“Change Your Yarn” – Yarn Substitution Guide
“Change Your Yarn” – Use Luca-S Yarns for any Pattern
Can't find the exact yarn listed in your pattern or want to use our yarn? Don't worry! Substituting yarn is easy when you know what to look for. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you pick the perfect alternative from Luca-S Yarns.
Step 1: Know the Yarn You’re Replacing
Start by gathering key details about the original yarn:
- Yarn weight (e.g., DK, Worsted, Aran)
- Fiber content (e.g., 100% wool, cotton blend)
- Gauge (e.g., 22 stitches = 10 cm)
- Yardage per ball (e.g., 125m / 50g)
- Texture and ply (smooth, fluffy, tweedy?)
Tip: Check the yarn label or pattern page for this info.
Step 2: Find a Yarn with Similar Properties
Look for a yarn that closely matches:
- Yarn weight
- Fiber type (especially if the drape or feel matters)
- Gauge — very important for garments!
- Yardage per 50g or 100g ball
Example: If the original is a DK weight 100% wool, try substituting it with another DK wool from our Luca-S collection like [Luca-S Soft DK] (insert your product link).
Step 3: Mind the Yardage
If your substitute has a different yardage, you’ll need to adjust how many balls you buy.
- Example: Pattern calls for 500m of a yarn that has 125m/ball
- New yarn has 100m/ball →
- 500 ÷ 100 = 5 balls needed
Try Our calculator below
Yarn Ball Calculator
Quickly calculate how many balls you'll need — including weight, cost, and unit switching
Step 4: Swatch, Swatch, Swatch!
Always knit a gauge swatch with the new yarn. It’s the only way to make sure:
- Your fabric looks and feels right
- The sizing will work
- You don’t run into surprises mid-project
Step 5: Consider the Look & Feel
Even if two yarns match on paper, they can behave differently:
- A cotton yarn will drape more than wool
- A fluffy yarn will look softer and less defined
- Smooth yarns show stitch patterns better
When in doubt, feel both yarns and consider how they’ll look in your project.
Final Thoughts
Substituting yarn opens the door to creativity and personalization. Don’t be afraid to experiment — just be sure to swatch and double-check your math!
Need help choosing the right Luca-S yarn for your pattern?
📩 Contact us — we’re happy to help!