Two Strands Of Yarn Make Project Quick
Quick knitting or crocheting on big needles or hooks is always fun and rewarding. You can watch your project grow before your eyes. An easy way to speed up the process is to combine strands of yarn to make a thicker yarn.
What are the advantages of using two strands of yarn rather than one thicker strand? Essentially, you are using this process to create a new yarn.
Here are some of the effects you can create with the combined-yarn technique:
Join similar shades of yarn to make a new yarn with a slight two-toned hue. For example, use two blues to make a faded denim-looking fabric.
Two or more completely different colors will produce a new tweedy yarn.
Combine two very different textures to make a totally different texture.
Mix a very hairy mohair with a flat yarn to tone down the mohair a bit while still retaining the loft and warmth offered by the mohair fiber.
Use one strand of a more expensive novelty with a simple yarn to keep the cost of your project down to a minimum.
Work with one color throughout for one of the strands while alternating the second strand. This will create an interesting striping something like a serape blanket.
Create a last-minute, dressy sweater with a strand of metallic yarn mixed with another plain or novelty yarn - and get to to the party quicker.
Ultimately this is an excellent way to use up all those leftover yarns. You can use single balls in a specific order or just take any available balls and use them randomly.
Before you begin combining your yarns, read the information on the skein or ball to make sure they can safely be cleaned the same way. You may want to test a swatch for care and colorfastness before you proceed.
I find it is best to work from two separate balls of yarn rather than trying to prewind the yarn. Just make sure the balls are separated to keep them from tangling.
If your pattern calls for more than one strand of yarn worked together, the instructions will often state: “worked with two strands of yarn held together throughout.” This is done to avoid confusion as you work. When you make your gauge swatch, you should also work with the suggested needle or hook size and the two strands of yarn.
The key to this process is to hold the strand firmly, but not tightly, to make sure that each stitch is worked with both strands. This takes a bit of practice but becomes easier once you have done it a few times. After you have experimented, you may find yourself adding two, three or more strands and becoming a talented yarnmaker.
The Flower Hexagon Afghan featured today is a perfect example of a design that is worked with two strands of yarn. It is composed of eight crocheted hexagon shapes, which are sewn together after completion to create a 48-by-60-inch afghan. We recommend a worsted-weight acrylic yarn on a size P/16 crochet hook.
xxxx TO GET DIRECTIONS To obtain directions for making the Flower Hexagon Afghan, pictured on Page D1, send your request for Leaflet No. 00095 with $2 and a long, stamped, selfaddressed envelope to: The Needleworks, The SpokesmanReview, P.O. Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 000095 by sending a check or money order for $46.95 to The Needleworks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and worsted-weight acrylic yarn in your choice of soft pink, off-white or country blue. For kit orders only, you may call (800) 873-9537, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays.