FAQs

  • The Different Types of Yarn
  • DK Yarn
  • Merino Yarn
  • Baby Yarn
  • Aran Wool
  • Chenille Yarn
  • Super Chunky
  • Choosing the Right Knitting Needles: A Beginner's Guide
  • A Beginner's Guide to Knitting
  • About our workshops & classes
  • What payment methods do you accept?
  • Where is my refund?
  • When will my order arrive?
  • What countries do you ship to?
  • How much is shipping?

Which Yarn for Which Project?

  • The Different Types of Yarn
  • DK Yarn
  • Merino Yarn
  • Baby Yarn
  • Aran Wool
  • Chenille Yarn
  • Super Chunky

The Different Types of Yarn

Types of Yarns for Knitting and Crocheting
There are numerous types of yarns available for knitting and crocheting, each with its own unique properties and best suited for different projects. Some popular yarns include:
 
  • Baby Yarn: Specialized, gentle fibers designed for creating soft, comfortable, and safe items for infants and young children.
  • Aran Yarn: A heavy, rustic yarn with a rich history, well-suited for traditional, textured knits and warm outerwear.
  • DK (Double Knit): A versatile, medium-weight yarn for various knitting and crocheting projects, including garments, accessories, and home decor.
  • Merino Wool: A fine and luxurious wool fiber known for its softness and warmth, ideal for next-to-skin garments and baby items.
  • Wool: A warm, durable, and moisture-resistant fiber that works well for sweaters, hats, and socks.
  • Cotton: Breathable and hypoallergenic, cotton yarn is suitable for lightweight projects, washcloths, and home decor items.
  • Acrylic: An affordable and easy-to-care-for yarn for versatile crafting projects, such as blankets, toys, and clothing items.
  • Silk: A luxurious and lustrous fiber for elegant garments, shawls, and accessories.
  • Alpaca: A soft, hypoallergenic, and sustainable natural fiber sourced from alpacas, offering warmth and durability for high-quality projects.
  • Chunky Yarn: A thick and plush fiber that creates bold stitches, ideal for oversized knitwear and warm, cozy projects.
  • Super Chunky Yarn: Extra-large and cozy yarn for fast and satisfying projects, perfect for quick accessories and home décor items.

DK Yarn

DK yarn, short for double knitting yarn, is a popular choice among knitting enthusiasts due to its versatility and wide range of applications. This lightweight yarn falls under the Craft Yarn Council's category 3/Light and is the perfect balance between lighter and heavier yarn options. Let's dive deeper into the world of DK yarn and explore its uses and benefits.
Characteristics and Fibers
DK yarn comes in various fibers, colors, and textures, making it suitable for a plethora of projects. Common materials include wool, cotton, acrylic, and blends that combine the best qualities of different fibers. These options allow knitters to choose a fiber that works best for their project, whether it requires warmth, breathability, or easy care.
Project Ideas
The versatility of DK yarn makes it ideal for a variety of projects:
  1. Garments: Sweaters, cardigans, and vests knit with DK yarn provide warmth without feeling too bulky or heavy.
  2. Accessories: Hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves are popular projects for DK yarn, as they offer both comfort and style.
  3. Baby items: The softness and lightness of DK yarn make it a fantastic choice for baby blankets, booties, and clothing items.
  4. Home décor: Create cozy blankets, pillows, or other home accessories that add a touch of warmth and comfort to any living space.
Benefits of DK Yarn
Working with DK yarn has its advantages, including:
  • Quick knitting: DK yarn knits up quickly, making it suitable for both small and large projects.
  • Suitable for beginners: Its moderate thickness and ease of handling make DK yarn a great choice for novice knitters.
  • Wide availability: DK yarn can be found at most yarn shops and online retailers, offering a vast selection of colors and fiber contents.
In conclusion, DK yarn is a fantastic choice for knitters seeking a versatile, lightweight yarn for a variety of projects. With its numerous fiber options and extensive color palettes, DK yarn is sure to inspire creativity and bring knitting visions to life. Happy knitting!

