Choosing the color of yarn may be the easy part for some. However, knowing how to read the yarn label is a must. With thousands of different colors, types, and brands, no two skeins of yarn are the same.
It is important to know what kind of yarn you are buying and even more important to know the details of the yarn when it comes to the lifespan of your future projects.
By the end of this post, you will know how to read a yarn label and understand what everything means.
Yarn color
Now I know you may see the yarn and know what color it is. However, on the yarn label it will state a Color Name and a Lot #. The lot number is for the dye.
This number is for the manufacturer to know which specific dye was used to achieve that colored skein of yarn.
This helps if the name of the color is changed but the color is still the same.
For the Name Color, this also helps label the name based on the brand or company that sells it. It also helps the consumer know what the name of the color is when purchasing more yarn.
The weight of the yarn
There is a list of yarn sizes. The yarn sizes will range from 0-7. A size 0 yarn is an ultra-fine yarn where as a 7 is a super bulky yarn.
You can see what a size 7-weight yarn looks like in our latest post here.
An easy way to remember is the smaller the yarn weight number the smaller the hook size is needed. The larger the yarn weight the bigger the hook size is needed.
Every yarn label has a number and icon listed on the label. However, the more yarn you buy, the more you will be able to identify the sizes by looking at the yarn.
Net weight
On the yarn label, you will also see the total weight of the yarn skein in oz, grams, yards, and meters.
This is super helpful when it comes time to know or estimate how much yarn you may need for projects big and small. You can also find charts online showing how much yarn you may need for a specific project. For example, on Lion Brand, their online chart will tell you how much yarn you will need for items like hats, blankets, afghans, scarves, etc.
Each pattern is so different when it comes to how they are written. Some people may indicate the yards used or the exact amount of skeins needed. Knowing how to read the yarn label for the exact size of the skein is super helpful in gauging how much yarn is needed for your project.
Hook sizes
Previously I mentioned how the size of the yarn dictates the size of the hook needed. However, you will not have to guess because the yarn label has the recommended hook size listed.
This part is also important for beginners because you want to make sure you are looking at and using the correct size.
For example, this yarn label (and many others) will show the recommended size for crochet and knitting. Thankfully it will have the hook icon to indicate the sizes for either option.
On this yarn label, you can see that the recommended size is a 5.5 mm crochet hook. I have come across other yarn labels that only have the crochet hook symbol rather than both options shown in the image below. If you aren’t able to find it written always look for the actual crochet hook symbol.
The yarn fiber
On this skein, the yarn label states the yarn is 100% acrylic. Some acrylic yarns feel super soft and buttery while others may feel scratchy.
There are so many different yarn fibers on the market. Some yarn may be 100% acrylic while others may have a blend of acrylic and polyester.
With different types of yarn fiber comes with different ways to use and launder your handmade item.
Washing the yarn
On each yarn label you will also see the launder symbols. These symbols will tell you what you can and cannot do with the yarn.
This information is super important, you do not want your finished product ruined, especially if you are gifting or selling the item(s).
On this yarn label, the first icon indicates to wash on a normal cycle with cold water no higher than 40 degrees Celsius.
The second symbol indicates you can tumble-dry on normal.
The third and fourth symbols indicate not to steam and bleach the yarn. And the last symbol states you may dry clean.
Reading the yarn label isn’t hard once you learn what everything means and the importance behind it. Next time you’re in the yarn aisle pick up a few different skeins of yarn and read the yarn labels. More practice reading the yarn label will help you identify the types of yarn, the size of the yarn, and more. I hope you enjoyed this post and as always, don’t forget to share it with a friend!
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