If you’ve ever fallen in love with a yarn, only to discover it’s been discontinued, you know the frustration of trying to find the perfect substitute. That’s where YarnSub comes in—a fantastic website that takes the guesswork out of finding alternative yarns.
Substitution Tutorial
If you need help understanding yarn substitutions, the video “Yarn substitution – Knitting Podcast Tutorial” offers valuable guidance on selecting appropriate yarn substitutes for knitting patterns. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of considering factors such as yarn weight, fiber content, and gauge to ensure that the substitution maintains the integrity of the original design. This resource is particularly beneficial for knitters facing discontinued or hard-to-find yarns, providing them with the knowledge to make informed choices and adapt their projects successfully. Thank you, Mostly Knitting, for this valuable and informative tutorial!
What is YarnSub?
YarnSub is an online database that helps knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists find the best substitutions for yarns that may no longer be available, are out of stock, or are just too pricey. You simply enter the name of a yarn, and YarnSub provides a list of alternatives, complete with details like fiber content, gauge, texture, and availability.
Why I Love YarnSub
I recently found myself in a bind when I needed more of a discontinued yarn for a project. Instead of scouring the internet for hours, I typed the name into YarnSub and—boom!—I got a list of nearly identical options, ranked by how closely they matched. The site even highlights important differences, like if a substitute is slightly heavier or has more drape.
What Makes YarnSub So Useful?
✅ Accurate Matching – It doesn’t just compare fiber content but also texture, elasticity, and weight.
✅ Alternative Suggestions – If an exact match doesn’t exist, it offers the next best thing.
✅ Budget-Friendly Options – You can often find a more affordable substitute for an expensive yarn.
✅ Great for Discontinued Yarns – No more abandoned projects when your favorite yarn vanishes!
Features That Make YarnSub Indispensable
- Search by Fiber Content and Gauge: Beyond specific yarn names, you can search for yarns based on fiber content, gauge, and other parameters, making it easier to find exactly what you need.
- Educational Articles: YarnSub offers a wealth of articles on various topics, such as knitting techniques, how to make stitch markers from yarn, and understanding color pooling.
- Knitting Calculators: The site provides some of the world’s best knitting increase and decrease calculators, helping you adjust patterns with ease.
- Virtual Swatch Tool: You can play with their virtual swatch to see how row length affects color pooling, aiding in visualizing how your project will look.
Final Thoughts
If you work with yarn, YarnSub is a must-have tool in your crafting arsenal. It has saved me so much time and frustration, and I know it’ll come in handy for future projects. Next time you’re struggling to find a substitute, give it a try!