Reference
Yarn labels Everything you need to know about the yarn you’re using can be found on the label, from weight and thickness to washing instructions
W
hen you buy yarn, it will almost always come with a label around it. This label, which is sometimes also called a ball band, tells you everything you need to know about the yarn, from what size needles to use with it to washing and care instructions. If you think your project will need to use more than one ball of yarn, don’t throw this label away, as it will help you ensure you get the exact matching yarn to continue working with. 22sts
3 Yarn weight and thickness
28 rows
10cm 10cm
Tension (gauge) over a 10cm (4in) test square
SHADE/ COLOUR 4.5mm (UK 7/US7)
Recommended needle size
520 Shade/colour number
Symbols Most yarn manufacturers will use symbols to indicate the properties of yarn and give further details about it. These will often include care instructions and tension (gauge). It will also include the dye lot. When using more than one ball of yarn in the same colour in a single project, ensure that all balls of yarn have the same dye lot. This way, there will be no variation in colour when you switch yarns.
DYE LOT NO
313 Dye lot number
30C Hand-wash cold
Do not dry clean
50G
Nett at standard condition in accordance with BS984
Weight and length of yarn in ball
40C Hand-wash warm
Do not tumble dry
Fibre content
Do not bleach
Do not iron
30C
A
Machine-wash cold
Dry-cleanable in any solvent
100% WOOL
Top tip If you’re making a garment with more than one ball of wool in the same colour, check that all the balls have the same dye lot (DL), which can be found on the label. This will ensure there won’t be any colour variation
164 Knitting for Beginners
30C
P
Machine-wash cold, gentle cycle
Dry-cleanable in certain solvents
Iron on a low heat
Iron on a medium heat