In this post, you will learn how to read a yarn label.

Every ball of yarn you purchase will be packaged with a printed label that includes useful information.

This will help you to determine whether or not it is suitable for your project.

Everything that you need to know will be written on the label – you just need to know where to look!

Reading Yarn Labels For Beginners

Reading the yarn label will help you to find out the following information about the yarn:

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The brand name/yarn name.
The yarn weight – if it is worsted or bulky for example.
What the fiber content is – if it is 100% wool or mixed fibers.
The yarn length – 100g/80meters/121 yards.
The needle and hook size suitable to use with this yarn.
Gauge information – how many rows and stitches in a 4×4 inch (10cmx10cm) square.
How to wash (hand washes only etc).
The color and dye lot number.

What yarn is suitable for beginners?

To find suitable yarn for beginners, look for chunky/bulky/12 ply or super bulky/chunky/14 ply yarn.

This is thicker yarn, perfect for those of you who are just starting to learn how to knit or crochet.

When you are learning how to knit and crochet the thicker yarn will make it easier for you to see your stitches and look for any mistakes.

Reading yarn labels from different brands

Yarn labels will differ slightly from brand to brand with information not all in the same place.

But they will feature the same information that you need to find out to see if the yarn you are looking at is suitable for your project.

Some yarn labels even feature a tape measure or a free pattern on the inside as a little extra.

How To Read Yarn Labels

Here is a breakdown of how to read a yarn label step by step.

How To Read A Yarn Label

The Brand Name/Yarn Name

You will see the brand name of the company that makes the yarn on the label as well as the name the yarn may have.

In the example below, you can see that the company name is We Are Knitters and the yarn name is The Petite Wool.
Yarn Weight Category

Look for the category that determines the yarn weight.
Some but not all yarn labels will provide this information.

It looks like a yarn ball illustration with a number on it.

This number is given by the Craft Yarn Council and tells you the yarn weight category.

For example, the number 6 will tell you that this yarn is super bulky/super chunky/14 ply yarn.

Learn more about yarn weights here – Yarn weight guide.
The Fiber Content

The label will tell you what the fibers are made from, this could be 100% wool or mixed fibers.

The mixed fibers will normally show a list of the fibers included.
The Yarn Length

The ball or skein will normally say how much in grams for example 50g/100g/170g etc.

It will also say on the label how much there is in meters and yards too.

In most patterns, the designer gives you the quantities of yarn you need in grams, meters, or yards.

This information will help you to find out how much yarn you need for your project and if it will be enough!
The Needle And Hook Size Suitable

The label will tell you the needle and hook size suitable to use with this yarn.
Gauge Information

The label will include gauge/tension information also – this will normally be shown in a 4×4 inch / 10x10cm square.

You will see how many stitches and rows you can expect using the yarn and the recommended needle size in that square.

You can learn more about creating a gauge swatch here – How to measure gauge in knitting.
How To Wash

The label will show you care instructions, mainly how to clean your knitted piece once finished.

You need to know if it can be machine washed or if it is hand wash only etc.

You will normally see the standard laundry care symbols.
The Color And Dye Lot Number

You will see the color and dye lot number on there too.

It’s best to get skeins/balls all with the same dye lot number – because if you get a different dye lot there will be a slight variation in the color.

When making a larger piece like a sweater you will need to make sure all of the yarn you buy is the same dye lot.