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Yarns Sorted by Weight
Well, every time we think there's a correct way to sort yarns into groups that can be used one for another, we hit a snag. The truth is that there is so much variation in yarns that it's impossible to have absolute rules on substitutions.

The Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA) developed those handy little skeins with the numbers on them, 0 through 6, but still that isn't a complete answer for yarn substitution. There's a lot of variation among all those "4" yarns. The plain truth is you have to look at all these things, and use the infallible computer we all have (your brain!) to figure it out. Start with common sense--narrow things down first by general terms, then continue from there. You'll notice that the #3,4,&5 groups are bigger, and have more variation within them, than the thinner yarns.

What are the things that you should consider when substituting yarns? Gauge of course, but also the fiber used, smoothness, regular or irregular spin, indoor or outdoor use, and the draping of it (limp to stiff). And how do you tell these things? Sometimes it's really tough--even the color of the dye can make a difference in how a yarn works up.

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    Angelina Silk and Wool Blend Yarn Angelina Silk and Wool Blend Yarn Angelina Silk and Wool Blend Yarn Angelina Silk and Wool Blend Yarn

    Angelina Silk and Wool Blend Yarn

    AngelinaSilk and Wool Blend by Lang A beautiful heathery look that combines the softness of merino wool and the brilliant, saturated colors of silk into one very special yarn. This silky blend works up into garments with three-season wearability. 50g...

    MSRP: $13.00
    Was: $10.95
    Now: $8.00
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    skein of Radiant Cotton Garment made in Radiant Cotton Garment made in Radiant Cotton Garment made in Radiant Cotton

    Radiant Cotton DK Yarn

    Radiant Cottonby Fibra Natura We all love cotton--we wear it all year long, don't we? Of course we do. It's soft, comfortable, and durable. Radiant Cotton is a multiple-ply spun yarn with a very tight twist. It holds together better, is pre-shrunk, and...

    MSRP: $11.00
    Was: $8.95
    Now: $7.25
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    Ball of Papyrus Shawl made of Papyrus

    Papyrus Fibra Natura Cotton-Silk Blend

    Fibra Natura Papyrus Cotton-Silk Blend Yarn This lightweight Fibra Natura yarn takes its cues from the classic knotty textures of organic fibers. Thanks to its subtle variations, it's perfect for adding personality to flat knits, traditional designs and...

    MSRP: $12.00
    Was: $10.50
    Now: $9.00
  • DiPinto multi-color sport yarn DiPinto multi-color sport yarn DiPinto multi-color sport yarn DiPinto multi-color sport yarn DiPinto multi-color sport yarn

    DiPinto multi-color sport yarn

    DiPinto Multi-Color Knitting Yarn by Lang This wool and acrylic combination yarn comes in a sport weight to give your creations the staying power they need to survive. Machine washable and soft, it may just be the perfect marriage of comfort and...

    $17.95
  • Ball of Lusso Garment  from Lusso Garment  from Lusso Garment  from Lusso Garment  from Lusso

    Lusso by Lang

    Lusso by Lang Lusso is a super-light lace-weight yarn consisting of fine merino, silk, baby camel hair and super kid mohair. The baby camel hair component gives the yarn a wonderful softness and lovely volume. For hand-knitting yarns the down, the...

    $13.95
  • Skeins of Studio Linen Studio Linen Yarn by Erika Knight

    Studio Linen Yarn by Erika Knight

    Studio Linen yarn Linen is an ancient sustainable, natural fiber spun from the flax plant. Flax itself is naturally resistant to pests and therefore practically no pesticides nor herbicides are necessary to grow these hardy plants. Linen is durable,...

    MSRP: $14.00
    $12.95
  • Colca Baby Llama & Silk Colca Baby Llama & Silk

    Colca Baby Llama & Silk

    Colca Baby Llama & SilkColca is a delightful blend of raw materials from the new world and the orient. The blend of 56% Baby Llama and 44% silk produces a heavenly soft yarn with pure colors and sheen that comes only from silk.The silk is mulberry...

