How to Substitute Yarn When You Can't Find the Recommended Yarn

How To Substitute Yarn When You Can't Find The Recommended Yarn

So, you’ve found the perfect pattern. You’re already dreaming about wearing, using, or gifting this amazing handmade thing. But then—gasp!—the recommended yarn is out of stock, discontinued, or costs more than your monthly coffee budget. What now?! Don’t panic, my yarn-loving friend. You can substitute yarn and still get a fantastic result! Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Match the Yarn Weight

The first thing to check is yarn weight. If the pattern calls for worsted weight, you’ll need another worsted weight yarn. Sounds simple, right? But not all worsted yarns are exactly the same, so let’s keep going.

Each yarn weight category (lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, aran, bulky, etc.) has a general range of thickness, but even within a category, some yarns can be slightly thicker or thinner than others. A "light worsted" might behave more like a DK, while a "heavy worsted" could edge into aran territory. To get as close a match as possible, check the recommended needle or hook size on the yarn label. If it’s close to what the original yarn suggests, you’re on the right track.

Another trick? Compare stitches per inch. Some yarn brands list a suggested stitch gauge on the label, which gives you a rough idea of how the yarn will knit or crochet up. If the recommended gauge on the label is way off from your pattern’s gauge, you might need to rethink your choice.

2. Fibre Content Matters

Different fibres behave in different ways. A pattern designed for wool will have stretch and bounce, while cotton or linen won’t. If you swap fibres, expect some changes. Wool holds warmth, silk drapes beautifully, and alpaca is soft but can grow longer over time. If the pattern calls for a wool blend, look for a substitute with similar properties.

3. Yardage vs. Weight

This one’s sneaky! Even if two yarns are both worsted weight, they might have different yardages per skein. Compare the total yardage in the pattern to what you’re buying. If the original yarn had 200 yards per skein and you’re swapping to a yarn with only 150 yards per skein, you’ll need more skeins. (Math, ugh, but necessary!). If you need more help with this, I've written this helpful blog post to explain it further.  

4. Think About Texture

Some patterns rely on a certain texture—fluffy, smooth, tweedy, or even sparkly.  If you change yarn texture, the final look might be a little different. That’s not necessarily bad, but it’s something to consider.

5.  Check Ravelry

If you are able to find the pattern in Ravelry, you will notice a tab at the top labelled "Yarn Ideas".  Click on this tab and you will see all the different yarns people have used when making that pattern.  More often than not, people will also post pictures of the finished object so you can see if you like the look of that yarn.

6. The Ultimate Test: The Swatch

I know, I know. Swatching sounds like extra work. But do you really want to make an entire sweater, only to realize it could fit a yeti? Take the time to swatch, check your gauge, and make sure your new yarn choice works. It’ll save you from a lot of frustration later.

7. When in Doubt, Ask for Help

If you’re feeling stuck, reach out! We are always happy to help you find a great substitute. Ravelry and online knitting groups are also full of friendly folks who’ve probably faced the same problem before.

Happy Stitching!

Swapping yarns doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning (and maybe a bit of chocolate for moral support), you’ll be back to crafting in no time. Now go forth and make something amazing! 🧶✨