Merino Yarn

Merino wool yarn is a prized fiber in the knitting community due to its exceptional softness, warmth, and versatility. Sourced from Merino sheep, this high-quality yarn offers knitters a luxurious experience and stunning results. Let's delve into what makes Merino wool yarn special and explore its various uses.
Characteristics and Benefits
Merino wool yarn boasts a fine and soft texture, making it comfortable to wear against the skin. This gentle fiber is perfect for creating cozy garments and accessories that provide warmth without itching or irritation. Merino wool is also naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, ensuring optimal comfort in various weather conditions.
Project Ideas
Merino wool yarn is suitable for a wide range of knitting projects:
  1. Garments: Sweaters, cardigans, and vests made with Merino wool offer warmth and luxury with a soft, lightweight feel.
  2. Accessories: Hats, scarves, gloves, and shawls showcase the beauty of Merino wool while keeping you toasty and stylish.
  3. Baby items: Merino wool's gentleness makes it an excellent choice for delicate baby blankets, booties, and clothing.
  4. Socks: Merino wool's natural moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties make it an ideal choice for comfortable, durable socks.
Working with Merino Wool Yarn
Knitting with Merino wool yarn is a delightful experience due to its smooth and elastic nature. This yarn has excellent stitch definition, making it a great choice for textured patterns or intricate designs. Additionally, Merino wool yarn takes dye beautifully, resulting in a vibrant color palette to inspire your creative projects.
In conclusion, Merino wool yarn is a luxurious and versatile choice for knitters seeking a high-quality, comfortable fiber for their creations. Its softness, warmth, and adaptability make it the perfect yarn for various projects, ensuring beautiful results you'll be proud to wear or gift.

Baby Yarn

Baby yarn is a specialized fiber designed with the delicate needs of infants in mind. Crafted to be soft, gentle, and safe for sensitive skin, this yarn is perfect for creating cozy and functional items for babies. Let's explore the characteristics and uses of baby yarn that make it an ideal choice for knitting projects.
Characteristics and Benefits
Baby yarn is typically made from fibers that are soft and breathable, such as cotton, acrylic, or blends of both. This ensures the yarn is easy on a baby's skin and prevents irritation or discomfort. Many baby yarns also offer the following advantages:
  • Hypoallergenic: This reduces the risk of allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.
  • Machine-washable: Easy care is crucial for baby items that may require frequent washing.
  • Durable: High-quality baby yarns can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
Project Ideas
Baby yarn is perfect for creating a variety of items for little ones:
  1. Clothing: Knit adorable onesies, sweaters, hats, and booties to keep babies cozy and stylish.
  2. Blankets: Create snuggly blankets for strollers, cribs, or swaddling.
  3. Toys: Baby yarn is ideal for crafting soft and safe stuffed animals or loveys that can become treasured companions.
  4. Accessories: Make bibs, washcloths, or nursery decorations to add a personal touch to a baby's space.
Choosing Baby Yarn
When selecting baby yarn, consider factors such as fiber content, weight, and softness. Opt for yarns that are specifically labeled for babies or with a softness rating of 3 or higher. Remember to always follow care instructions on the yarn label and to avoid embellishments or buttons that could pose a choking hazard.
In summary, baby yarn is a gentle and versatile fiber that allows knitters to craft comfortable and functional items for little ones. With its soft texture and wide range of colors, baby yarn is the perfect choice for creating cherished keepsakes and practical accessories to welcome a new arrival.
 
 
 
Pi may make mistakes, please don't rely on its information.

Aran Wool

Aran wool, named after the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland, is a classic yarn known for its warmth, durability, and deep-rooted history. This heavy, rustic yarn is traditionally used to create iconic Aran sweaters, but its versatility extends far beyond these famous garments. Let's explore the characteristics and uses of Aran wool.
Characteristics and Benefits
Aran wool yarn is typically made from natural sheep's wool, offering the following advantages:
  • Warmth: The dense, insulating fibers provide excellent protection against cold weather.
  • Durability: Aran wool can withstand wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting finished projects.
  • Breathability: Wool naturally wicks away moisture, keeping the wearer comfortable.
Project Ideas
Aran wool yarn is ideal for creating various projects:
  1. Sweaters: Knit iconic Aran sweaters featuring intricate cable patterns or textured stitches.
  2. Outerwear: Scarves, hats, mittens, and shawls made with Aran wool offer warmth and protection against chilly weather.
  3. Home décor: Craft durable and cozy blankets, pillows, or rugs that add warmth to any space.
  4. Accessories: Create bags, slippers, or even pet accessories with the robust and insulating properties of Aran wool.
Working with Aran Wool
Knitting with Aran wool offers a unique experience due to its thick and rustic texture. Keep in mind that working with this heavier yarn may take some practice, but the stunning results are worth the effort. Follow these tips for successful Aran wool projects:
  • Choose appropriate needle sizes: Larger needles accommodate the thickness of Aran wool, typically ranging from 4.5mm to 6mm.
  • Swatch and block: To ensure accurate gauge and avoid surprises in finished projects, swatch and block before beginning.
  • Embrace tradition: Aran wool is perfect for practicing classic knitting techniques like cables, bobbles, and intricate stitch patterns.
In conclusion, Aran wool yarn offers knitters a chance to connect with tradition while creating warm, durable, and timeless projects. With its rustic charm and rich history, Aran wool is an excellent choice for crafting unique and long-lasting items that you'll cherish for years to come.
 
