Yarn substitution, new(-ish) question!

How-to Questions
1

I’m going to knit this bag from knitty.com. I’m having porblems findng the yarn though. I find it in plenty of USA based online stores, but shipping is so freaking expensive :pout:

So I’m wondering if there’s any other yarn that I can get, perferably from Europe (Sweden/Scandinavia would be a blessing :happydance:) ?

2

You could use any 100% wool that has a comparable gauge. Cascade 220, the yarn called for, has a label gauge of 4.5sts/1" on US size 8 needles, or 5sts/1" on US size 7 needles. Look for something with that same gauge and it will work just fine.

3

Also, a word about the Satchel pattern. The base is a rather long and narrow piece and then it asks you to pick up stitches around the base to work the rest of the bag. It is VERY difficult to do this on such a narrow piece, so when you come to that part of the pattern you’d be best to pick up the stitches in two halves and use the 2 circular method of circular knitting until the stitches become more workable.

4

Thanks for the fast reply :smiley: I’ve looked at some yarns I can buy over here already, but have yet to find one with the right gauge.

Great tip for the pattern too. Danke. :cheering: :cheering:

5

I found a yarn that MAY work. I’s 100% wool and the gauge is 18 sts/10cm or 4.5/1" with size 8 needles. What do you guys think? :slight_smile:

6

Should work, you might just have to adjust the needle size a bit.

7

A caution:
Be sure to use wool that’s NOT machine washable or anything labeled “Superwash” (Sandnesgarn Smart, for instance). It won’t felt. Even untreated wool won’t felt well if it’s white or off-white.

How about Dale of Norway’s Freestyle? Its gauge is 17 stitches/10 cm.
Close! You might also use a double strand of Heilo.

Actually, this is one of those pleasant projects where “close enough” is close enough. You can go up or down a needle size or two to get the gauge; add or subtract a few stitches from the pattern to get the right size; felt it a little more or less. Gauge is extremely important in items that need to fit well, but you can be a bit more relaxed about a felted bag.

8

Thanks everyone :heart: :heart: I thik I know what yarn and needels to get now ^^

9

When in doubt about yarn substitutions, yarndex.com is your best friend! Good luck!