Can I use machine knitting yarn to hand knit?
Oct 26, 2023
Machine knitting yarn, also known as knitting machine yarn or industrial knitting yarn, can be used for hand knitting, but there are some considerations to keep in mind:
Yarn Weight: Check the weight or thickness of the machine knitting yarn. Yarns intended for knitting machines may be finer or thicker than what is typically used for hand knitting. Make sure it matches the gauge and thickness you need for your hand-knitting project.
Texture and Composition: Machine knitting yarns come in a wide range of textures and fiber compositions. Some may be less suitable for hand knitting due to their texture or fiber content. For example, yarns with a high twist designed for machine knitting may not be as comfortable to hand knit with.
Yardage: Pay attention to the yardage on the yarn label. Machine knitting yarns are often wound in larger cones or skeins because they are intended for high-volume production. Ensure you have enough yarn for your hand-knitting project, and consider how you will manage joins if you need more than one skein.
Tension: Machine knitting yarns may have a different tension or elasticity compared to traditional hand knitting yarns. Be prepared to adjust your knitting style and gauge to accommodate the characteristics of the yarn.
Needles: Choose appropriate knitting needles for the yarn. The recommended needle size on the yarn label may be for machine knitting, so you may need to swatch and determine the best needle size for hand knitting.
Winding: Machine knitting yarn may come on a cone or a spool. You might need to wind it into a more manageable form, such as a ball or skein, before hand knitting.
Care Instructions: Check the care instructions on the yarn label. Machine knitting yarns may have specific washing and care requirements that you should be aware of to ensure your finished project's longevity.
In summary, you can use machine knitting yarn for hand knitting, but it requires some consideration and adjustments. Pay attention to the yarn's weight, texture, yardage, and care instructions, and be prepared to adapt your knitting technique to work with the yarn effectively. With the right precautions, you can create beautiful hand-knitted projects using machine knitting yarn.