Patons Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Website Related Questions
1. How do I find exactly what I'm looking for on the site?2. Where can I find a particular yarn or pattern?
3. What is your privacy policy?
Yarn, Knitting and Crochet Related Questions
1. What information should I look for on the yarn label?2. What is meant by "Yarn Weight Classifications?"
3. Can I substitute one yarn weight for another yarn weight?
4. What is meant by "Gauge" or "Tension"? Must I use it?
5. Why do some yarns have a dye lot number while others have no dye lot?
6. Should I use circular needles instead of straight needles?
7. What does "double knitting" mean?
8. Is it okay to add a new ball of yarn in the middle of a row?
9. Should I decrease and increase at the beginning and end of the row?
10. Can I re-use yarn that I have ripped out of a project?
11. What are the different weights of yarns?
12. How do you convert inches to centimeters as needed in some instructions?
13. Where can I find out more about knitting and crocheting?
1. How do I find exactly what I'm looking for on the site?
Visit the Site Map under the "Help" menu to find all the features of the website. Click on your topic of interest.2. Where can I find a particular yarn or pattern?
If you already know the name of the product you are looking for, use the Store Locator to find a retailer close to you that sells it. Be sure to enter more than one parameter (Postal/Zip Code, City, State/Province) and the yarn name (under "Products Carried") to ensure that you find the retailer closest to you.If you would like to find an E-tailer (on-line store), be sure to enter your country and choose 'Find Etailers'.
If you are looking for a new yarn or pattern, look at Our Yarns or Pattern Books for inspiration.
1. What information should I look for on the yarn label?
Yarn labels contain useful information that will help you select the type of yarn and number of balls/skeins you need for a project.This information includes: the Yarn Brand Name, Yarn Content (wool, acrylic, cotton, etc. and what percentage of each component), Color Name and Number, Dye Lot Number or "No Dye Lot", Weight Classification (Sport, Knitting Worsted, Chunky, Bulky etc.), Ounces or Grams, Gauge/Tension, and Washing Instructions.
2. What is meant by "Yarn Weight Classifications?"
Weight refers to the thickness of the yarn and not the number of strands (ply). There are a number of standard yarn weights. The five most common are:- Baby / Fingering Weight: A very light-weight yarn used for baby apparel, socks and other delicate items.
- Sport Weight: A medium-weight yarn used for baby apparel, sweaters and throws.
- Worsted Weight (or Knitting Worsted Weight): The most popular weight of yarn used for sweaters, afghans, pillows, and craft projects.
- Chunky Weight: Heavier than worsted, chunky yarn is used for hats, scarves, sweaters and afghans.
- Bulky Weight: A very heavy yarn (twice the thickness of worsted weight) that is used for similar items as chunky yarn and works up very quickly.
3. Can I substitute one yarn weight for another yarn weight?
Typically, the project instructions specify the weight of yarn to use and it is best not to substitute one weight of yarn for another or your project will not turn out as shown.4. What is meant by "Gauge" or "Tension"? Must I use it?
Gauge or Tension refers to the number of stitches to the inch (horizontally) and the number of rows to the inch (vertically) that you will need to obtain when knitting or crocheting. If you do not check your gauge against the one provided on the ball band or pattern, your garment will not come out to the right size. You may find that if you knit or crochet loosely or more tightly, you may have to use a needle or hook one size smaller or larger than the pattern specifies to achieve the correct gauge/tension. It doesn't matter what size needle or hook you use as long as your gauge swatch has the same number of stitches and rows per inch as specified in the pattern.5. Why do some yarns have a dye lot number while others have no dye lot?
Some yarns are dyed after spinning. They are dyed in large batches with each batch assigned a dye lot number. It is important to use balls from the same dye batch to avoid the disappointment of minor colour variances in your finished project.'No Dye Lot' yarns are spun from fiber that is already colored. These yarns are guaranteed to match from ball to ball.
6. Should I use circular needles instead of straight needles?
It is really up to you. Circular needles are more versatile as you can use them to knit 'in the round' or 'back and forth' like straight needles. Many people claim that they are also more comfortable to use.7. What does "double knitting" mean?
Double Knitting is actually a weight of yarn like worsted, fingering or sport. It knits at a gauge of 5.5 stitches to the inch. It does not mean that you are required to knit with two strands doubled together at the same time.8. Is it okay to add a new ball of yarn in the middle of a row?
The problem with joining ends of yarn in the middle of a row is that you risk having your knot come undone or popping out the front of your garment. For the amount of yarn that you save, it is not worth it. It is best to add new balls of yarn at the edges of your work.9. Should I decrease and increase at the beginning and end of the row?
When increasing or decreasing, make sure you do so between the first and last stitches on a row or according to the pattern instructions.10. Can I re-use yarn that I have ripped out of a project?
You may re-use yarn that you rip out of a project but try to get the "kinks" or wrinkles out of it first. Steaming with an iron or blocking will work: wrap the yarn around a large, flat piece of cardboard and then apply steam or lay a very damp towel over board and let dry. Never apply an iron directly to the yarn.11. What are the different weights of yarns?
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12. How do you convert inches to centimeters as needed in some instructions?
To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the inches by 2.54 and round to the closest half centimeter.13. Where can I find out more about knitting and crocheting?
Several web sites offer online instructions, educational pages and message boards where you can ask questions about knitting and crocheting. Click here for a great list of links.