How we select substitutes
When a pattern calls for a yarn, Knitr checks every yarn in the database against three rules. Here they are, each with a real example. The numbers come straight from the database.
The pattern calls for Filcolana PERUVIAN. What else works?
original
Filcolana PERUVIAN
For example
Gauge decides.
“Matching” knits within 1 stitch per 10 cm (4 in) of the original, “doable” within 2. Needle size is skipped, because you'd change needles to reach the gauge anyway.
original
Filcolana PERUVIAN
sts / 10 cm
Isager Tannisby
Biches & Bûches Le Gros Lambswool
Hobbii Wool Print
Isager Tversted
Isager Aran Tweed
Kaos Chunky Andean Wool
Thickness is checked.
A yarn more than twice as thin or thick (metres per 100 g) is left out, even when its gauge fits.
original
CaMaRose SNEFNUG
CaMaRose SNEFNUG
Novita Aura
Permin Vera by Permin
Kaos Halo Brushed Alpaca
Kaos Halo Brushed Alpaca
Same gauge, but 4.1× the metres in 100 g. It knits a different fabric, so we don't offer it.
Feel is your call.
Springy, drapey, summer, halo, synthetic. The list starts on the original's feel, and one tap widens it.
original
Filcolana PERUVIAN
Biches & Bûches Le Coton & Alpaca
Novita Aura
Mohair without a gauge.
Many mohairs don't publish a gauge. For those we compare metres per 100 g instead: a gaugeless mohair as thin as the one in the pattern counts as matching.
Cashmere is hand-picked.
Pure cashmeres of the same thickness are grouped by hand, based on which yarns designers recommend as substitutes in their patterns. Every yarn in the group counts as matching for the others.
Special yarns come first.
When the pattern's yarn is a bouclé or has sequins or sparkle, yarns that share that come first. The calculator marks the ones without it with *. Sock yarns get the same treatment in sock patterns, feltable yarns in felted ones, and baby yarns in baby patterns.