DIY Network

Yarn Tips Yarn expert Barry Klein detangles the mystery of novelty yarns. From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-312

Vickie Howell welcomes Barry Klein, the author of Knitting With Novelty Yarn, who shares two great projects: a diagonal scarf and a shoulder wrap created with fabulous novelty yarns. He explains all about the different types of yarns and how they are made, in addition to sharing tips on working with novelty yarns.

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Bouclé yarn

• A bouclé yarn is best described as loops of various or consistent lengths drawn through a base yarn. To keep the loops in place, a support thread is wrapped around or chained to the central thread.
  

  Brushed yarn

• Brushed yarns consist of bouclé or chained yarns that are pulled across the wire brush to raise the hair. The lofty effect is best created using mohair or angora fibers: the longer the loft, the more luxurious the look.
  

  Chained yarn

• Chained and knitted yarns can be made by looping threads around the hooks of a bobbin, a French knitting spool or and l-cord machine. This creates a tubular yarn that will be thick or thin depending on the weight of the fiber used to make the chain.
  

  Chenille yarn

• Chenille yarn gives a plush feel to the finished product. It is created on a circular spinning machine whose outer head runs fibers in a circular motion through the center core. Sharp razors are pulled quickly against the loops to open the yarn, giving it the plush look.
  

  Component yarn

• Component yarns create excitement in the knitting world today. They change the appearance of the yarns you commingle them with and allow you to be as creative as you like. Components can also be used alone to create a beautiful airy look to a scarf, sweater and shawl; they can also be used as trims on home furnishings.
  

  Eyelash yarn

• Eyelash yarns can also be used as a component. Eyelash yarn is made of solid-core fiber that has fine gauge yarns laid alongside it. These parallel threads are locked in every several inches. The lash is then cut to a length specified by the purchaser. This can be done in many various color options, types of yarns and length of lash. That's when the fun begins!
  

  Nub yarn

• Nubs, also known as bump and slub yarn, can be made by twisting the nub yarn around a core thread as many times as it takes to make the thickness of the desired size. The use of a shiny nub against a matt background makes a beautiful combination. It should be noted that when knitting with nub yarns most of the nubs will go to the back side of your work. Now you get to decide what you want as right side or wrong side.
  

  Plied yarn

• Plied yarns consist of several strands of yarn, usually the same thickness, placed together and twisted to make a specific weight yarn. This can be done in one solid color or several shades together for a more artistic look.
  

  Woven yarn

• Woven yarns and ribbons are made on a modified weaving loom whose base is similar to a knitting machine. The width of the woven yarn will depend on the number of needles used (the more needles, the wider the ribbon). Don't let the flat look fool you: when the yarn is knitting, it will roll and create wonderful interest to the finished project.

Knit Bit: Did you know the word knit appears 38 times in the works of Shakespeare?

RESOURCES :

Trendsetter Yarns
Website: www.trendsetteryarns.com

Prism Yarns Website: www.prismyarn.com

GUESTS :

Barry Klein
Knitwear designer
Website: www.trendsetteryarns.com