Cheap Yarn

If you are an avid crocheter or knitter, you know the value of finding good cheap yarn.

Cheap yarn can mean one of two things: yarn that is inexpensive or yarn that is of poor quality. To make sure you are getting the best for your buck, you need to understand the differences between types and weights of yarn.

The weight of yarn is determined by its thickness, ranging from fine (size zero) to heavy (size six). Yarn is normally sold in either three-, four-, six- or eight-ounce skeins. The thickness of yarn is also determined by how many plies or strands it has twisted together. Finer yarn is usually two- or three-ply, while bulky yarn can have up to 14 plies. Types of yarn and what it is commonly used to make include:

• Lace or fingering: Baby clothes, scarves and shawls
• Sock: Socks, small toys and baby items
• Sport: Very similar to sock weight and can be used for many of the same items
• Double-knit (DK): Throws, cardigans and bulkier scarves
• Worsted: Hats, afghans and mittens
• Chunky: Commonly called craft yarn and can also be used for rugs
• Bulky: Sweaters, blankets or afghans

Yarn can be undyed or come in a variety of natural or artificial colors and fibers, some more expensive than others. Wool, cotton, nylon and acrylic are the most commonly used types of yarn on today's market. Each one has its own purpose and are usually priced in the cheap to moderate range. Other types of yarn that may not be so inexpensive because of its high quality include:

• Silk
• Angora
• Hemp
• Mohair
• Linen

Inexpensive yarn can save you a lot of money, especially if you crochet or knit on a regular basis. For instance, a queen size afghan uses roughly 11 skeins of three-ply yarn, which can run well over $100 if you use a more expensive fiber such as mohair or silk. However, by shopping around, you can make the same afghan using a cotton or acrylic yarn for about half the price. Will the quality be the same? A lot depends on the stitch or pattern you choose. A tighter or double stitch will produce a stronger blanket no matter what the yarn type.

Choosing the yarn for your project will depend on a number of factors:

• Your budget
• Who is receiving the finished product
• Weight of yarn you want to use
• Type of stitch
• Type of yarn specified in pattern

However, if your options are open, go ahead and pick up several skeins of cheap yarn for your next project. But to make sure you not getting bottom of the barrel quality, make sure your yarn does not have:

• Breaks in the plies
• Colors that bleed
• Pilling
• Splits or cracks
• Many knots throughout the skein

If you still aren't sure as to whether your cheap yarn is of good or bad quality, you can also try and purchase only one skein, crochet or knit a swatch, then launder and mistreat it. If it does not withstand this abuse, than it may be too cheap to use. Shop around for better yarn.

While many craft and fabric store do have periodic sales, there are still ways to find better deals on quality yarn:

• Garage or estate sales: Many times individuals at these sales sell large quantities of yarn at very discounted prices. Besides new or opened skeins, buyers can also purchase patterns and half-finished projects. You can also look for good quality sweaters that can be unraveled so the yarn can be reused for another project.
• Thrift stores: Similar to what you will find at estate sales, yarn purchased here may be bulked together or sold separately. Skeins will most likely be mixed together and labels may even be missing. But, it will cheaper than buying the yarn brand new.
• Discount or dollar stores: Because these stores specialize in selling manufacturer closeouts or odd lots, there's a good chance you can purchase high quality yarn for a lower price. Make sure you know your brands. You may not get enough from the same dye lot to make a large project, but there may be enough for a smaller one.
• Online auctions: Sites such as eBay and Online Auction have various lots of bulk yarn at reduced prices.

If you want to purchase inexpensive yarn on the Internet, there are several distributors from which to choose:

• Elann
• KnitPicks
• Smiley's Yarn

Many craft and fabric stores also offer periodic discounts when you sign up for e-mail offers. These can help drive down the cost of yarn.

For ideas on what to make with cheap yarn, check out these LoveToKnow Crafts articles:

• Knitting Socks
• Crochet Rag Rug
• Crochet Slippers
• Knitting Dog Sweater
• Blue State Scarf

• How to Make Key Chains with Beads
• Easy Homemade Christmas Cards
• Make Your Own Holiday Photo Card
• Christmas Craft Projects

• Free Knitting Patterns
• Free Beading Pattern
• Free Baby Knitting Patterns
• Free Baby Crochet Patterns
• Free Sewing Patterns

• Crochet Bikini Pattern
• Crochet Hat Pattern
• Decreasing Stitches Knifty Knitter Instruction
• Crochet Doll Hat
• Knitting Socks