to do some calculations or make changes to the needle size you use.
What is the first thing you should do in order to be able to choose how to make the knitting pattern work for you, is to make a gauge swatch. And to take it one step further, this swatch should ideally be knitted under the same conditions as indicated in the pattern. In a sock knitting pattern, for example, the gauge is usually measured in pattern and in the round over 4 in or 10 cm, after blocking. Although a bit more time consuming, I highly suggested that you make the effort to knit such a swatch. It will save you from frustration and potentially unraveling and having to start over.
When it comes to sock knitting patterns, though, there are a few specifics that you should be aware of. Sock knitting patterns are usually written in a way that you need a stitch count that is divisible by four (e.g. 56, 60, 64 stitches). If you apply the rule of three and get a number that is not divisible by four, you can simply round up or down.
I actually knit with different yarn weights than the ones indicated in the pattern all the time. Here are a few examples to show you that it is totally possible to choose a completely different yarn than the one used in the pattern sample.
For this hat, I took my Schneeflckchen hat pattern (written for a DK weight yarn) and used an aran weight yarn to knit the red hat in the left picture. I changed the stitch count to compensate for the different gauge.
This sock pattern is written for a fingering weight yarn. I used my Classic Sock DK base which is much thicker (yardage 250 m / 100 g). To compensate for the different yarn weight, I cast on only 48 stitches instead of the 56 stitches indicated in the pattern instructions.
And in this last example, I used a DK weight yarn to knit this sweater pattern that was written for a worsted weight yarn. This was a bit more elaborate, because I had to rework the math of the pattern completely in order to create a sweater that fit me.
Hi Fiona, Yes, knitting the pattern with larger needles and thicker yarn will make the garment bigger. I recommend that you knit a gauge swatch first and compare it with the pattern gauge.
It might be possible to simply knit a smaller size. If not, you will have to recalculate the math using the rule of three.
Hello. I hope you can help me. I have an Aran pattern jumper for DK but I want to use Aran wool, how do I convert it please. Is it better to use different needle size or convert the pattern size, I am not sure.
Thank you
Hi Marlene, You should definitely knit some swatches to figure out which route to choose.
If you use a different needle size, the knit fabric will have a different drape than what the designer of the pattern originally intended and you might not like that look. And since there is a significant difference between a DK and an aran weight, you might not be able to get gauge with switching the needle size.
Personally, I would knit a swatch with aran-appropriate needles and check the gauge. I would then compare the gauge with the gauge called for in the pattern and see if I could simply knit the pattern in a different size to fit my measurements. That would be the easiest option.
In the worst case, knitting a different size is not possible and you will have to recalculate the whole pattern. To do so, check the commonalities between the sizes of the pattern and see how many stitches they are apart from each other (for the cast on number). Then you can go up or down on the number of stitches in these increments to get the measurements you are looking for.
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Holding two strands of yarn together can make some beautiful projects. I came across several blogs and lovely patterns on Ravelry which show some spectacular outcomes of holding two yarns of the same weight together.
THANK YOU! I have a sweater pattern I want to knit, but I am unemployed and unable to purchase 8 skeins of chunky yarn that cost $26 each, but I have a stash of worsted weight yarn languishing in my stash. You have no idea how much this is appreciated! I would definitely be interested in your mixed weight experiments.
I have been trying a few swatches and I can up with some beautiful results. I have also been experimenting with another technique I discovered on YouTube called Heliacal Knitting. It combines two or three different colors and becomes a stripe or a way to blend.
Hi! This is great! Thanks for the chart. Have you, perchance, a charge for mixed weights? I want to knit a laceweight mohair/silk yarn with a fingering or sport weight merino yarn but I do not know what yarn weight I will end up with. Thanks!
Doubling the weight would be the same as ising a yarn that is twice as thick. What you need to do is knit a guage swatch with the doubled yarn. When you know the gauge of your swatch you can then apply it to your desired measurements.
I find it never exactly half the number of stitches, even when I use the called for yarn. But it will be far less than if you use a single strand and go much faster. The fabric will also be thicker, which I think of as a plus, not a minus.
I have another thought that might help as well. I did this post on yarn substitution. About halfway down the post it talks about measuring and mapping one yarn onto another. The same would be true of doubling a yarn. I hope it helps!
I have saved this to my profile page on Ravelry along with your website link so I can refer back to it often. If this is not okay with you, please let me know. This is such a big help to me and I know I will use it often. Thank you so much for posting this.
See our collection of free knit and crochet patterns for Medium weight (CYC #4) yarns, also known as worsted and aran weight yarns, and get inspired for your next project! Each pattern is available as a free digital download and all the necessary components are available for purchase at the click of a button!
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See our collection of free knit and crochet patterns for Light weight (CYC #3) yarns, also known as DK and light worsted yarns, and get inspired for your next project! Each pattern is available as a free digital download and all the necessary components are available for purchase at the click of a button!
Sport weight yarn is extremely versatile and a great choice when you want something a little lighter than DK or worsted but you'd like it to work up a little quicker than fingering weight projects do. In our sport weight pattern selection below, you will find every type of knitting project from blankets and home decor items to sweaters, baby items, accessories, and more.
Not all of these factors apply for everyone. Some will deeply consider some or all factors before making a decision, while others will not think of any. What yarn you use is a small part of a much bigger whole.
Now to be clear, I am talking about changing yarn for crochet motif patterns here. If you are making a jumper or some other fitted garment, matching yarn weight properties is pretty important. For crochet squares however, you can really do what you want as a blanket is a blanket is a blanket, no matter the size.
A perfect example of switching out yarn! I originally made my Radiance Floor Rug pattern one in a super chunky acrylic yarn. I also made it in 8 ply/DK/Light worsted yarn and, more recently, 3 mm recycled cotton rope! I have updated the pattern to include the yarn needs for the rope versions.
Hi Shelley,
Great Post. I have a pattern for a crochet blanket. The only measurements listed is 140 stitches x150 rows using a 5.5 mm hook
HDC stitch through out.
Anyway you can tell me how big this blanket is?
It looks to be square.
I want to make it into a wall hanging picture.
Using #3 THREAD, can you tell me what size hook I need and how big it would be?
Any help will be much appreciated
Peg
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