Yarn substitution worksheet

Compare two yarn labels, then record what your swatch tells you. Download the comparison for your project notes.

Pattern yarn

Yarn name

Yarn-weight category

Fiber and blendLeave blank if unknown. Include blend percentages.

Construction and texture

Length per ball (meters)

Weight per ball (grams)

Care from the label

Replacement yarn

Yarn name

Yarn-weight category

Fiber and blendLeave blank if unknown. Include blend percentages.

Construction and texture

Length per ball (meters)

Weight per ball (grams)

Care from the label

Finished swatch gauge

Fabric and drape

What this comparison can tell you

Length ÷ grams gives meters per gram, a clue about how much yarn is in a package. It is not a precise measure of thickness. Fiber density, ply, twist and texture can all change behavior. Category, fiber and texture comparisons here compare the words you enter; they do not independently identify the yarn.

Blank or unknown fields stay unresolved. Matching labels are a starting point; the substitution guide explains how to compare elasticity, drape, color changes and care. Even a matching swatch does not guarantee garment fit.

After choosing the yarn, use the quantity calculator to recalculate balls by length. The same number of balls is rarely a safe shortcut.