What's best for sweaters

Denise Jackson wrote

on Aug 12, 2008 9:38 AM

What is the best ply for sweaters? I've been told (and at times chided) 3-ply.

Somebody please explain the pros and cons of 3-ply vs. 2-ply other than wear.

AimeeR wrote

on Aug 13, 2008 4:06 PM

 I think you should spin what you like, not what some busybody tells you to do!  If you're worried about wear, a cable ply sounds more sturdy, but I haven't learned to spin yet so I'm not an expert.  How much manual labor do you do in a handmade sweater?  The problem I have with sweaters is I get bored with them long before they wear out.

I have noticed that 2 ply yarn knits up with a more rustic look, and if your project is casual or rustic, great, do 2 ply.  If you want a more tailored look, then maybe spin it in 3 ply.

Denise Jackson wrote

on Aug 14, 2008 8:18 AM

I appreciate your candor and logic.

I get tired at competition when the better sweater gets docked for 2-ply. Handspun should look ... handspun, at least a bit.

Your explaination, I like.

Thanks

Rebecca S wrote

on Aug 18, 2008 3:47 PM

 Hi Denise!

2 ply vs 3 ply is really a personal choice - neither is superior.  However, 3 ply does make a rounder yarn so when knit up you have enhanced stitch definition. 

Hope this helps!

Rebecca

AimeeR wrote

on Sep 3, 2008 3:38 PM

 Aha!  The rounder yarn in 3-ply must be why it looks more tailored and less rustic than the 2-ply.  Thanks for the info.

CatherineB@2 wrote

on Sep 11, 2008 9:48 AM

This is an old post but I just joined this forum, so here is my comment:  I spin 2 or 3 ply for asweater depending on how heavy I want the yarn to be.  It is difficult for me to spin a worsted weight or dk weight 2 ply, so I go with 3.  But for a fingering weight I do a 2 ply.  I also get bored spinning tons of one yarn, so I spin enough to start the sweater and then knit and spin off and on.  Then I get to the point where I have run out of yarn and MUST spin more.  Keeps it interesting.  But now I want to dye some handspun for a sweater and I realize that, really, I should spin it all first and then dye it all together - oh, the pain!!

AimeeR wrote

on Sep 11, 2008 8:41 PM

 Catherine, I'll bet you knit your sleeves one at a time!  I'm with you, I tend to get bored doing the same thing over and over, but I do both sleeves at the same time because I can't remember my increases and shaping otherwise.  This way they match each other.  My mom knits the front, the back, and both sleeves up to about the elbow, gets bored and gives the unfinished project to me!  I'm lucky if I get the pattern with it.  Maybe I need to give her a spinning wheel....

Denise Jackson wrote

on Oct 19, 2008 2:46 PM

I make a checklist that I cross off each of the increases or decreases. If there are small variations, I don't sweat it.

I'm doing my Dad's Aran sweater. I'm checking off each round. If I don't I get lost and cross the cables in the wrong places.