“The only one who can tell you 'you can’t win' is you
and you don’t have to listen.”

—Jessica Ennis

​

In today’s email:

• Knitspiration: Which yarn is better? Gradient or Variegated
• Stitchionary: A mosaic stitch that's a little shifty
• Pattern Pick: This poncho is a bit of a maze
• PLUS: Organized yarn, let it slide, and more

Sponsored By

Disclaimer: This newsletter may contain sponsored ads and affiliate links.
When you buy using them, you support our work here at The Yarnist, as we get a small commission.

---

💡 Knitspiration

🧶 Which yarn is better? Gradient or Variegated

Knitters LOVE them some color.

We see a pretty yarn in a pretty pigment and we are pretty sure to pay a pretty penny to proudly place it in our plentiful stash.

But not all colorful yarns are created equal.

In fact there's been a secret war waging for over a decade between hand dyers over which method of coloring yarn is best; gradient or variegated.

Ok not really, but it's fun to imagine them throwing paint soaked balls of yarn at each other and making a giant colorful mess.

However there is a BIG difference between these two types of yarn and today we're going to explain why one is clearly superior.

What is variegated yarn?

A variegated yarn is usually dyed with multiple colors in one skein with a very random pattern.

These are often hand painted yarns where dyes are lain down on a hank (or hanks) of yarn using one of a few different methods.

The result is a yarn that looks really good twisted up in a hank, but you don't really know what you're going to end up with when you knit it.

The problem with variegated yarn

We get it. Variegated yarns look delicious on the shelf of the yarn store.

Unfortunately a lot of these yarns look like unicorn barf once they're knit up.

That's just one of a few drawbacks that come with knitting with variegated yarn:

• Color Pooling​
  Because of how variegated yarns are dyed, the color is distributed throughout your fabric at random. Often that results in odd "pools" of colors developing. While this can be a design "feature" for some projects, it's usually not the result we want.
  ​
• Hides Texture​
  Think of variegated yarn like colorful camouflage. The constant color changes are going to make it nearly impossible to see any detailed texture in your fabric.
  ​
• Not Flattering​
  There's a reason you don't see a bunch of sweaters at the mall that look like they got stuck in the middle of a paint ball fight. It's just not going to make you look your best.
  ​

What is variegated yarn good for?

While we're inclined to say variegated yarns aren't good for anything, we know that's not true.

It's perfectly possible to knit a nice simple accessory like a hat, scarf, mittens, or socks with them.

The small size of the project will help mitigate any issues with pooling. They're also great for adding *pops* of color to your wardrobe.

Just remember to use simple patterns that let the yarn color shine.

What is gradient yarn?

Back in the early 2010s ombre fabric was all the rage.

You started to see garments with the dip dyed look, which creates a slowly fading gradient of color, all over the place.

It wasn't long before someone figured out how to do this same effect with yarn.

The process generally entails knitting up the yarn into a sheet of fabric using a knitting machine.

Then the dye is applied to the fabric with long, slow color changes.

This labor intensive process is the main reason these yarns usually sell for a premium.

But the result is definitely worth the effort.

What is gradient yarn good for?

Everything? 😅

With some planning a gradient yarn can be used for most projects.

The slow color changes are ideal for stripes and even fair isle patterns, especially when paired with another neutral yarn color.

And because the yarn *usually* has subtle color shifts, it will still work with textured stitch patterns.

Drawbacks of gradient yarn

You need to be careful when knitting sweaters using a gradient yarn.

Because the circumference of the sleeves is smaller than the body, the color will change at a different rate.

You might have a similar problem with socks matching when knitting with gradient yarns.

Some companies mitigate this by offering special kits for socks and sweaters that are designed to address these issues.

Which is better?

Obviously we here at The Yarnist have a strong preference for gradient yarns.

They are far more versatile, look great in almost any project type, and are just damn gorgeous (usually).

Is it possible to knit something nice with a variegated yarn? Sure!

But given a choice, we're always going to reach for the gradient first.

😍 Gradient Yarns We Love

Here’s some of our favorite gradient yarns you might want to check out:

​

Mandala Ombre by Lion Brand Yarns - Get It Here​

Details - Worsted Weight (CYC #4) | 100% Acrylic (344yds / 150g)

Each color in Mandala® Ombré gradually blends into the other in both tonal and multi-colored versions. The printing technique allows for some of the cream yarn base to show through, creating a hand-dyed, artisanal effect. Mandala Ombré is slightly thicker than the original, spun with multiple plies of premium acrylic, which give it the look and feel of merino at a fraction of the cost.

​

Chroma by KnitPicks - Get It Here​

Details - Fingering - Bulky Weight (CYC #1-5) | 70% Superwash Wool / 30% Nylon (127-396yds / 100g)

No matter your taste in colors, there is a rainbow waiting for you! Chroma is a color-transitioning 70% superwash wool and 30% nylon blend yarn. Pair the brightest colors with your boldest projects, or choose a subdued shade for gentle waves of changing color. The colors move gently through a single ply, creating subtly blended and shaded sections. Chroma is a single ply yarn that has differences in thickness that gives a handspun look to your finished projects.

​

Felted Tweed Colour by Malabrigo - Get It Here​

Details - DK weight (CYC #3) | 50% Merino Wool / 25% Alpaca / 25% Viscose (191yds / 50g)​

A new cousin to classic Felted Tweed, Rowan Felted Tweed Colour has all the traits we love with an extra pop of color! With the same trusted blend of wool, alpaca, and viscose, each colorway of this DK weight yarn also features a gorgeous gradiant of of bright, beautiful colors. Perfect for most projects ranging from sweaters to shawls and hats.

​

Whirl by Scheepjes - Get It Here​

Details - Fingering weight (CYC #1) | 60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic (1094yds / 225g)​

Each gradient cake of Scheepjes Whirl boasts an incredible 1094 yards, enough to make most any project out of! This fingering-weight yarn packs a punch with its blend of cotton and acrylic, making it durable, breathable, and machine-washable, which lends itself well to most projects like home decor, garments, and accessories! Scheepjes Whirl seamlessly blends together through shades of the rainbow and is also calorie-free, making it the healthiest cake you could get, hehe!

​

So what do you think?

Are you in camp variegated or camp gradient?

---

Like this article? Share it with a friend!

*Weekly Deal* Yarn 102: Choosing Colors In this class you'll discover how to pick yarn colors like a pro and find the ones that make you look your best. Save 40% off the regular price THIS WEEK ONLY! Get Instant Access for only $15

📆 Daily Stitch

Sliding Blocks Stitch

So you like that color pooling effect but you want to use a gradient yarn to get it?

Well you're a little crazy, but we'll let it slide.

This mosaic stitch will get you going in the right direction.

Learn this Stitch

🧶 Pattern Pick

Maze Ruana by Mone Dräger

Inspired by the colorful ruanas created and worn in South America, this wrap makes an eye-catching outdoor piece.

Its mesmerizing mosaic pattern reminiscent of a maze dazzles when worked in a gradient yarn.

Get This Pattern

​

😂 Knits & Giggles

---

Thanks for reading!

Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs: