Fashion and Clothing

How to Interpret Signs and Symbols on Yarn Label Correctly   by Baalaji Baashyam

Crocheting is nothing but a needle work where the loops of a single thread are interlocked with the help of the hook. Crocheting differs from knitting [looping of yarn using machine or hand], sewing [tightening the stitches with thread and needle], quilting [creating lines or patterns through different layers of cloth] and embroidering [working raised designs on cloth or leather].

Crocheting believed to be in existence right from 18 Th century onwards. Knitting is believed to have existed prior to crocheting [i.e. 15 Th century onwards]. Crocheting was not gaining popularity till 18 Th century because it needed more thread to create the fabric compared with the techniques like sprang nalbinding and knitting that were popular at that time. At that period crocheting was considered more like a hobby than the job or function. In order to master crocheting we should learn to interpret the symbols and signs on yarn label correctly.

Yarns are nothing but various types of fibers that are spun together. The fibers can be from plant [cotton] or from animal origin [wool]. The fibers can also be synthetic materials such as acrylic and nylon.

These yarns are coming in different sizes and weights to meet the demand from the crotchetier. If you are beginner for crocheting it is better to select a yarn that is having smooth surface and medium twist.

Yarns are usually marked by its length and not by its weight. The yarns in general are rolled and packed in to balls. Based on the fiber composition and the thickness, the length of the yarn will vary.

The wool is the most preferred yarn because of its ability to stretch. Silk is the other yarn that is being used very extensively. The main disadvantage of the silk is its cost. The resilience of the silk is relatively less when compared with the wool.

Nylon, polyester and acrylic are the other yarns that are used for crocheting. These are synthetic yarns produced from petroleum products. These yarns are not costly. These yarns don’t shrink. These yarns can be washed by machine and are more stable.

The synthetic yarns though they have so many advantages their main disadvantage is change in the shape when they are exposed to high temperature. Hence it is better to select the blended yarn that has both natural and synthetic fibers.

Yarns of different weight are available in the market. They are listed below.
extra bulky, aran wool, bulky, sport yarn, worsted yarn, aran cotton, sport mercerized cotton, double knitting, viscose rayon, worsted acrylic, linen, metallic viscose and metallic.

There in no need to get discouraged or confused as far as reading the yarn sizes are concerned though there are various ways of classifying the yarn. You need apply your mind and understand the classification of yarns in order to make yourself comfortable in selecting the appropriate size of yarn.

Here is a classification of the yarn as per the diameter of the yarn.

Size -A – these yarns are light as far as weight is concerned. This kind of yarns is used for baby clothes. This type of yarns is best suited for thin socks.

Size-B- these yarns are of medium weight. This type of yarns is used for suits, dresses, baby clothes and sweaters that are used in side the house.

Size-C- these are knitting yarns. The weight of these yarns is slightly more than the size B yarn. This type of yarns is best suited for mittens, hats, slippers and sweaters that are used for outdoor wear.

Size-D- these yarns are bulky. The size and the weight is more than the size C yarn. This type of yarns is ideal for heavy jackets, heavy crafts, and rugs.

Size -E- these yarns are extra bulky. These yarns are heavier than size D yarn. These yarns can be used only for making rugs.

The yarns are also classified based on the number of stitches per four inch swatch [knitting stockinette stitch]. Let us know about them here. Fine -there will be 29 t0 32 stitches per four inch, light-there will be 25 to 28 stitches per four inch, medium – there will be 21 to 24 stitches per four inch, medium heavy-there will be 17 to 20 stitches per four inch, bulky-there will be 13 to 16 stitches per four inch and extra bulky-there will be to 12 stitches per four inch.

Once you have become master in interpreting the signs and symbols on the yarn label you are perfectly fit for venturing in to crocheting business.

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