How to Read a Yarn Label

The little paper label wrapped around your yarn might look like decoration, but in reality, it’s a treasure trove of information - a mini-guide that tells you everything you need to know before you start.

 

Gauge, yardage, fiber content, care instructions -  it's all there. The question is: how do you read it? We’ll guide you through it here.

 

 

What does a yarn label tell you?

 

A yarn label typically includes:

 

• Fiber type: Cotton, wool, alpaca, mohair, or blends.

• Yardage: How many meters/feet are in one skein (e.g., 200 m / 50 g).

• Gauge: Stitches per 10 cm on a recommended needle size.

• Needle size: The size the manufacturer recommends.

• Care instructions: Small symbols for washing, drying, and ironing.

• Dye lot number: Ensures all your skeins are from the same dye batch.

 

Understand how thickness affects gauge: Guide: Understanding Different Yarn Weights

 

 

Gauge – the most important number

 

When the label says “21 sts = 10 cm on 4 mm needles,” it tells you how many stitches the yarn usually gives per 10 cm. This is crucial for making sure your project turns out the right size.

 

If your swatch doesn’t match the pattern’s gauge, you risk a sweater that’s two sizes too small or large.

 

Read more here: Why Gauge Matters

 

 

Yardage – calculating how much yarn you need

 

Two skeins can look identical but have different yardages. A 50 g skein might have 80 m or 200 m depending on thickness.

 

It’s essential to compare yardage if you want to find a substitute yarn for a pattern.

 

Learn more: 5 Common Mistakes When Choosing Yarn

 

 

Fibers – what is your yarn made of?

 

The label reveals whether it’s pure wool, cotton, alpaca, or a blend. This affects feel, warmth, and durability.

 

Learn more: Cotton vs. Wool – Which Yarn Should You Choose?

 

 

Care symbols – saving your knitting

 

The small icons can seem cryptic, but they’re crucial:

 

• Wool symbol with hand: Hand wash at low temperature.

• 30° or 40°: Machine wash at the indicated temperature.

• Square with circle: Can be tumble-dried (usually gentle cycle).

• Iron: Can be ironed (rarely relevant for knits).

 

Ignoring these symbols can turn your sweater into felt - after hours of work, that’s frustrating.

 

 

Dye lot number – the hidden, important detail

 

If you buy multiple skeins, make sure they’re from the same dye lot. Otherwise, the color may vary slightly from skein to skein. Minor differences that are invisible in the store can show up in your finished project.

 

FAQ about yarn labels

 

Do I always have to follow the needle size on the label?
No, treat it as a recommendation. The most important thing is matching the pattern’s gauge.

 

I lost the label – what now?
Measure the yardage per skein and make a swatch. This usually helps you find a similar yarn.

 

Are labels the same across brands?
No, but most information is consistent. Symbols may vary slightly, but the principles are the same.

 

Why does it show both meters and yards?
Some manufacturers use different units. It’s the same number, just in two versions.

 

 

Conclusion

 

A yarn label isn’t just a piece of paper - it’s your manual for the yarn. Learning to read gauge, yardage, and fiber content will make it much easier to choose the right yarn for your projects.

 

At GAIA, we’re happy to guide you if the label still feels like gibberish. You’ll also always find our recommendations for substitutes, combinations, and swatches, so you can choose with confidence.