 
 
Pi may make mistakes, please don't rely on its information.

Chenille Yarn

Chenille yarn, with its plush, velvety texture, is a popular choice for creating cozy home décor items and soft accessories. This unique yarn is made from short, twisted fibers that stand out at right angles from the core, resulting in a fuzzy and warm fabric. Let's explore the characteristics and uses of chenille yarn.
Characteristics and Benefits
Chenille yarn offers several advantages:
  • Softness: Its velvety texture feels luxurious and comfortable against the skin.
  • Warmth: The dense fibers provide excellent insulation for chilly weather.
  • Durability: Chenille yarn holds up well to regular use and washing, making it suitable for various projects.
  • Versatility: Available in numerous colors and weights, chenille yarn adapts to various crafting needs.
Project Ideas
Chenille yarn is perfect for crafting homey and cozy items:
  1. Blankets: Knit or crochet plush blankets to keep you warm during cold nights.
  2. Pillows: Create decorative throw pillows that add a touch of comfort to any room.
 
 
 
 

Super Chunky

Super chunky yarn, also known as super bulky yarn, takes chunky yarn to the next level! This oversized yarn creates big, bold stitches that are perfect for fast and satisfying projects. Ideal for beginners or those looking to whip up a cozy blanket or winter accessory in no time, super chunky yarn works well with large needles (US size 11 or above) and is available in a variety of fibers, colors, and textures. With just 2 stitches per inch, you can create eye-catching, extra-cozy items that make perfect last-minute gifts or self-care treats.

Which Knitting Kneedles?

  • Choosing the Right Knitting Needles: A Beginner's Guide

Choosing the Right Knitting Needles: A Beginner's Guide

Selecting the appropriate knitting needles is an important part of the knitting process. The right needles can make your knitting experience more enjoyable and efficient, while the wrong ones can lead to frustration and uneven stitches. Here are some factors to consider when choosing knitting needles:
 
Material: Knitting needles come in various materials, such as wood, plastic, metal, and bamboo. Each material has its pros and cons. For instance, wooden needles provide warmth and are less likely to slip, while metal needles are strong and offer smooth stitching.
 
Size: Needle size is critical for achieving the correct gauge, which affects the overall look and fit of your finished project. The diameter of the needle (measured in millimeters) should be determined by the yarn weight you're using. Check the yarn label or pattern for suggested needle sizes.
 
Length: The length of your knitting needles depends on the type of project you're working on. Shorter needles (around 23 cm) are suitable for small, intricate projects like socks, while longer needles (35-40 cm) are better for larger projects like sweaters.
 
Beginners can technically use any size knitting needle, but it's recommended to start with medium-sized needles (US sizes 6-8, or 4-5mm) when learning the basics. These needles are easy to handle, work well with most yarns, and produce a good tension for practicing fundamental stitches. As you become more comfortable with knitting, you can experiment with different needle sizes to achieve various effects and tackle more complex projects.

Beginners Guide

  • A Beginner's Guide to Knitting

A Beginner's Guide to Knitting

A Beginner's Guide to Knitting
 
Getting Started with Tools, Yarn, and Basic Techniques
 
If you've always wanted to learn how to knit but didn't know where to start, this guide is for you. Knitting can be both therapeutic and rewarding, allowing you to create beautiful handmade items from scratch. This beginner's guide covers the essential tools, yarn selection, and basic techniques to get you started on your knitting journey.
 
