how to learn about different types of yarns?

[debi59]

Even tho' I've been crocheting for 40+ years, I have been a thread-crocheter, with the occasional yarn afghan thrown in for my kids and grandkids, buying whatever yarn was cheap but felt soft.  I've now started expanding my horizens and am doing more yarn projects such as bags and I'm even working on a jacket for myself.

can anyone direct me to a link or a book that will help me understand the different types of yarns?  Primarily my question is about yarns that are the same per the label but have very different feels to them.  The label will say "100% acrylic" and "worsted" but one is stiff and scratchy, one is stiff but soft, and one is almost as soft as baby yarn.  I notice the thickness of the yarn will vary, also.  what am I not seeing on the label?

My concern is if I were to order any yarns online.  I can do the touch-n-feel when I'm in the store, but would hate to be surprised when getting yarns thru mail order.

Anyway .... where can I go to be educated on the different types of yarns, how to tell what they are and (possibly even) best uses for the different kinds.

thanks in advance to all!

[mlmoore3]

I couldn't begin to tell you but was wondering if you could contact a yarn manufacturer (ie. Lion Brand, Red Heart) and see if they have a free sample pack to send you.  Hmmm.

[debi59]

that's a good idea, to go to the manufacturer.  Now that you mention that option, it DOES seem logical that they might have some literature or something to educate folks on their product.  I'll give it a go and let everyone know what I find out.  Thanks for the great idea!

[Jacksmom716]

I don't know where you could go to learn about acrylic, I try to exclusively use wool- I could give you links to describe wool LOL! I find with acrylic, alot of times it depends on the manufacturer. I could get Medium WW Acrylic from two different brands, yet they are the same ply count and weight, and one will be noticeably "plasticy" while the other is much softer. I find that Red Heart acrylics are very very stiff and plasticy.

[debi59]

jacksmom, that sounds exactly like what I'm running into.  I'd luv to see the links you have.  Any new info is great!  Thanks so much!

[Jacksmom716]

I only buy specialty yarn, custom dyed or dyed in a colorway I like (when it comes to making big projects out of wool) I usually ask the dyer about their different bases, because sometimes they will name them something funky. But this store has some good info on yarn bases:
http://hyenacart.com/info_page.php?info=597&vid=2213

[mlmoore3]

In Erie, PA we have JoAnns, Michaels, AC Moore and soon a Hobby Lobby, but we also have a specialty shop.  They have all kinds of yarns that they get straight from the manufacturers (I think) and I would think someone like that could tell you more about the differences in yarns.  Problem is, finding a specialty store like that close to where you live.  Good Luck!  If I think of any other ideas, I will be sure to pass them along.

[mlmoore3]

did some searching and came up with a few links for you to look over...

http://www.anniesattic.com/pages/yarn_faq.html

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/types-of-yarn-fibers.html

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/looking-at-yarn-from-the-inside-out.html

http://knitting.about.com/od/yarn/a/yarnweight.htm

http://www.suite101.com/content/yarnweight-a680

http://www.yarnandfiber.com/catalog/yarnbyweight.php

[debi59]

marylou, thanks for doing all of that research for me!  I've glanced at a couple of them and so far they look great!  Will be saving these for my study time!  I've looked for a specialty store and you'd think a city the size of Indianapolis would have something!  If we do, I haven't found it yet, but I'm still looking!

Thanks again for being so helpful!!!

[mlmoore3]

Glad I could help. Also, I did a search on Google for "indianapolis yarn shops" and came up with names of some shops that look to be in Indianapolis.  Check out the link below to see if any of the shops are located near you.

http://www.google.com/search?q=indianapolis+yarn+shops&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en

[debi59]

gosh you are great!  I previously looked up shops but I was searching for crochet thread (size 30) and came up practically empty handed.  Never thought to search for yarn or knit.  Big DUH!, Debi!