The most intimidating task for beginner crocheters/ knitters is to find the right yarn for their project. For me, it was when I started testing patterns for designers.
I had an idea of the basic types of yarns in India but I was clueless (and mostly frustrated) about their weight. Like, why would you call the *thickness of yarn* its weight?? Weight is supposed to be weight! We don’t have enough confusion in India about everything else, huh?
I’ve also had some students and fellow makers ask me, “Anmol, is there any difference between 4ply and worsted yarn?” or “Is Aran weight 5 ply, 6ply, or 10ply?” I used to be like, “I know the answer but um… how do I explain it to you?”
But now I get excited with such questions because I know all the correct answers AND I know how to explain them. Through my blog!
So once I was done with my research on Indian yarns, there are two things that I realized:
There are 3 most popular yarn brands in India - Vardhman, Oswal Knitting Yarn, and Ganga Acrowools;
and not one of them mention yarn weight, yardage, composition, etc. on the label (except for some varieties).
So how was I supposed to know which yarn is which then?
Please mind that the research I’ve done was not a single day’s work. It took me months to finally be able to understand these different weights. So, it might be confusing for you at first too. Be patient and keep asking questions in the comments below.
It will help if you have a project in mind and you’re looking for a specific yarn here.
TYPES OF YARNS IN INDIA
Let’s start with how many types of yarn (that I know so far) are available in India for the two main weathers.
Winter Yarns
Wool
Alpaca
Merino Wool
Acrylic
Nylon
Summer Yarns
Cotton
Bamboo
Viscose
Silk
I have a VERY CUTE paid resource coming soon where I have mentioned different varieties of these yarns available on all our favourite online stores with their proper gauge and corresponding tools. All in one place, just for you!
DIFFERENT YARN WEIGHTS IN INDIA
Next is the WEIGHT OF THE YARN! In comparison to Worsted, Aran, and Fingering yarn weights in other countries, we have yarns with yarn weight from 0-7 in India.
If you tell an offline yarn vendor that you require a No. 3 yarn, they might be able to help you with some Fingering or DK weight yarn but they might not understand Worsted or Aran weight. So, here’s how you know which No. yarn you're looking for.
*It’s not easy to tell which is which between Worsted, Aran or Afghan weight because they all fall under the same category. But the next point coming up will help you with as well.
WPI - WRAPS PER INCH
Knowing the yarn weight is one thing but if something related to it is not mentioned on the yarn label (like in our Indian yarns’ case)? This is where learning about WPI will help you!
WPI is the number of coils that a yarn makes around your finger or a scale within an inch mark.
This gives away the thickness of a yarn type and according to that, you’ll be able to determine the type of yarn.
For example, for a bulky winter cardigan, you will require a wool-based (sustainable) or acrylic (synthetic) that can wrap around the scale 5-7 times within an inch.
That’s it! This is ALL (only) the information you need to:
learn what type of yarn you have in your stash; AND
compare it with the different yarns mentioned in US or UK patterns.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Now, let’s answer some FAQs about yarns in general.
Q. Which yarn is best for beginner crocheters/ knitters?
A. Choose anything between light and medium. In the beginning, I preferred 4ply acrylic yarns because:
they are cheap;
they are always available everywhere and in most colour;
they are slightly coarse than natural yarns so they not slip away from the hook/ needles; and
they help with learning the proper tension.
Q. Is yarn sampling worth it?
A. No. I do not prefer spending money, time, and/ or energy into researching for yarns when you can find it all on YouTube and Google. Even if you want to share your research with people, you can learn from others’ experience and save yourself from buying different types of yarns. It’s fancy, sure but not worth it the time!
Q. Where can I find all the yarns?
A. There might be a store that have all the yarns available in one place BUT I don’t know of one as of yet. For example in Delhi, mostly no yarn stores keep 100% wool until late winters because of the weather. But if you find yourself roaming around at the Inderlok market, you might find something. So, it’s all trial and error unless you download my paid resource coming up next week.
Before you go, please drop a like or comment below. Give me all your questions and I'll answer them as soon as I can! I'd love to help you more.
Great info… thanks
Really helpful, Thank you <3