Yarns for Planned Pooling?

Hi everyone!

Today I need to tap into your collective wisdom. I’m looking for gradient yarns that allow you to achieve what’s called “planned pooling”—that is, deliberately arranging specific color sections to create symmetrical patterns.

For this technique, you need gradient yarns that allow you to work at least 2–3 stitches in each color… but it can certainly be more—just not several meters like with a bobble yarn.

Now here’s my problem:
For the U.S. market, there’s a whole list of yarns and manufacturers suitable for this technique—but all of these yarns are hard to find in Germany (like Red Heart or Caron Simply Soft).
The gradient yarns from Gründl or Schachenmayer, for example, unfortunately have gradients that are too short (I can only get about 1 stitch per color)....

So here’s my question:
Have any of you tried this before and can you recommend a yarn (preferably cotton or acrylic to start with)?

This technique looks really interesting, and I’d love to give it a try.

Thanks, and best regards
Stefanie

Hi Stefanie

I had no idea what that term meant either, so I googled it.
A cotton yarn from ProLana came up right away: Joker 8.

Is that what you’re looking for?

Best regards, Marion

Hi Marion,

Yes, thanks—that already looks good.
You can’t really tell exactly how long the individual color sections are, but at that price, it might be worth giving the yarn a try.

Thanks!

There’s Regia sock yarn that makes it easy to knit two identical socks, because the color sequence repeats evenly from a specific marked point. Is that what you mean?

Dear Stefanie,

why don’t you take a look at Record 210 Color crochet yarn (= multi-strand potholder yarn) from Schoeller+Stahl.

Best wishes, Traudelina

The Multis from Wollmeise are very well suited for planned pooling.
They are relatively expensive, but the quality is absolutely top-notch.
In general, any yarn with a short color repeat is suitable for planned pooling.

Do keep us posted - I’ve always wanted to try planned pooling too.

Hi Stefanie,

take a look here:
EDIT Mario: Please don’t post external links.

Not only is there a very good introduction there, but also a whole list of yarns that work well.
This makes it easier to find comparable yarns that are available for purchase here.

By the way, Catania Color also works quite well ;- )

Good morning,

if I understand correctly, self-dyed yarn that’s simply dyed in sections should work well. That way, you have the same colors evenly distributed...

Looks interesting...

One thing I can say is: why don’t you order from the U.S.? Check with customs to see how many euros you can import duty-free.

Here in Switzerland, you can import goods from other countries up to 50.00 Swiss francs (including shipping) without having to pay customs duties. If you order for 51.00, hefty customs fees apply - not for the actual goods, but simply because a customs officer handles the goods and issues the fee. My husband buys a lot from the U.S., simply staying under that amount. That huge company also has branches abroad, so the goods often come from a warehouse somewhere in Europe.

Of course, you also have to consider how much you need and whether it’s worth it.

That’s my two cents on ordering from abroad.

Looks cool.

Jana

I recently used Rowan Fine Art (for knitting) and thought to myself that if I’d cast on the right number of stitches, I would’ve ended up with planned pooling. No guarantees :-)

Thank you all so much for your ideas and suggestions.
There are some really beautiful yarns among them—and the more you look, the more you find, right? ;-)

I think, to start practicing, I’ll try a more affordable yarn first, maybe Record 210—or Marion also pointed out Stylecraft Wondersoft Merry Go Round to me, which has some really great, fresh colors too.
These yarns are definitely the right choice for small projects like a little bag or a pillow—let’s see what I can find.

Michaela, the yarns from Wollmeise really do look fantastic! I hadn’t even considered them before. I’ll definitely keep them in mind for clothing projects :-D

So, thanks again! I’ll keep you posted :-D

Best regards and Happy Halloween
Stefanie

Stefanie, I’m curious to see how it turns out. :-))
Have fun knitting.

@Stefanie

Wollmeise is all the rage in knitting circles! The multicolored yarns in particular are really beautiful if you want to do planned pooling or knit with short rows. That creates the most amazing patterns. They just cost a little more...

Michaela,
you see, since I can’t knit, I guess this really passed me by *laughs*
Yet another reason to finally learn how to knit! ;-)

Spooky Halloween greetings
Stefanie

Pro Lama cotton has a very long color repeat.
I made a bag and a scarf with the pattern on daw. .... I might be able to post some photos here tomorrow. On YouTube, Frau Wetsch has a video where she mentions a suitable yarn, and Veronica Hug does too.
Best regards

Yesterday I started a scarf using the new yarn from wooly hugs.
This yarn was made specifically for this technique. The color changes are great, but I’m not too fond of the yarn itself. Even though it’s made of 50% wool, 28% cotton, and 22% polyamide, it feels kind of strange to the touch—like unspun raw wool... I knitted with size 5.5 needles. The resulting color pattern is fantastic!

Why don’t you try typing “planned pooling” into the search bar here on CP...