Please Help! Confusion over yarn size

Hi I’m new here so hopefully I’m in the right bit!
Basically I bought a pattern yesterday for a sweater vest to crochet for my Grandad, the description of the pattern says worsted weight (which is 10 ply) but the materials say to use 4 ply yarn.
These are obviously very different yarn sizes and will give extremely different results if I use the wrong one! I can’t really afford to buy both, so if anybody could give me any advice I would really appreciate it!

Welcome to KH. Did you buy the pattern on etsy? I’ve read many stories of problems with etsy pattern purchases and usually the seller is no help.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1653369369/mens-vest-crochet-pdf-pattern-mens?click_key=6e1b0433ce52b8541f36ab25a06e4fe74006cc5e%3A1653369369&click_sum=6d21cd5b&ref=shop_home_active_1

This is confusing. The hook size given seems off for either yarn weight to me. Vintage patterns can be tricky. Based on the gauge I would guess that it’s written for smaller than worsted weight yarn but that is only a guess. Looking up the yarn it seems to only be available in worsted weight now. I hope someone else has a better take on it.

ETA I spent some time looking and finding another pattern isn’t easy. Someone better with math should be able to work this out for you. Do you have yarn that you can do a gauge swatch with to get an idea of what your yarn will gauge at before spending money?

1 Like

4 stitches to the inch certainly sounds like worsted. I would do as GrumpyGramma suggested and try a quick swatch with any worsted you might have. A G hook is in range for worsted, though you might want to go up a hook size.

The word “ply” can be confusing, as it’s used very differently in different countries, and usage has also changed over time and with improved spinning machines and higher-quality yarn. Here’s a nice article: https://www.chillavalleyalpacas.co.uk/4-ply-yarns-yarn-weight-conversion-and-ply-versus-weight/

2 Likes

That’s a brilliant idea to do swatches with what I already have, I can’t believe I didn’t even think of that.
Thank you for looking into it so much for me, I will do a guage test and let you know the results!
I was so happy finding this pattern it will suit my grandad so well I didn’t want to have to find another one.
Thank you again!

1 Like

Similar patterns are scarce on the ground. I couldn’t come up with one to offer even with subbing the spike stitch (?) used in the pattern you have. This can be done and will be worth the effort.

Patons Canadiana is still available, although whether it is the same weight as it was when this pattern was published, I’m not sure.

You could try contacting the current owner, Yarnspirations:

I am afraid there are many Etsy sellers illegally selling copies of patterns that are still in copyright. Etsy will only remove copyright violations if the copyright holder complains. Unfortunately, most copyright holders are either companies that have closed down or designers who are elderly or who have passed away, and are unable to protect their work.

2 Likes

I didn’t know this. I don’t shop at etsy but it’s good to be aware. I have noticed sellers charging for patterns which are free elsewhere on the Internet too.