How to Read a Yarn Label (Without losing your mind)

How to Read a Yarn Label (Without Losing Your Mind)

Hey Fibre Friend!  Let’s talk yarn labels.  You know those little paper bands wrapped around your yarn?  They’re not just there to look pretty (even though they do).  Yarn labels are packed with helpful info—like a secret message from your yarn.  Once you learn how to read them, shopping for yarn (and using it!) gets way easier.

So grab your beverage of choice and let’s break it down together.

🧶 Fibre Content – What’s It Made Of?

The label will tell you what kind of fibre your yarn is made from. Wool? Cotton? Alpaca? Maybe a mix?

It might look like this:

80% Merino Wool
20% Nylon

This is important because different fibres behave in different ways. Wool is warm and stretchy, cotton is cool and soft, and nylon adds strength—great for socks! If you’re allergic or have a favourite type, this is where to look.

📏 Gauge – How Big Will My Stitches Be?

Gauge is how many stitches and rows you’ll get in a certain size swatch—usually a 10x10 cm (4x4 inch) square.

It might say:

22 stitches x 30 rows = 10 cm on 4 mm needles

This helps you know if your project will come out the right size. (Nobody wants a hat that fits their cat when they meant it for their cousin.) If you're following a pattern, matching the gauge is key.

🪡 Needle Size – What Should I Use?

Most labels suggest a needle or hook size to use with the yarn.

For example:

4 mm (US 6)

This is just a suggestion, though! If you knit tighter or looser, or need to match gauge, you can go up or down in size. The label just gives you a good starting point.

📦 Yardage & Weight – How Much Yarn Do I Have?

You’ll usually see something like this:

100 grams / 210 metres
(or 3.5 oz / 230 yards)

This tells you how much yarn is in the ball or skein. You’ll need this info when figuring out how many you’ll need for a project. (Pro tip: it’s always safer to get an extra skein—just in case!)

🫧 Washing & Care Instructions - How do I take care of the finished item?

When you look at a yarn label, you'll often find a series of care symbols—just like the ones on the tags of your store-bought clothing. These handy icons provide guidance on how to care for your finished project, including whether it should be machine washed or hand washed, how it should be dried, and whether it’s safe to iron. If you're unsure what a symbol means, a quick Google search will give you the answer!

That’s It! You’re Officially Yarn Label Literate. 🎉

Next time you’re eyeing a squishy skein, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Understanding labels means fewer surprises, more successful projects, and way more confidence at the yarn shop (or in your online cart 😉).

And we are here to help you with your yarn purchase!  If you need anything or have questions, please reach out yarnplease@thewoolpirate.com.

Happy making, friend!