How Do I Figure Oz.?

#1

I was told that I can substitute a yarn in a pattern and feel safe it will turn out well if it’s the same weight. I assume that’s ounces???

OK. so I’m looking to make the fisherman’s sweater (Here’s my original post: http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25873 with pics). Lionbrand’s site says fisherman’s is 8 oz. But I’m thinking of doing it with Kool Wool which is supposed to be chuncky, then how come on Smiley’s Yarn’s page it says it’s “1 3/4 ounces (50 Grams)” (see sales page). Does that mean they are smaller skeins?

HOW does one know (for online shopping - if you aren’t familiar with the yarn) whether the yarn is the same thickness?

#2

no if you are substituting look for gauge. you need to make sure the gauge is similar. when they are talking about weight they are talking about sport, fingering, worsted, dk, etc. after you figure you have matching gauges then you need to look at yardage. :thumbsup:

#3

Yes … it will be a smaller skein. The average ~ skein ~ is about three ozs this is probably 1/4 of that. So buy plenty of yarn…but for $1 skein…~~
That shoudln’t bee too hard~!! :cheering: :roflhard:

#4

If you knew how bad my math was, you’d know it’s easier said than done! :teehee:

#5

You can’t compare yarns by weight alone. To be similar they have to be the same (or close) yardage by weight. So it can get complicated you have to figure out the equivalent yardage per weight.

#6

:roll: :shock: :shock: :shock:

#7

When peple refer to the weight of a yarn, they are usually saying whether the yarn is DK, Worsted, bulky or chunky and that refers to the yarn gauge not the weight in ounces.

If you want to substitute one yarn for another in a pattern the 2 most important things are gauge (how many stitiches to an inch will you get with the yarn) and yardage (is there enough yards in each skein for you to finish the sweater.) This information is on the label of the yarn you want to use.

The instructions for the sweater will list the recommended yarn and it’s gauge and yardage. You just have to make sure that the yarn you want to substitute matches the gauge and that you buy enough of it to get the yardage you need to finish the sweater.

The oz weight of the yarn is not really important.

Does that make sense?

Best,
Susan

#8

A yard of cotton, a yard of wool, and a yard of silk will weigh different amounts, even if they knit up exactly the same. You’ll have to look at the gauge of the yarn (how many stitches per inch). Here’s what you do, assuming you have two yarns that knit at the same gauge (yarn X is the yarn the pattern calls for, and yarn Y is the yarn you want to substitute):

  1. Find how many skeins/hanks/balls/whatever X the pattern calls for in the size you want.

  2. Multiply this number by the number of yards per skein X.

  3. Divide this number by the number of yards per skein Y.

  4. Round up to the nearest whole number to see how many skeins/hanks/balls/whatever of Y you’ll need to buy (because you can’t buy a partial ball of yarn, although it would be helpful sometimes).

For example, if you were to make this cardigan in the yarn shown, size Small, it would take 6 balls of WoolEase. Let’s say you wanted to make it in Lion Wool instead, which gets the same gauge according to the manufacturer. Here’s what you would do:

  1. This cardigan calls for 6 balls of WoolEase.
  2. Each ball of WoolEase contains 197 yards of yarn (in the solid colors). So, 6 x 197 is 1182 yards. This is the total amount of yarn you’ll need.
  3. Each ball of Lion Wool contains 158 yards. So, 1182 / 158= 7.48
  4. Rounding this number up gives you 8 balls of Lion Wool.

I hope this helps!

#9

Psammameadred~~!!
WOW… a Knitting Algebraic Equation~!! :happydance:
:passedout:

:woot: That is worth remembering~!

#10

I second that, thanks for all that hard work!!!

For those of us who get headaches doing simple math :wall:…sounds like a good rule of thumb is buy 2 more skeins eh? :teehee:

Also, thanks Susan, yes, that made much sense! Basically forget the ounces, and do your gauge?!? :wink:

Lu

#11

Okay, so here’s a question. I’m looking at an old pattern book (One Piece Knits that Fit) - and it’s great but every single pattern lists the yarn requirements in terms of ounces (actually, Elizabeth Zimmerman’s books do this as well).

Most of the yarn I look at doesn’t even list ounces on its label, so I’m at a loss for figuring out how much I need. Thoughts?

#12

Does it call for older yarns? Here’ a link to vintage yarns that can help you figure it out. Tells you the approximate yardage.

sue

#13

No, it doesn’t call for older yarns. The patterns simply say “12 oz. worsted” or “18 oz. sportweight”, etc.

#14

[color=blue] :oops: I read the topic and thought “Wizard of Oz” It’s early! need more coffee, need more coffee…
anne[/color]

#15

Hmmmm, most yarn descriptions will say 50 grams or 100 grams, that translates into 1.75 oz and 3.5 oz, so you could take it from there then.

sue

#16

[color=blue] :oops: I read the topic and thought “Wizard of Oz” It’s early! need more coffee, need more coffee…
anne[/color][/quote]

Don’t feel bad… so did I, lol

#17

Thanks, Sue!

#18

I’m still not clear on this and need help. I want to start my first socks for my mom who’s legs swell at times. OK, so I’m doing the Silver’s Sock Class. It gives fingering weight ans worsted weight, etc. directions…OK…I was going to use Paton’s Classic Wool Merino, and the package doesn’t say anything about its weight. Can anyone tell me how to tell?

#19

I love yarndex.com! It’s a great resource (a “yarn directory”).

Patons Classic Wool is worsted weight according to their info.

Also, look here for a great chart with information about yarn weights (scroll down).

#20

Don’t feel bad… so did I, lol[/quote]
:roflhard: I understand lack of caffeine logic. :smiley: