Why It's Important to Buy Enough Yarn for Your Project, the First Time

Ask any knitter or crocheter about buying yarn, and they’ll tell you it’s just about as fun and addicting as it is to create things. We end up with dreamy ‘stashes’ (some more akin to a hoard), that we fantasize about how we will use it best. For some, myself included, this is a dangerous process. Buying many varieties in small quantities can be good so you don’t forget about specific things. But, it’s important to buy enough yarn for your project the first time.

I’ve recently made a huge mistake. One of the most common, actually. Over time, I have built up a sizable stash of yarn. Buying small quantities of skeins I absolutely adored is how I built my stash. Since we are living in a fairly small space, it’s hidden in many places. This is not the problem.

Given the size of my stash, I have decided to work my way through what I have. Okay, I still buy more. But, I’m trying to buy less.

Anyways, I fell in love with a pattern (Sophie’s Universe by Dedri Uys) and knew I had to make it. Knowing I had a large stash, I figured I had plenty to work with and quickly got hooking.

Now, I love this pattern. It has helped me learn new stitches and see how a variety of stitches interact with each other. Also, how to set up base foundation rows in preparation for future rows.

Here’s my mistake: I didn’t have enough yarn for the project. Although I have a lot of yarn in general, I didn’t have enough of the same variety to complete the project.

I had chosen a beautifully soft, shiny lightweight (#2 lace weight) in a beautiful peach colouration.

Here is the bigger mistake: I bought it on clearance. It’s now discontinued and impossible to find even anything of a similar variety. I’ve looked everywhere.

So, it’s important to buy enough yarn for your project the first time. Here’s why.

Dye Lots Matter

A dye lot is the number associated with ALL of the yarn that was dyed in the same batch. When you go back for more, you are less likely to find the same dye lot as the first time. This could result in slightly different shades within your project.

Having enough on hand to keep going

I’ve previously written about motivation here. Ensuring you have enough yarn on hand for a specific pattern is a great way to maintain motivation. Otherwise, you have a lot of WIPs on the go. Personally, it feels better seeing finished objects, instead of unfinished projects.

Discontinuation / Lack of Availability

Some yarns become discontinued. When you don’t buy enough to complete your project, you run into the same problem I’m experiencing with Sophie. It is impossible to find more of what you need. You may be able to find the same weight or colour, or blend – but it won’t match what you started with.

With Sophie, I have made the decision to carry on with an ivory colored same weight yarn to finish as much as I can.

However, I have learned from this mistake. Dedri has announced the upcoming Charlotte’s Universe, and I couldn’t be more excited for redemption. Yarn on hand, with enough yardage to complete the entire project I am looking forward to the start of this next CAL.

Hopefully you’re able to learn from my mistake and not repeat it!