Thick and Thin handspun yarn knitting tips
As someone who is in the handspun yarn business I'm always sad when I'm checking out google and see blog post from people who claim to be having trouble knitting with handspun yarn. This is what promoted me to write my earlier blog post on knitting with hand spun. Now if you haven't been living under a rock you've probably noticed that the "thick and thin " or big chunky single ply yarn has been " in vogue " here lately. My first pet peeve is that giant balls of roving wool keep being listed for sale on Etsy as "chunky yarn". I Think this is a shame because a novice knitter could buy this and try to knit one of those giant yarn blankets out of it and then be out a lot of money and very sad when it starts pulling part due to the fact that it has no twist and is not actually yarn. Secondly this really muddies the water for those of us actually in the yarn selling business if that's what people now think chunky or bulky yarn is.
I had just finished making a really lovely infinity cowl made from my merino thick and thin yarn for a customer and friend and after working with the yarn I figured it wouldn't hurt to put out a short ( hopefully somewhat funny and informative video).
I know I use you tube all the time for everything from drum carder techniques to why is my garage door not working right? So when I try to find the answer to a particular question and I can't find exactly what I'm looking for I figure I can't be the only one. So for as much as I'm not looking to become the next star you tuber. I'll leave that to my two girls who love to make videos for the grandparents. I figured this might help someone. Below are some really pretty projects I found on pinterest for knitting with bulky thick and thin yarn. They are saved to my "handspun yarn dream projects board" and conveniently linked below for your viewing pleasure.
Click on the images below for links to the pins with more info on the thick and thin handspun yarn projects
Expanded Tips for working with Thick and Thin Chunky Yarn
In the realm of knitting, working with chunky thick and thin yarn is akin to embracing the unpredictable rhythms of life itself. Its popularity is undeniable, with more and more crafters falling in love with the unique, tactile experience it offers and the stunning visual textures it creates. However, just like life it presents its unique challenges—variations in thickness that require a gentle finesse and an openness to flexibility. Yet, within these challenges lies the profound beauty of creating something truly one-of-a-kind.
I. Choosing the Right Yarn and Needles:
When venturing into the world of chunky thick and thin yarn, consider it as carefully as you'd choose a path for you or your child—seek out the ideal yarn weight and fiber content that promises warmth, comfort, and durability. Wool, with its forgiving and cozy nature, is a perfect companion. Selecting the appropriate needle size, then, becomes not just about technicality but about achieving the desired tension and drape that caress your skin or that of a loved one, much like the embrace of an old friend.
II. Preparing for Your Project:
Imagine the act of swatching and measuring gauge as sketching the outlines of a dream, ensuring it fits perfectly into the fabric of reality. This step, often overlooked in eagerness, is foundational in knitting as it is in life—preparation paves the way for dreams to unfold seamlessly. Calculating the required yardage is akin to ensuring you have enough resources to support your journey, preventing the heartache of a dream cut short by scarcity.
III. Techniques for Working with Chunky Thick and Thin Yarn:
Embrace the irregular thickness of chunky yarn as you would the ebbs and flows of life, with patience and grace. Techniques such as the long-tail or cable cast-on not only secure your foundation but remind us that beginnings, though varied, mark the start of something beautiful. Learning to maintain an even tension despite the yarn’s unpredictability speaks to the resilience and adaptability within us all.
IV. Stitch Selection and Patterns:
Let the natural beauty of the yarn guide your stitch pattern choices. Seed stitch or garter stitch not only complement the texture but celebrate it, much like recognizing and valuing the unique qualities in ourselves and others. Seeking patterns designed for chunky thick and thin yarn is a journey of discovery, an invitation to explore and embrace designs that resonate with our essence.
V. Troubleshooting:
Encounter splitting yarn or uneven stitches? Here lies an opportunity for growth, a reminder that perfection is a myth and that beauty often lies in imperfection. Fixing mistakes without unraveling your entire project is a testament to our ability to correct course in life, learning from our missteps without losing all progress.
VI. Finishing and Care:
Blocking techniques that enhance the shape and drape of your project serve as a lesson in patience and the transformative power of gentle care. Washing and caring for your creations properly ensure they stand the test of time.
As our journey with chunky thick and thin yarn unfolds, let it be a mirror to the journey of growth, resilience, and beauty in our lives. May the key tips and techniques shared guide you not just to success in your knitting endeavors but also in the rich tapestry of your life. Embrace the uniqueness, the challenges, and the infinite possibilities chunky yarn represents.
