How to calculate cashmere yarn consumption for knitting or crochet
I have already covered cashmere yarn and its properties. Now I will focus in more detail on the correct calculation of the required amount of yarn to purchase.
Cashmere is sold in 50g or 100g balls. Since these threads are thin and light, one ball can contain from 500m to 700m.
But, precisely because the threads are thin, they are *usually used in several strands (usually from three to six). *We get a denser fabric, but, accordingly, we use up a ball of yarn quickly.
You can correctly determine the consumption using the usual, classic method – we knit a swatch. We decide on the pattern, the thickness of the threads (number of strands) and knit a square of approximately 10 cm by 10 cm. Based on it, we calculate the number of stitches and rows per 10 cm.
We unravel the swatch and measure the length of the yarn.
Then we calculate the area of the garment being knitted according to the pattern. And then we determine the required length of the yarn. Then, knowing how many meters of yarn are contained in one ball, we can find out how many balls we need for the entire garment (we round up).
If possible, it is better to purchase yarn with a small margin to be sure you have enough. We will talk about how to care for cashmere items later.
For a concrete example, see the separate guide on calculating yarn for a scarf.
Through trial and error, I've determined for myself that with cashmere, it's not worth complicating your life and bothering with complex patterns. Ribbing turns out to be more decorative than functional. Stockinette stitch is the most ideal pattern! I've knitted it in both two and five strands. It's quite the pleasure, of course...;) But the result is gorgeous! For a women's sweater, when knitting in two strands, it took me about 200 grams.