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Not all yarns are alike. Some make our hearts and hands sing, some get the job done without much fanfare, and some cause nothing but frustration and disappointment. The gorgeous pair of socks that emerged from their first bath twice as long as when they went in. The delicate baby sweater that started pilling before it even came off the needles. The stunning colorwork scarf that you can’t wear because the yarn feels like sandpaper against your neck. If only there were a way to read a skein and know how it would behave and what it wanted to become before you invested your time, energy, and money in it. Now there is! With The Knitter’s Book of Yarn, you’ll learn how to unleash your inner yarn whisperer.

In these pages, Clara Parkes provides in-depth insight into a vast selection of yarns, giving you the inside stories behind the most common fiber types, preparations, spins, and ply combinations used by large-scale manufacturers and importers, medium-sized companies, boutique dye shops, community spinneries, and old-fashioned sheep farms. And, because we learn best by doing, Parkes went to some of the most creative and inquisitive design minds of the knitting world to provide a wide assortment of patterns created to highlight the qualities (and minimize the drawbacks) of specific types of yarns.

The Knitter’s Book of Yarn will teach you everything you need to know about yarn: How it’s made, who makes it, how it gets to you, and what it longs to become. The next time you pick up a skein, you won’t have to wonder what to do with it. You’ll just know–the way any yarn whisperer would.

User Reviews about The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing - Using - and Enjoying Yarn

I have a degree in Fashion Design and worked in the apparel industry for 5 years, and even with the knowledge I have of textiles and the different fibers, I still learned sooooo much from this book! I love that she not only covers fibers and the different categories of them, but she also talks about the yarn industry as a whole from independent artists to large manufacturers. Also love that while explaining the yarns and their qualities she constantly refers to the related projects in the back using these yarns. -- Love this Book Excellent Resource, all knitters should have!

Bought this book a few months ago. It is so wonderful. I am on my second reading. I am a new knitter and sometimes overwhelmed with choices of the yarn to use. This will expand your understanding of fiber. It has helped me in my quest for the right material for a project. It has opened a whole world of yarn and it's quality, character and capabilities. It has given me confidence to choose yarn, and has inspired me to want to try all kinds. I am so glad that I have this book in my library. I would recommend it to anyone that has an interest in knitting. -- Opens a whole new world for the new fiber enthusiast

As an intermediate to new knitter this book helped me understand how to select yarn that will not stretch out of shape and gave me better ideas on how to substitute yarn in other patterns. A must have foundation for fiber enthusiasts. Plus the variety and breadth of patterns will keep you busy for years. -- My Best Yarn Book

I originally checked this book out from my public library, but soon realized I had to purchase it for myself. Not only does it discuss and explain the various types of yarn in detail, but tells you how to select, use, and care for your various yarns, from natural to synthetic fibers (who knew there was opossum yarn?!). The patterns are cute and versatile, and organized by ply. One of my favorite features of this book is that each pattern suggests a specific yarn, but also gives detailed information for yarn substitutions if you so desire. There is also an extensive reference guide in the back for ease of information. This book is simple but detailed enough for both the novice and expert knitters. -- Wonderfully Informative

Ever wonder why an angora/qiviut blend is softer than pure qiviut? Because angora is actually the softest fiber. Softer than qiviut. Softer than cashmere. Want to know why? Read the book.

If you work with yarn this book will help you determine, with total certainty, what fiber is right for what purpose, based on bounce, weight, softness, strength, stitch definition, stretchiness, and so much more. No knitter or crocheter should ever substitute yarn without this information--not without risking project failure--and here it is distilled and waiting at your fingertips. If you are on a limited knitting book budget, grab a good stitch dictionary, Knitter's Companion, and this. It's all you need. -- If you knit or crochet you NEED this book