Notes on gauge, yarn and arithmetic.

The guides follow the order a project usually needs: measure the swatch, diagnose a gauge that will not match, choose a substitute by length, then estimate the quantity.

49 guides

11 · Substitution · 2026-09-19 · 7 min read

Alpaca and mohair: substituting halo fibres

Halo fibres add drape, warmth and softness, but they change stitch definition and gauge. What to check before swapping alpaca or mohair.
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12 · Substitution · 2026-09-20 · 7 min read

How ply and spin change a substitute

Two yarns can share a weight and fibre and still knit into different fabric. Ply, twist and spinning method explain why.
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13 · Substitution · 2026-09-21 · 6 min read

When the substitute gauge is close but not exact

One or two stitches per 10 cm can be a size. How to decide whether to change needles, recalculate, or choose another pattern size.
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14 · Quantity · 2026-09-22 · 6 min read

How much yarn do I need? Weigh a swatch.

Pattern yardage is a starting point, but it assumes the pattern's gauge and size. A kitchen scale and a swatch give you a number that fits your project.
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15 · Quantity · 2026-09-23 · 6 min read

How much yarn for a blanket

Blanket yardage is an area problem. Measure a swatch, estimate the finished area, add the border and a buffer, then convert to skeins.
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16 · Quantity · 2026-09-24 · 6 min read

How much yarn for socks

Sock yardage depends on foot size, leg length, gauge and heel construction. Estimate it with a swatch instead of assuming one skein is enough.
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17 · Quantity · 2026-09-25 · 6 min read

How much yarn for a hat

Hat yardage depends on head size, depth, brim, gauge and stitch pattern. A swatch-weight estimate keeps you from buying a second skein for the last few rounds.
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18 · Quantity · 2026-09-26 · 6 min read

Using partial skeins without running out

A stash of part-used skeins is a quantity problem, not a colour problem. Measure by length, plan the project around the constraint, and leave a buffer.
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19 · Quantity · 2026-09-27 · 7 min read

How much yarn for a sweater, by size

Sweater yardage depends on size, length, sleeves, gauge and stitch pattern. Use a swatch-weight estimate instead of borrowing a number.
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20 · Needles & hooks · 2026-09-28 · 6 min read

Circular vs straight needles: does your gauge change?

Changing needle type can change your gauge even when the stitch pattern is the same. How to test it without guessing.
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