Yarn label provides tons of valuable information, from fiber content, yarn weight to dye lot and care instructions. Let’s take a look at an example below:
Brand name and fiber content: Brand name of the yarn and percentage of each fiber are shown on the label.
Yarn length: This includes length in both US and metric measurements.
Gauge: Gauge is the number of stitches or rows per some inches. It’s calculated by counting stitches or rows in a square knitted fabric. In our yarn label example, the first gauge symbol shows that by using a size 9 needle, you will make 20 stitches and 23 rows in a 4 x 4 inch (or 10 x 10 cm) square fabric. The second gauge symbol is for crochet hooks.
Yarn weight: The Craft Yarn Council has introduced the Standard Yarn Weight System based on the thickness of yarn strands. The system classifies yarn weights into eight categories, from lace, super fine to super bulky and jumbo. It also shows knit gauge and recommends needle size for each weight.
Laundry and care: This shows you washing, cleaning and drying instructions for the yarn. A complete list of United States care symbols can be found at textileaffairs.com.
Color and dye lot: It shows yarn color and dye lot number (what batch of dye the yarn came from). Colors vary slightly from dye lot to dye lot, you should always compare lot numbers to ensure an exact match and avoid unwanted color variations.
Please be noted that when you’re working on a project, always remember to keep the yarn labels, don’t throw them away, because you may refer to yarn labels later on.
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