Expert: Frances Rhea - 2/16/2010

Question
I just started crocheting recently and am planning on crocheting an afghan pattern in a solid color that has a lot of texture. It calls for worsted weight yarn. I bought Caron Simply Soft which just doesn't work; the pattern doesn't show up very well. I am thinking I should maybe use a wool blend but I want it to be soft. Can you recommend a particular wool blend yarn that is soft but obviously not too soft? Thanks, Connie

Answer
Sometimes when I have changed yarn types on a pattern, I have run into this problem. A different yarn, or different needles, can change the gauge a lot. So can using a variegated yarn on a pattern that is very detailed.

When choosing a different yarn, especially with a detailed pattern, it is important to use a solid color. The solid color provides the correct amount of light/shadow to make the pattern stand out.

Normally, I knit fairly tight. This causes a problem for me when using a pattern. I have found that I use a slightly larger needle than the pattern usually calls for. Using the larger needle provides me with the gauge needed for the pattern. You may find that adjusting your needle size might make a difference. It might also make the pattern detail too large, and therefore it will loose its pretty detail.

With all that said, it may not matter that you choose a softer yarn. Try using a smaller needle instead of larger. If it makes your gauge too small, you could always add stitches to the cast on, which would make it larger.

Have I confused you with all this? I would try to work the yarn I have purchased with different needles. If you must purchase a different yarn, just remember one solid color. Also the original yarn, worsted weight, is a fairly generic type and you should be able to replace it with almost any other worsted weight yarn.

Fran