Knitting

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Tips for Substituting Yarn

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how to substitue yarn in a knitting projectSome knitters are really paranoid about using yarn other than what’s called for in the pattern. I once read that a majority of knitters even use the exact same colors called for in a pattern, as if changing a design from red to blue would somehow mess it up.

There are some important things to keep in mind when substituting yarn in a knitting project, but it’s not really all that difficult to do.

The blogger behind By Number 19 is a crocheter who lives in Denmark, but her tips for yarn substitution work great for knitters as well. You need to consider the type, weight and quality of fiber used (is it meant to be fuzzy? smooth? drapey?), gauge of course and your own needs for the garment you’re wanting to make. Maybe you’re sensitive to wool or vegan so you need to substitute an animal fiber for something else, or you’re trying to use yarn from your stash and just don’t have any alpaca.

There’s a lot to think about, and a lot of it is solved by just picking some yarn and playing with it, especially if you’re using stash yarn and aren’t risking buying something that won’t work. There’s nothing like sitting down and swatching in the pattern stitch to let you know if you’re going to like the substitute yarn you’ve chosen.

Do you stick to the yarn called for in the pattern or do you use what you have on hand? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any stories about yarn substitution gone bad (or good).

Comments

  1. As a newly knitter I have always stuck to the yarn in the pattern but I am wanting to make changes to some patterns I have saved away so I’m gonna go for it!

  3. Yarn substitution is something I had to learn early on. I get the majority of my yarn from thrift shops, and have yet to find that someone has donated exactly the 15 skeins of grey cashmere yarn called for in the pattern I’m eyeballing, to make a sweater for a large guy like me.

    Which leads me to another tip for substitution – don’t feel tied to using only one brand of yarn in a project. If Brand A , Brand X and Brand 7 each make a similar yarn, and each has one color you like, feel free to mix them as long as they knit up to match guage.

    By using the thrift shop yarn for larger projects I can afford a couple of special skeins from the LYS for smaller items.

Have you read?

Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.