Balls of wool: how to choose the right knitting yarn?

Whether you're a beginner or already addicted to knitting , one thing is certain: it all starts with a ball of wool ! But between the textures, thicknesses, materials and shapes (balls or skeins of wool ), it's easy to get lost. Don't panic, we'll explain everything you need to know to choose the right yarn for your project 🧵✨

🎨 Ball or skein of wool: what’s the difference?

When we talk about wool yarns , we can find them in two main forms:

• The ball : rolled up and ready to use. This is the most common shape, perfect for beginners.
• The skein : a twist of yarn that must first be unwound before use. This is often the preferred format for hand-dyed wools.

Whether you choose a ball or a skein of wool , the yarn is the same – only the presentation changes!

🧵 Choosing the right knitting yarn

The knitting yarn varies according to several criteria:

• The material : wool, cotton, alpaca, acrylic, silk... Each fiber has its qualities.
• Size : We often talk about "fingering", "DK", "worsted", "chunky", etc.
• Twisting : some wool yarns are tightly twisted (stronger), others are fluffier.
• The color : solid, multi-colored, mottled, gradient... The choice is vast!

🛍️ Where can you find your balls of wool?

You can visit a store or order online. Wool and knitting enthusiasts often find what they're looking for in:

• Local haberdasheries or specialist shops
• Websites specializing in knitting yarn
• Artisan brands that offer hand-dyed skeins of wool

💡 Tip: How many balls do you need?

It all depends on your project! To help you:

• 🧣 A scarf: 2 to 3 balls
• 🧤 A pair of mittens: 1 to 2 balls
• 🧶 An adult sweater: 6 to 10 balls depending on size and thickness

💬 Conclusion

Choosing the right ball of yarn is the start of a successful project. Whether you prefer a thick knitting yarn for a quick knit or a thin knitting yarn for a more delicate project, the important thing is to have fun. So, get your needles ready? Knit! 🧶💛