How to Choose Yarn on LoveCrafts

LoveCrafts lists yarn by fibre content, weight category, and price, so the fastest way to narrow down is to filter by the weight your pattern calls for, then compare fibre and price within that group. The site's own trending list shows the range clearly: Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 295m/100g, £2.35), Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton, 125m/50g, £2.75), and Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (55% merino, 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere, 125m/50g, £4.55, on sale from £6.50). If you already know your pattern's gauge and yarn weight, you can skip straight to the matching category below.

Start with the yarn weight your pattern specifies

Yarn weight determines gauge, so it is the one thing you should not substitute freely. LoveCrafts labels each yarn with a standard weight name, and the product page lists the exact metreage and gram weight.

Match the weight first. If your pattern says DK, stay in DK unless you are prepared to re-swatch and recalculate.

Then choose fibre based on how the item will be used and washed

Fibre affects warmth, drape, durability, and care. The LoveCrafts listings group into a few practical types:

• Acrylic (Stylecraft Special DK, Paintbox Yarns Simply ranges): machine-washable, durable, budget-friendly. Good for blankets, children's items, and everyday garments. Less breathable than natural fibres.
• Cotton (Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK, Yarn and Colors Must-Have, Yarn and Colors Epic): breathable, good stitch definition, holds shape. Suits summer tops, bags, and homeware. Heavier and less elastic than wool.
• Wool and wool blends (Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino: 55% merino, 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere): warmer, softer, better drape. The cashmere content adds luxury and price. Typically needs gentler washing.

A quick rule: blankets and kids' clothes → acrylic or cotton for washability; garments you want warm and soft → wool or wool-blend; summer wear → cotton.

Compare price per metre, not just per ball

Ball prices look similar but cover very different amounts of yarn. Stylecraft Special DK gives 295m for £2.35, while Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK gives 125m for £2.75. For a project needing 1,000m, that is roughly 3.4 balls of Stylecraft versus 8 balls of the cotton — a real cost difference once you multiply out.

Check the metreage on each product page and multiply by the number of balls your pattern requires. Sale items change the maths: Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky is listed at £1.69 reduced from £2.60, and Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino at £4.55 reduced from £6.50, so a sale price can bring a premium fibre closer to a budget one.

Match the yarn to the specific project

• Sweaters and cardigans: DK or Aran in wool, wool-blend, or acrylic. LoveCrafts lists free patterns such as the Rainbow Cardigan in Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran and the Bubble Stitch Cardigan in Simply Super Chunky, so you can pick a pattern and buy its suggested yarn together.
• Socks: 4 Ply or sock-weight yarn with some nylon or wool for durability. The Essential Socks free pattern uses Paintbox Yarns Socks.
• Blankets and throws: Aran or Chunky in acrylic or cotton — larger gauge works up faster and washable fibre matters for a large item.
• Baby items: soft Sport or DK in machine-washable blends; Baby Cashmerino is a soft option if budget allows.

Practical steps to buy

1. Find your pattern's stated yarn weight and required metreage.
2. Filter or browse LoveCrafts by that weight category.
3. Shortlist two or three yarns and compare fibre (care and feel) against price per metre.
4. Check the number of colour options — listings show counts like "113 options" for Stylecraft Special DK, so dye-lot matching across a large project is easier with a widely stocked yarn.
5. Buy all balls for one project in a single order where possible, to reduce dye-lot variation.

Common pitfalls

• Substituting weight without re-swatching: a Chunky in place of Aran will change your gauge and finished size.
• Comparing ball price only: a cheap ball with low metreage can cost more per project than a pricier ball with high metreage.
• Ignoring fibre care: a wool garment washed like acrylic can felt or shrink.
• Assuming a sale price is permanent: the reduced prices shown (Simply Chunky at £1.69, Baby Cashmerino at £4.55) are sale listings and may revert.

If you tell me your pattern's weight and how many metres it needs, you can apply the same three checks — weight, fibre, price per metre — to any yarn on the site.