We get a lot of questions about individual skeins of yarn and what their labels/symbols mean. The information on the label is critical when choosing what needle/hook to use, knowing how many skeins you will need, and so much more. Most questions about a specific yarn and how to use it can be answered just by reading and utilizing the information given on its label. Here is an overview of how to read one:

1. Brand name of the yarn
2. Yarn materials – This details the composition of the yarn itself.
3. Yarn weight symbol – This symbol represents the size of the yarn from numbers 1-7, with 1 (Lace) being the smallest/thinnest to 7 (Jumbo) being the largest/widest. We are going to delve into all of the yarn weight numbers and what they mean in our next blog post, so stay tuned! 
4. Color name and number – This is the name of the color and its corresponding number. The color name/number and the brand name are vital identifiers when you need to locate some more of the exact same yarn, whether at a store or online.
5. Dye lot number – Have you ever noticed that sometimes the same color of a brand of yarns don’t quite look the same? Most of the time, there is going to be some variance even within the same colors! Use the same dye lot number whenever you can if you are planning to start a project that will require more than one skein of yarn. Some yarns will not have a dye lot number and will simply state “no dye lot.”
6. Weight of yarn in ounces and grams
7. Care instructions
8. Company name and address
9. Yarn length in yards and meters – The length of the yarn is very important information, as most if not all patterns detail just how much you will need to complete the project. Knowing the yarn length and how much your pattern calls for will save you another trip to the store if you can purchase exactly what you need beforehand!
10. Gauge information – These information boxes detail the suggested knitting needles and crochet hooks to use when working with the yarn. The other numbers around each box represent the expected gauge, which is the number of stitches per inch and 10x10cm swatch. Use the information provided here to help choose what size needle or hook that you will need, whether by going with the suggested size or making a swatch with the yarn and adjusting your size based on your particular knitting/crocheting tension and output.