How do I figure what kind of yarn I need?

#1

I want to make these 2 shawls

http://www.lyndaillingsworth.com/Shawls.htm

However, the Anna shawl calls for laceweight yarn, but it also says gauge is 23 sts to 10 cm. The laceweight yarn says 32 sts to 10 cm.

The Tessa shawl calls for 29 sts to 4". Would that be fingering weight?

I am so confused. I want to make these, but I have no idea what yarn to use. Thank you for any help you can give me.

#2

The gauge is going to differ depending on your needle size – anything you see on a yarn label is generally a guideline but may not match your actual gauge. I would recommend taking a look at this chart…it might help you understand the yarn weight system a little better. It isn’t as complicated as it first seems!

#3

When I’m not sure of a yarn’s weight, I look up the yarn and see what it calls itself.

#4

Julie–
That’s a terrific site! Thanks for recommending it!
–Denise