Knitting is a rewarding and versatile craft, with countless techniques and styles to explore. One such technique is double knitting, which creates a reversible, two-layer fabric in that’s warm, sturdy, and perfect for scarves, hats, and other cozy accessories.
But can you knit a double knitting pattern with aran wool, a popular yarn weight known for its thickness and warmth?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at aran wool and double knitting and explore some tips and tricks for combining these two techniques.
Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or a beginner looking to expand your skills, this post will provide you with some valuable insights and inspiration. So grab your needles, and let’s get started!
Are Aran and Double Knit the Same?
No, Aran and Double Knit (DK) are not the same.
Aran is a type of yarn that is thicker than DK weight and is typically used for making heavier garments such as sweaters, blankets, and hats. Aran weight yarn is thicker than DK weight yarn and usually has a gauge of 16-20 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm) on 4.5 – 5.5 mm needles.
On the other hand, DK weight yarn is thinner than Aran and is often used for making lighter garments such as baby clothes, lightweight sweaters, and shawls. DK weight yarn has a gauge of 21-24 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm) on 3.75-4.5 mm needles.
While both Aran and DK weight yarns can be used for knitting and crocheting, they have different thicknesses and are typically used for different types of projects.
Can I Use Aran for a DK Pattern?
Technically, you could use Aran weight yarn for a DK weight pattern, but the results may not be the same as using the recommended DK weight yarn.
Because Aran weight yarn is thicker than DK weight yarn, using it in place of DK weight yarn would result in a larger and heavier finished object. Additionally, the gauge and stitch count of the pattern may not match up properly, which could result in a project that is too large or too small.
If you do decide to use Aran weight yarn for a DK weight pattern, it is important to swatch and check your gauge carefully before beginning your project. You may need to adjust your needle size or make other modifications to the pattern to get the correct gauge and fit.
It’s also a good idea to make a practice swatch or small test piece before beginning your full project to ensure that you are happy with the results.
What Size Needles for Aran Wool?
The size of needles you would use for Aran weight yarn depends on the pattern you follow and the gauge you are trying to achieve.
Generally, Aran weight yarn is knit on needles that range from US 7 (4.5 mm) to US 9 (5.5 mm). However, the recommended needle size may vary depending on the yarn manufacturer, the pattern, and your personal knitting tension.
To determine the best needle size for your Aran weight yarn, you should always refer to the pattern you are following or check the recommended needle size on the yarn label. If you are trying to achieve a particular gauge, you may need to adjust your needle size up or down accordingly.
It’s also a good idea to make a swatch with your chosen yarn and needles to check that your gauge matches the pattern instructions. If your gauge is too loose, you should switch to a smaller needle size, and if it is too tight, you should switch to a larger needle size.
How Do You Adjust a Knitting Pattern for Different Yarns?
Adjusting a knitting pattern for different yarns involves making changes to the gauge and size of the project. Here are the steps you can follow to adjust a knitting pattern for different yarns:
Check the gauge
The first thing you should do is check the gauge of the pattern you want to adjust. Gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows per inch that the pattern requires. Make a swatch with the new yarn you want to use, and check to see if the gauge matches the pattern gauge. If the gauge is different, you’ll need to adjust the size of the needles you are using.
Adjust the needle size
If the gauge of your swatch is larger than the pattern gauge, you’ll need to switch to smaller needles. If the gauge of your swatch is smaller than the pattern gauge, you’ll need to switch to larger needles. Keep making swatches and adjusting the needle size until your gauge matches the pattern gauge.
Calculate the number of stitches
Once you have the correct gauge, you’ll need to calculate the number of stitches you need for the size you want to knit. You can use the stitch count in the pattern as a guide, but you’ll need to adjust it based on your gauge. For example, if the pattern calls for 100 stitches and your gauge is 5 stitches per inch, you’ll need to cast on 20 stitches more to get the same size.
Adjust the pattern
After calculating the number of stitches, you’ll need to adjust the pattern to fit the new stitch count. This may involve changing the number of increases, decreases, or pattern repeats. You may also need to adjust the length of the project to fit your desired size.
Test your adjustments
Before you start knitting your project, it’s a good idea to make a test swatch to check that your adjustments are correct. This will help you avoid any surprises when you start knitting the full project.
By following these steps, you can adjust a knitting pattern for different yarns and create a project that fits your desired size and gauge.
What Are the Most Common Types of Knitting Patterns?
Knitting patterns can be categorized in many different ways, but some common types include:
- Stockinette stitch pattern: This is the most basic knitting pattern, and it creates a smooth, flat fabric with alternating rows of knit and purl stitches.
- Garter stitch pattern: This is another basic pattern that creates a bumpy texture with rows of alternating knit and purl stitches.
- Lace pattern: Lace patterns use a combination of yarn overs, decreases, and other techniques to create holes and intricate designs in the fabric.
- Cable pattern: Cable patterns create raised, twisted designs in the fabric by crossing stitches over one another.
- Fair Isle pattern: This is a colorwork technique that involves knitting with two or more colors to create intricate patterns and designs.
- Intarsia pattern: This is another colorwork technique that involves knitting with blocks of different colors, without carrying the unused colors across the back of the work.
- Ribbing pattern: Ribbing is a stretchy pattern that is often used for cuffs, collars, and hems. It involves alternating rows of knit and purl stitches.
- Seed stitch pattern: This pattern creates a bumpy texture with alternating knit and purl stitches in each row.
Is Working With Aran Wool Beginner-Friendly?
Working with Aran wool can be a bit challenging for beginner knitters as it is a thicker and heavier yarn. Aran wool is typically classified as a medium-weight yarn and is thicker than the more commonly used worsted weight yarn.
It can also be more expensive than other types of yarn, which may not be ideal for those who are just starting out and still learning.
That being said, if a beginner knitter is comfortable with using thicker yarns and has experience working with different textures, then working with Aran wool can be a great way to expand their skills and create beautiful, warm, and cozy pieces.
Aran wool is a popular choice for sweaters, scarves, and other cold-weather accessories and can produce lovely stitch definition and texture.
It’s important to keep in mind that working with any new yarn can take some getting used to, and it may require some experimentation to find the right needle size and tension.
However, with practice and patience, even a beginner knitter can successfully create projects with Aran wool.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while it is possible to knit a double knitting pattern with aran wool, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, aran wool is thicker than the yarn typically used for double knitting, so it may be necessary to adjust the pattern and/or needle size accordingly to achieve the desired gauge. This will ensure that the finished project has the correct size and shape.
Secondly, because aran wool is thicker, the resulting fabric may be bulkier than with a thinner yarn, which can affect the drape and feel of the finished item.
Lastly, aran wool is often made from natural fibers such as wool or alpaca, which may have different care instructions than synthetic yarns commonly used for double knitting. It is important to check the label for care instructions and consider the practicality of caring for the finished item.
If you’re interested in learning more about knitting, there are plenty of resources available on our website to help you expand your knowledge and skills.
