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Tech Talk, January: How to Read a Ball Band

January 6, 2024

Ball bands (aka yarn labels) are information-rich resources, but how do you read one? Here’s a list of what most ball bands can tell you.

• Who made it and what is the yarn called? The ball band has the brand and yarn names. For example, Berroco Hearthside is made by Berroco and Hearthside is the yarn (aka base) name.
• What fiber is in it? This information is listed from greatest to smallest amount. Hearthside’s ball band tells us that it’s made of 40% Superfine Alpaca, 27% Wool, 33% Cotton.
• the color number and dye lot, some will also include the color name (e.g., Hearthside color 11003 is named Honey Maple). Dye lots are important; these numbers indicate the batch that particular skein is from and it means that the color should be identical for any skein in the same dye lot. However, not all makers track dye lots. Of the larger brands, Malabrigo is the most famous for not using dye lots; indie dyers tend to not use dye lots either.
• What weight (i.e., thickness) is the yarn? US yarn labels typically carry the Craft Yarn Council weight system (e.g., a medium or worsted weight yarn is #4). If the ball band doesn’t clearly state the weight, you can often figure it out by comparing the gauge to the Craft Yarn Council standards. 
• How many grams (g) and yards are in the skein? Skeins can be any physical weight, ranging from 10g to 450g. (Some ball bands also list ounces, but grams are the universal measure.) The number of grams will influence the yards. For example, a 10g ball of Scheepjes Catona has 27 yards, a 50g ball has 135 yards and a 100g ball has 270 yards. The yardage difference seems obvious when comparing an individual yarn like Catona but it’s less obvious when comparing different yarns, like Berroco Millstone Tweed (50g has 97 yards) and Kelbourne Lucky Tweed (100g has 210 yards). 
• What needle or hook size do they recommend? Most makers include a knit gauge on their ball band, including the number of stitches (st) per 4” and the recommended needle size. They usually use stockinette (knits on one side, purls on the other) for gauge. Many makers will also include a crochet gauge, stating the number of single crochet (sc) per 4” and the hook size needed. Keep in mind that the gauge is simply a recommendation. Some projects will intentionally deviate from this recommendation, such as crocheted amigurumi (more sc per 4” using a smaller than recommended hook) or knitted lace (fewer stitches per 4” using a larger knitting needle). 
• How do you wash it? Most ball bands will explain how to care for your finished project. For example, Berroco Hearthside says you’re to hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. If in doubt, hand wash!

Understanding all of this information can be confusing, we're happy to help you read your yarn's ball band. 

 Caryn & the Yarnivore Crew

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