Using the correct yarn

[TeeBee]

Hi! I am new to crocheting and had a question about yarn.  I am making a baby blanket that calls for 300g soft acrylic, 4 ply worsted weight yarn.  I was wondering if I could substitute this wool yarn for the acrylic-   https://www.craftsy.com/knitting/supplies/cascade-220-superwash-yarn/32069

Will it make the same size baby blanket?

 

Also, when it says, "Weight 100," does that mean 100 grams?

 

Thanks! I really appreciate the help! 

 

Here is a link to the pattern: http://www.jaydainstitches.com/resources/Baby_Blanket_in_Fan_Stitch.pdf

[redrosesdz]

Welcome to Crochetville!

 

Yes, you can substitute another yarn fiber.  The yarn you're looking at using is the same weight (4-ply) as the yarn in the pattern, so the thickness of the yarn will be similar.  To get the same size baby blanket, make the gauge suggested in the pattern.  Always make a gauge bigger than suggested.  Measure in the middle of the gauge swatch, because the edges aren't accurate.  If your swatch is too small or too many stitches, go up a hook size until your gauge matches.  If your swatch is too big or too few stitches, go down a hook size until your gauge matches.

 

Note: Make sure that the baby isn't allergic to wool.  Super wash wool has a lower chance of causing an allergic reaction, but there is still a chance, because it's an animal fiber.  Most baby items are made out of plant fiber, like cotton, or acrylic due to allergies.

 

Here's what the yarn label means:

Yarn Weight: This is the thickness of the yarn.  It'll say "X-ply" or a description, like "worsted."  Below I have a link for Yarn Tips.  In the yarn tips is a link to the Yarn Council's weight chart.

Yardage: This is the length of the yarn.

Weight: This is the weight of the skein.

Recommended Needle Size: This is the most common size knitting needles and crochet hook used with this yarn.  It's a guide.

Gauge: This is the most common number of stitches achieved using this yarn and the recommended needle size.  It's a guide.

Fiber Content: This is what the yarn is made of.

Washing Instructions: Self explanatory.

 

You want to use the Yarn Weight to determine if a yarn can be substituted.  Even if a yarn is in the same Weight category, the thickness can vary.  Also, since everyone has a different tension, even if you use the same yarn as the designer, you may have to change hook sizes to get the exact same size.  Usually with a blanket, close to the same size is just fine.

 

You want to use Yardage or Weight to determine how much of the yarn that you'll need.  It's best to get all the yarn at one time, because different dye lots can be slightly different in color and/or thickness.

 

Here's the Yarn Tip link that I mentioned earlier.  Lot's of good information in there!

http://www.crochetville.com/community/topic/155671-yarn-tips/?hl=%2Byarn+%2Btips

 

ETA: I see that your pattern doesn't come with a gauge or a size.  That means you can do the pattern for any width and length that you like.  Here's a link to typical sizes:

http://thecrochetcrowd.com/afghan-sizes/

[magiccrochetfan]

hi, welcome to the ville!

 

on the page you linked, where it says weight 100, it does mean, and really should say, 100 grams.  here is the manufacturer's info on the yarn http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220Superwash.htm    

 

Since it's  worsted, it should work out to the same size as with any other worsted.  But how do you know how big the pattern is supposed to be?  Does it say somewhere on her blog?  Because like Sharon said, the size or gauge doesnt seem to be in tne pattern.  

[TeeBee]

Thank you so much for your replies, redrosesdz and magiccrochetfan!  I had not thought about the baby being allergic to wool, but that is a very good point!  I think I will go with cotton yarn instead.

 

Based on what you both said about yarn weight etc. I think that this yarn will work.

https://www.craftsy.com/knitting/supplies/lion-brand-24-7-cotton-yarn/60912

 

Does this seem like good yarn for a baby blanket?  

 

Thank you for the links, redrosesdz - they are very helpful! 

[redrosesdz]

It should be fine.

[TeeBee]

Thanks so much! 

[magiccrochetfan]

that cotton yarn has a nice color range too :-)  

[TeeBee]

Yes, I think so too! Thanks for your help with this - I am excited to start making the blanket!