    MSRP: $13.95
    $12.95
  • skein of Eco Puna yarn Eco Puna logo

    EcoPuna Baby Alpaca yarn

    EcoPuna Baby Alpaca yarnEco Puna is the natural undyed version of Puna. Puna is the quintessential luxury yarn for larger projects and garments. It is 100% Baby alpaca in a DK weight suitable for your favorite patterns. The natural variations in the...

    MSRP: $23.50
    $22.50
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    ball of Whisper Lace Sample in Whisperlace Garment in Whisperlace Garment in Whisperlace

    Whisper Lace Wool & Silk Lace Yarn

    Whisper LaceWhen you are looking for a quality yarn for your next lace project, choose Whisper Lace from Universal. Whisper Lace is a luxurious wool/silk blend that works up into garments with soft drape and rich color. 50 g skein is about 440 yards 70%...

    MSRP: $10.50
    Was: $9.25
    Now: $7.95
  • Gossypium Cotton Yarn by Erika Knight - 500 Milk Garment in Gossypium Cotton Garment in Gossypium Cotton Garment in Gossypium Cotton Garment in Gossypium Cotton

    Gossypium Cotton Yarn by Erika Knight

    Gossypium natural cotton yarn By Erika Knight Gossypium is the botanical name for the cotton genus; there are about 50 species of cotton plants. Cotton is the primary natural fiber used today. Gossypium cotton yarn is custom made for Erika Knight in...

    $6.95
  • Ball of Cara Cara Garment Cara Garment Cara Garment Cara Garment

    Cara Lace-Weight yarn by Lang

    Cara by Lang A unique and modern novelty style lace-weight yarn with a beautiful composition. A core of silk makes the yarn so unbelievably soft. At the same time, the silk content bestows a sublime luster. Not too fuzzy, just a gentle haze similar to...

    MSRP: $15.95
    $10.95
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    200g cake of Mille Colori

    Mille Colori 200 g Balls

    Mille Colori 200g by LangLang's classic and favorite for years among multi-coloured yarns, now in a wheel-like cake. With the 200g cake you will have fewer breaks in the color sequence, and fewer joins and finishing. The latest shades display more...

    MSRP: $37.99
    Was: $35.00
    Now: $21.95
  • Ball of Deluxe DK Tweed Garment of Deluxe DK Tweed

    Deluxe DK Tweed

    Deluxe DK Tweed Yarn from Universal YarnsTweed is a big fashion statement, and this wonderful new tweed yarn is your "Go-To" choice for best value! So soft, and the beautiful flecks coordinate beautifully with the base colors. Deluxe DK Tweed brings a...

    MSRP: $11.50
    $10.29
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    ball of Java

    Java Hemp Yarn by Fibra Natura

    Java Hemp Yarnby Fibra Natura Finally! A hemp you can handle! And one that won't fall apart or shed, either. This new yarn isn't nearly as stiff or scratchy as hemp yarn used to be, and it becomes softer as you wash it. Java comes in a big 100g ball...

    MSRP: $10.00
    Was: $8.85
    Now: $6.40
  • Lang Viva Superwash Merino Lang Viva Superwash Merino Lang Viva Superwash Merino Lang Viva Superwash Merino

    Lang Viva Superwash Merino

    Vivaby LangIf you like Mille Colori Baby, you'll just love Viva! This yarn is a worsted weight gauge, so the gorgeous colors are developed even faster as you knit! Lang's expertise with color really shines in this enticing yarn.This yarn is made with...

    MSRP: $12.95
    $11.95
  • Ball of Bamboo Pop Garment in Bamboo Pop Garment in Bamboo Pop Garment in Bamboo Pop

    Bamboo Pop Cotton Blend Yarn

    Bamboo Popby UniversalThis is a great summer yarn for almost any use. Light and breezy, Bamboo Pop is a machine washable 50/50 cotton/bamboo viscose blend that makes great warm weather projects for adults and kids. The multi-color variegated versions are...

