All

Get Free Patterns Grab 2 free custom machine knitting patterns


A speech bubble graphic containing the quote 'I'm afraid to waste yarn', illustrating a common concern among new machine knitters

I'm afraid to waste yarn

tip yarn
Have you ever been afraid to start a project?
What could you do differently to get over that fear?

Reply below....
A fellow knitter, Beverly, recently contacted us and said "I want to knit a sweater, but I don't want to waste yarn".

My immediate knit-jerk (and smarty-pants) answer was: "How much are you going to waste by letting your expensive knitting machine gather dust?"
Plus .. even if your sweater isn't perfect (by your standards) it will keep someone warm

Here's a summary of our conversation and I'm happy to report that she is inspired and has a plan to get knitting.

User 1 Image KIN:

What do you want to knit?

User 2 Image Beverly:

Pullover, with an A-line shape, set in sleeves and "scooped" hem.

User 1 Image KIN:

Sounds like "Luna" would be a good choice.
With a Curved hem

User 1 Image KIN:

Do you have any special Fit issues?

User 2 Image Beverly:

Wider hips and sleeves are always too long

User 1 Image KIN:

The a-line shape of Luna will help and you can adjust the sizing to fit YOU.
PLUS Knit it Now patterns allow you to make the sleeves ANY LENGTH you want

User 1 Image KIN:

Will you have enough needles to knit Luna without seams?

User 2 Image Beverly:

I'll check my gauge when I build my pattern

User 1 Image KIN:

Chili has panels and may be a better choice

User 1 Image KIN:

What yarn fiber do you like? Cotton, Wool, Blends, Acrylic?

User 2 Image Beverly:

I only have Michaels nearby. Do you have a source for cotton on cones?

User 1 Image KIN:

Please don't limit yourself to yarn on cones. Most knitters have embraced using yarn in hanks, balls, and skeins. You'll have much better choices if you don't limit yourself to yarn on cones.
Also don't forget that cotton tends to be problematic (it tends to Bias ) so be sure and knit a large swatch.

User 2 Image Beverly:

I don't know what size yarn to ask for, and sizes 4/14, 2/28 mean nothing to me

User 1 Image KIN:

Here's some info about Yarn counts But very few people use these any longer. If using balled or skeined yarn, looking at the recommended gauge is more useful.
Explore the "Yarn Guide for Machine Knitters"

User 2 Image Beverly:
User 1 Image KIN:

You'll have to do some homework, but your Knit it Now pattern will give you an estimate. Here are some other "yarn needed" suggestions

User 1 Image KIN:

Bottom line
Practice your skills, make a plan and dive in ... what's the worst that can happen? You make something that someone can use and you'll build your confidence with your knitting.

Have you ever been afraid to start a project? What could you do differently to get over that fear?Reply below....
Login You must be logged in to add your comments
1 COMMENT
Tina B
 Apr 10, 2024
When having a rare possibility to buy yarn in my favorite tysk fabriksale I am often buying novelty yarn with a lot of ideas, but no concrete project. But when planning there is always a possibility to find a better project to suit my prescious wool.

All