Choosing the Right Tools
 
To begin knitting, you'll need a few basic supplies:
  • Knitting needles: Start with medium-sized needles (US sizes 6-8 or 4-5mm) for comfortable handling and tension.
  • Yarn: Choose a smooth, medium-weight yarn (such as worsted or DK) in a light color to see your stitches clearly.
  • Scissors: For cutting yarn.
  • Tapestry needle: Useful for weaving in ends and stitching pieces together.
  • Stitch markers: Help you keep track of stitch counts or pattern repeats.
Selecting the Perfect Yarn
 
Consider the following factors when choosing yarn for your first project:
  • Fiber content: Cotton, wool, and acrylic yarns are beginner-friendly options.
  • Weight: Medium-weight yarns are versatile and easy to work with.
  • Color: Opt for a light color to make it easier to see your stitches.
Learning Basic Techniques
 
Once you have your tools and yarn, it's time to learn the basic techniques. Begin by practicing these essential knitting fundamentals:
  1. Casting on: This technique creates the foundation row of stitches on your needle. The long-tail cast-on method is popular and easy to learn.
  2. Knit stitch: The most fundamental stitch in knitting, the knit stitch is the building block for many patterns.
  3. Purl stitch: The purl stitch is the opposite of the knit stitch, creating a bumpy texture on the front of the fabric.
  4. Binding off: This technique securely removes stitches from the needle, completing your work and preventing it from unraveling.
Getting Started: Easy Projects for Beginners
 
nce you've practiced the basic techniques, it's time to embark on your first knitting project! Some beginner-friendly options include:
  1. Scarf: A classic first project that lets you practice the knit and purl stitches.
  2. Dishcloth: A small, practical item to hone your skills before tackling larger projects.
  3. Baby hat: A quick and satisfying knit that introduces you to shaping and decreasing stitches.
As you progress in your knitting journey, remember to be patient and enjoy the process. Practice makes progress, and each stitch brings you closer to a beautiful handmade creation.

Workshops & Classes

  • About our workshops & classes

About our workshops & classes

A Modern yarn offers a dynamic and engaging environment for knitters and crocheters of all skill levels to explore their craft through workshops and classes. Taught by experienced instructors, these educational experiences cover a wide range of topics, techniques, and projects that allow participants to enhance their skills and connect with fellow fiber enthusiasts.
Attending workshops and classes at a modern yarn store can provide numerous benefits:
  • Learn new techniques: Expand your knitting or crocheting repertoire by mastering advanced stitches, colorwork, or intricate patterns.
  • Discover fresh project ideas: Gain inspiration from experienced instructors and classmates while exploring various project possibilities.
  • Socialize with fellow crafters: Exchange tips, share stories, and build lasting friendships within a community of passionate crafters.
  • Enjoy a supportive environment: Receive guidance, encouragement, and feedback from instructors and fellow students as you develop your skills.
From beginner basics to specialized courses on garment construction, cable knitting, or lace techniques, workshops, and classes at modern yarn stores offer invaluable learning opportunities that empower participants to achieve their crafting goals while enjoying a fun and supportive
 
 
 
 

Payment

  • What payment methods do you accept?
  • Where is my refund?

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept the following credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Visa Debit, Visa Credit, Mastercard as well as Apple Pay & Paypal.

 

Where is my refund?

We aim to process refunds within three days of an item being returned to us. Please note, however, that your bank may take several days to process the payment back into your account. With that said, please allow up to ten working days after posting the item back to us before getting in touch about your refund. We’ll contact you by email to let you know when your refund has been processed.

Shipping

  • When will my order arrive?
  • What countries do you ship to?
  • How much is shipping?

When will my order arrive?

Orders from within the UK will ship withing 48 hours and will be delivered within three to five days, depending on your preferred shipping method. Shipping to countries outside of the UK may take up to 14 days. Please get in touch if your order hasn’t been delivered according to the expected timescales, and we will check your order status.

What countries do you ship to?

We ship worldwide. When you checkout the shipping options will show once you enter your full address.

How much is shipping?

Shipping costs depend on the item you’ve ordered and the country where it’s being delivered.

Uk shipping is 3.95 standard delivery.