    $9.25 - $9.29
  • ball of cotton gold

    Cotton Gold String-along Sequins

    Cotton Gold Cotton Gold features a simple cotton thread strung with sequins and wrapped in a strand of gold or silver glitter. Sometimes you just want a little glitz in a collar, cuff, or neckline feature, so hold Cotton Gold along with another yarn...

    $6.60
  • Ball of Merino + Color Merino + Color Hats

    Merino+ Color Superwash Wool

    Merino+ Colorby Lang   New Colors!!   This Superwash Merino yarn is produced from fine Australian merino wool with degradé colours similar to the super popular colorways of Sol Degradé. Manufactured using first class raw wool...

    MSRP: $27.75
    $25.95
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    Fur Wool by Erika Knight

    Fur Wool by Erika Knight

    Fur Wool by Erika Knight Fur Wool is a wonderfully textured fashion yarn created in Yorkshire, UK specifically for Erika Knight. Needle size: 10-12mm / US 15-17 Gauge: 5 sts x 10 rows = 4" Approx 40m / 44yds per 100g hank Hand wash, lay flat to...

    MSRP: $19.95
    Was: $17.95
    Now: $12.95
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    Skein of MaxiWool Skein of MaxiWool Skein of MaxiWool

    Maxi Wool by Erika Knight

    Maxi Wool by Erika KnightMaxi Wool is a beautifully soft super-chunky yarn, steamed twice in the process of making it, to create a luxuriously voluminous yarn that takes dye extremely well. The palette is quite irresistible and comprised of colors that...

    MSRP: $21.00
    Was: $18.95
    Now: $14.95
  • Ayni Baby Alpaca & Silk Ayni Baby Alpaca & Silk

    Ayni Baby Alpaca & Silk

    Ayni Baby Alpaca & SilkAyni is a unique blend of raw materials from the new world and the orient. The blend of 80% Baby alpaca and 20% silk produces a heavenly soft yarn with the depth of color and sheen that comes only from silk.Baby Alpaca fiber...

    $12.95
  • skein of Puna Puna Logo

    Puna Baby Alpaca yarn

    Puna Baby Alpaca yarnPuna is the quintessential luxury yarn for larger projects and garments. It is 100% Baby alpaca in a DK weight suitable for your favorite patterns. The natural variations in the fiber produce a lovely heathery shade in every hue...

    $21.95
  • Apu Imperial Alpaca

    Apu Imperial Alpaca

    Apu Imperial AlpacaApu in the native language of the Incas means "mountain god." For the Incas, the finest alpaca textiles were comparable in value to gold and the finest jewelry.Apu is 100% Imperial Alpaca, the finest alpaca in the world. Imperial...

    $18.95
  • Plötulopi Traditional Unspun Icelandic Wool Plötulopi Traditional Unspun Icelandic Wool Plötulopi Traditional Unspun Icelandic Wool Plötulopi Traditional Unspun Icelandic Wool Plötulopi Traditional Unspun Icelandic Wool

    Plötulopi Traditional Unspun Icelandic Wool

    Plötulopi Traditional Icelandic Wool This is the un-spun single ply yarn that is the favorite of the native Icelandic knitters for garments of all kinds. Similar to pencil roving, it can be knitted with multiple strands held as one. Since...

    MSRP: $14.00
    $13.50
  • Ball of Nova

    Nova Baby Camel Blend Yarn by Lang

    Novaby Lang Rarely do you ever find a yarn this soft and luxurious! Nova is a simply gorgeous knitted chainette yarn that is incredibly light to wear. The heathery colors are beautifully rich and compelling. Easy to knit and adaptable to almost any use,...

    MSRP: $15.95
    $8.00
  • British Blue Wool by Erika Knight in 25g balls

    British Blue Wool by Erika Knight in 25g balls

    British Blue Wool  25g by Erika Knight British Blue Wool is made from 100% Bluefaced Leicester fleece - supremely soft, subtly sheeny, this is Britain's most luxurious fiber. It is the ultimate natural fiber, perfect for projects for either baby or...

