Materials + Techniques: New Topics

Dear users and authors,
it’s Monday, and that means, just like every week:
Today we’ll be focusing on topics related to materials and techniques.
Let me know what comes to mind.
Have fun!

Hello,

I've been crocheting for 5.5 years now.
But I do have one question.

Can someone explain Bobbel yarn cakes to me?
What does 3- or 4-ply yarn mean, and what is the difference?
How do I know what I need to use, or can I also
use a 3-ply yarn if 4-ply is specified?

Please enlighten me.

Thank you.

Best, Heike

It depends on the project you want to make with the yarn cake.

For scarves, shawls, and similar items, you can also use 3 strands instead of 4—or vice versa.
Just keep in mind that the finished piece will then be either smaller or larger, and you’ll need more or less yarn.

If you’re making a sweater or a dress, you’ll need to make a gauge swatch and do some math, since the information in the pattern will no longer match the number of strands.