How to choose yarn

All yarn/fibers have different natural properties, which are the same you look for when buying finished knitted garments. So before you choose the yarn for a specific project, it is important you know that different yarns have different structures, form stability, durability and thermal properties - so you can make sure you pick the right one for you!

What would you like to make?

Socks for everyday use; they must be durable (preferably yarn with some synthetic fibers in it) and machine washable (superwash treated). We recommend DROPS Fabel or DROPS Delight

Garments for babies and people with sensitive skin; choose the softest yarns that don’t itch and can be machine washed. We recommend our merino yarns: DROPS Baby Merino, DROPS Big Merino, DROPS Cotton Merino or DROPS Merino Extra Fine

Sport sweaters, caps and gloves for active kids and adults; the fibers must tolerate to be warm and be machine washable. That's why it's important you choose a durable yarn, tight spun and superwash treated like DROPS Karisma, or DROPS Fabel

Elegant blouses for party/office wear; the nicer the fibers, the looser they are spun together and the lighter and softer the garment feels. Which means a blouse you must take good care of, also when you wash it. Why not try one of our lovely alpaca yarns?

Soft, mohair-like ponchos, shawls and scarves; choose a soft, long haired quality with loose fibers, mixed with alpaca and silk for the softest result. Why not try DROPS Air, DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk, DROPS Kid-Silk, DROPS Melody or DROPS Sky.

Summer tops, jackets or blouses; feel free to use a durable, long fiber cotton (or part cotton) yarn, choosing mercerized for shine, viscose for gloss or linen for the rustic feel. See our lovely cotton yarns here.

Slippers, bags, gloves and other things that need to be felted; for the best result choose a soft yarn, preferably in pure wool, loosely spun and NOT superwash treated.
We recommend specially DROPS Eskimo, DROPS Polaris, DROPS Big Delight, DROPS Alaska or DROPS Nepal.

It’s important that you know that you can use more DROPS yarns than the ones given as examples in each of the cases above. Inside every yarn's shade card we describe its fiber composition, properties and recommended use - as well as the care/wash information, origin of the yarn and Oeko-Tex certification.

You will find more information about the different fibers here in our FAQ!

See here how to calculate the amount of yarn needed when working with an alternative yarn!

Tags: alternative yarn ·

Comments (5)

Cassandra Bannister 10.02.2018 - 05:16:

I would like the pattern for the sleeveless vest that is shown on this page, kindly give me the name or reference number for the pattern. Thank so much for the beautiful patterns that you have published.

DROPS Design 12.02.2018 - 10:08:

Dear Mrs Bannister, you'll find the pattern for the pink vest here. Happy knitting!

Kathryn Cobb 29.05.2017 - 14:49:

It looks like your skeins can be knitted directly without tangling, implying that they do not need to be wound into a ball or cake first. Is that true?

DROPS Design 30.05.2017 - 12:00:

Dear Mrs Cobb, our yarns are already in balls, so that you can use them as they are and do not have to make new balls from the skeins. Happy knitting!

Pattianne 27.04.2017 - 13:16:

I am 78+ and have recently returned to crochet since am laid up with a broken back. I do not understand How Drops yarn groups relate to our usual yarn descriptions like lace, fingering, baby, DK, Worsted and bulky. Need to know this in order to use U.S. and vintage designs with drops yarns. Pattianne

DROPS Design 28.04.2017 - 09:22:

Dear Pattiane, you will find here an overview of all our groups of yarn with the mention lace, fingering, dk, worsted, etc... Remember your DROPS store will also help you, even per mail or telephone if needed. Happy knitting!

Liz Davies 03.03.2016 - 07:06:

Hi, I don't understand how to tell what ply wool to use with your patterns. When it says 16 stitches of 24 stitches, I don't understand what that means. I'm used to using a ply of wool, eg 8ply. Please help!

DROPS Design 03.03.2016 - 13:58:

Dear Liz, you will find all our yarn listed by group with category of ply so that you can have an overview. Remember your DROPS store will also provide you further individual assistance. Happy knitting!

Mônica Martins 12.10.2015 - 07:03:

Por que não há entregas para o Brasil? Já pensaram nesta possibilidade?