    $6.20 - $6.50
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    Sock knitted in Regia Viva

    Regia Viva Color

    Regia Viva Color Special Purchase! Another beautiful set of Regia color innovations for their best quality, soft sock yarn. Supply is limited: we were only able to get 4 balls of each color, & when it's gone, it's gone, so get yours now! 75%...

    MSRP: $18.95
    Was: $15.95
    Now: $12.95
  • Ball of Malou Light

    Malou Light Baby Alpaca Blend yarn

    Malou Light by Lang Another addition to the Malou family of yarns: Malou Light!  This chunky yarn is so airy, you won't believe the yardage in the 50g ball. Many of the same characteristics of regular super bulky Malou, it's light and so so...

    MSRP: $22.50
    $16.95
  • Hank of Flax Garment in Flax Garment in Flax Garment in Flax

    Flax Fibra Natura Sport weight Linen

    Flax sport weight linenby Fibra Natura Flax is a 100% linen yarn, available in a wide range of solid shades. Flax blooms and softens beautifully with each trip through the washing machine. Linen wears very well, but it needs machine washing to look and...

    MSRP: $8.00
    $7.39
  • Ball of Mille Colori Baby Mille Colori Baby Swing Jacket Mille Colori Baby sweater for baby

    Mille Colori Baby

    Mille Colori Baby Superwash merino by Lang Another truly fabulous example of Lang's color expertise! This one is a single ply, very long repeat fine yarn, great for lace projects, fine knits, and more. This yarn is 100% wool, and superwash too!. The...

    MSRP: $13.50
    $11.95
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    Ball of variegated Patina Multi Ball of solid Patina

    Patina and Patina Multi

    Patina & Patina Multi by Zitron   This single ply wool yarn has a generous dose of rayon, a plant fiber that renders garments lightweight and resilient. It also imparts a silk-like gleam and a soft drape. Perfect for garments and elegant...

    MSRP: $13.50
    Was: $12.49
    Now: $9.00
  • Acacia MultiFiber Yarn by Trendsetter Acacia MultiFiber Yarn by Trendsetter

    Acacia MultiFiber Yarn by Trendsetter

    Acacia is a beautiful multi-fiber warm weather yarn, with subtle monochromatic variation. It is a chain construction around a soft interior core. Drapes beautifully! 42% Cotton, 20% Viscose, ,5% Silk, 15% Hemp, and 8% linen. 50g skeins measure 110...

    MSRP: $11.95
    $5.95
  • ball of Lino garments in Lino garments in Lino garments in Lino

    Lino pure linen yarn

    LinoPure Linen Yarn by Lang Soft, washed linen knitted into a fine ribbon yarn - wearable through the summer and all year long! Unlike many linen yarns, Lino is soft and light weight, due to its tape construction. Easy to knit, and looks great with a...

    MSRP: $16.00
    $14.95
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    Balls of Rhythm Rhythm Superwash by Jojoland

    Rhythm Superwash by Jojoland

    Jojoland Rhythm Superwash These yarns from Jojoland are an entirely different concept in color. Extremely gradual, subtle color changes make for a spectacular result. Every colorway is based on three main colors, and the yarn slowly changes from one to...

    $6.00 - $6.39
  • Ball of white Einband Garment in Einband Garment in Einband

    Einband Laceweight Lopi Icelandic Wool

    Einband Einband is the laceweight Icelandic yarn, new for those of us outside of Iceland. Who would guess this wonderful, warm wool could take on such a delicate and feminine persona? Einband is a "fingering" weight lace yarn spun mostly from the...

    MSRP: $8.00
    $7.75
  • Ball of Regia Tweed

    Regia Highland Tweed

    Regia Highland Tweed Regia Highland Tweed Regia Highland Tweed is a true innovation in yarn design. The yarn is distinguished by a long color repeat for creating socks with wider bands of color combined with a fashionable tweed effect. This yarn creates...

    MSRP: $18.95
    $18.75