Why Double Strand Yarn?

Last week, we announced our upcoming February Hold-Along, and now I want to follow up with some more details, answer a few questions (like “why double-strand?”), and show off how we’re going to use the Discord server for all sorts of fun things.

Why Double Strand?

Sometime last year, several of us were talking about how much we wanted to use laceweight yarn, but without having to work on a laceweight project. Naturally, our wise colour-guru, Felicia, took it in the direction of how much fun working with double strands can be for colour reasons. Adding different fibres and/or colours with multiple strands of yarn can add a unique drape, feel, texture, and tone to your project.

Imagine having a purple yarn that might be a little too bright; adding a darker purple or a grey to the palette by means of a second strand of yarn will tone down the brightness without losing the colour that caught your eye to begin with. Or, for handpainted yarns, adding a “halo” type yarn can soften the hues into a watercolour-like effect to the overall aesthetic. Working with more than two colours at a time results in a fun marbling effect and, depending on the colours you choose, it can be delicate and subtle or bold and exciting.

Altering the texture of your fabric is a fascinating experiment, too. Experiment with adding silk to your wool and see how much lustre and structure it provides. Or try a fuzzy merino for an enchanting softness. Try alternating the yarns, too: two strands of wool and then three strands of a laceweight merino and see how the fabric shifts in unusual ways.

Not to mention, double-stranding (or triple, quadruple, etc) can make for a thicker gauge and a great way to stash bust.

How to Participate

This is the easiest part. Just pick some yarn, a pattern you’ve had your eye on, and cast on. A lot of us are going to chat about our progress in the Hold-Along channel on the Discord server. Another group of us who are members of the School of SweetGeorgia will share our progress in the February Hold-Along group in the school forums. You might want to join us in one of those two locations. Or, you can just follow along here on the blog with me, where I’ll share MY progress (along with my incessant chatter about yarn-y things). Totally up to you.

Tell Me About the Discord Server

The Discord Server is a little experiment on our part. Please read our “how to” guide here »

Where to Get Laceweight Yarn

Using laceweight is our favourite way to double strand and we’ve got you covered. Use code TOGETHER23 to take 20% off any lace yarn purchase from the site. You’ll find merino, cashmere, and silk blends on the site in any colour your imagination can, well, imagine. 😊

Any Pattern Recommendations?

I’ve definitely got pattern recommendations for you! Like:

• Nilas by Tabetha Hedrick
• Any Given Sunday by Tabetha Hedrick
• Sanderstead by Madeleine Windsor
• Berry Picking by Kristen TenDyke
• Cirrus Sky by Emily Wood
• Five by Five by Felicia Lo
• Radiative by Tabetha Hedrick
• Floe by Tabetha Hedrick
• Acacia by Felicia Lo
• Splash by Tabetha Hedrick
• Baby Blanket by EweKnit Toronto
• Tower of Pisa Shift by Veera Välimäki
• Terai by Laura Chau
• Columbia River Jacket by Kay Hopkins
• The Bali Hai by DAKinsey Designs
• Green Gradient Cable Pillow by Noelle Stiles

The patterns I just mentioned are specifically designed with two+ strands in mind, BUT, that doesn’t mean you can’t work ANY pattern in multiple strands. Anything goes! In fact, next week, I’m going to show you how I’ve reworked the math for Flannery to account for a different gauge from using multiple strands of yarn. But, regardless of what you decide to use or make, swatch, swatch, swatch! That’s the only way you’ll know for sure what you’re walking into. GRIN.

Next…

Your homework this week is to join us in the School or on Discord!