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Yarns To Use In Crochet
Yarns to use in crochet can come in all weights and types. Yarn for crochet is usually sold as balls or hanks of wool, although it can be wound on spools or cones. They are usually sold complete with a yarn band which is a label that describes the weight, dye lot, fibre content, washing instructions, the length and suggested needle size. Cotton yarns of all weights and types are particularly suitable for crocheting work. Fine white cottons are great for lacework and the heavier coloured cotton ranges are suitable for the fashion outfits or accessories.
Getting into the habit of saving the yarn band for future reference is a great thing to do in case additional hanks of wool must be purchased. It's also a good idea to ensure the yarn for a project comes from a single dye lot, so you have precisely the same colour. Skeins from different dye lots, even if they are very similar in colour are usually different and may produce a visible stripe when it's added to existing work.
Virtually any yarn produced for knitting can be used with equal success in crochet work and can come in both natural and man-made fibres. As with knitting, the yarn should be chosen to suit the purpose which the finished garment is intended. The thickness or weight of the yarn is a significant factor in determining the gauge (how many stitches and rows are required to cover the given area stated in the pattern). Thicker yarns generally require large diameter crochet hooks whereas thinner yarns can be crocheted with thin or thick hooks. Thick yarns require fewer stitches and therefore less time and the opposite for thinner yarns. Thinner yarns are best for refined or delicate pattern work.
There are several factors to also consider for yarns to use in crochet, such as a yarn's resilience, its wash ability and its colour fastness. Check it hairiness and its comfort. But also, think about the appearance, which includes its colour, smoothness, or ornamental features. Look at its speed of drying, it's resistance to chemicals and moths and its flammability. There is no one 'best' yarn - the choice is up to you and the pattern!
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