Yarn Specifications and Gauges

If you are new to Alpaca yarns I would recommend following one of our patterns that has been designed for this type of wool. However if you are an experienced knitter I would recommend that you complete a test section and check your tension before embarking on your project.

I have a range of wooden knitting needles available in single sets or used in the kits on this site, as I believe these give a better finish with natural fibres. However if you are used to steel needles and prefer them, there is no reason why you should not use them - after checking the tension.

I try to give a recommended tension for each yarn and suggest that you do complete a swatch before embarking on a project. However this can be subjective as everyone knits in a slightly different way and so this is for your extra guidance. Click here to go straight to our yarn page.

Yarn type Approximate yardage per 50g Suggested needle size Tension ( assuming stocking stitch on a 10cm/4"sguare Approximate WPI
2ply 222metres (240 yards) 2.25mm, US1, UK13 34 sts, 42 rows 20 woollen, 24 worsted
4ply 175 metres ( 190 yards) 3.00mm, US 3. UK 11 28sts, 34 rows 14 woollen, 18 worsted
Double Knitting 110metres ( 119 yards) 4.00mm, US6, UK 8 20sts, 28 rows 11 woollen, 15 worsted
Aran 70 metres (76 yards) 5.00mm, US8 UK 6 18 sts, 22 row 9 woollen, 11 worsted
Chunky 55 metes (60 yards) 6.00mm, US10, UK 4 14sts, 18 rows 8 woollen, 12 worsted

Differences in terminology between UK and US

UK US
4ply Sport
DK (Double knitting) Light worsted
Aran Fisherman / worsted
Chunky Bulky
Super Chunky Extra Bulky