When you are buying a YYMN slot you might not know for sure what kind of yarn to get. Sometimes I will have yarn in stock for you to pick from. In the event I don't have yarn or you might want different colors than what I have available you need to know how to shop for yarn.
Q: What is a yarn weight?
A: Yarn thickness is classified by names. Worsted (also called Aran) and Bulky yarns can all be usable for making diapering pants. There is a very large variation in size of a yarn in each particular category. One of the biggest things to look at is yardage per ounce. The more yards per ounce the thinner the yarn. DK, Fingering, Sport and Lace weight yarns are not suitable for diaper products.
Worsted weights you want to have between 55-75 yards per ounce.
Bulky weights you want to have between 30-55 yards per ounce.
Q: How much yarn do I need to buy?
A: First decide if you want solid color trim. Trim is not required and is more of a personal preference.
Approximate yardage amounts for worsted weight wool. Aran or bulky weights will take more yarn. 0-3 months Waist 14" Rise 13" 3-6 months Waist 16" Rise 15" 12 months Waist 18" Rise 17" 18 months Waist 20" Rise 19" 24 months Waist 21+" Rise 20+" 100 yds 2 oz 130 yds 3 oz 150 yds 3 oz 200 yds 4 oz 250 yds 4.5 oz 130 yds 3 oz 150 yds 3 oz 200 yds 4 oz 250 yds 4.5 oz 300 yds 5 oz 170 yds 4 oz 200 yds 4 oz 260 yds 5 oz 320 yds 5.5 oz 400 yds 7 oz 300 yds 5 oz 350 yds 6 oz 400 yds 450 yds 8 oz 550 yds 10 oz add 25 yds .5 oz add 25 yds .5 oz add 25 yds .5 oz add 25 yds .5 oz add 25 yds .5 oz Soaker Shorties Longies Skirty Ruffle
Q: Where do I buy yarn?
A: You can buy wool in most fabric stores. You want a product that is 100% wool. You might find a blend of animal fibers that you want to use. In general this is fine but certain animal fibers retain their shape better. If you stick with at least 75% sheep wool you should be ok. Make sure the other fiber is an animal hair.
You can also buy wool online. A lot of the premium and Indie dyed yarns are available online.
You can buy yarn dyed to order at the following places. When you dye yarn to order it may not look like the photograph listed. Yarn colors vary so keep an open mind:
www.Threeirishgirls.com
Doodlebirds
Purewool
You can also find in stock yarn in multiple places.
Spots Corner
Hyena Cart
Etsy
Diaper Swappers FSOT
There are also online suppliers that can provide you with wool:
HandPaintedYarn
BlackBerry Ridge
KnitPicks
Q: What about superwash?
A: There is a lot of conflicting information about whether or not you can use superwash. Superwash yarn is treated with a resin to keep the fibers from felting together. Some people experience difficulties getting the product to provide adequate water resisting capabilities. In general I recommend avoiding superwash.
Still have questions? That is normal! Please don't hesitate to contact me, Aimee Jadegaia@comcast.net, if you need help finding a suitable yarn.
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