Article: Follow-up question: What does it do to the yarn, and what can you combine it with?
Follow-up question: What does it do to the yarn, and what can you combine it with?
A accompanying yarn is an extra strand knitted or crocheted together with one or more other strands. It can add softness, fullness, colour play, glitter, or sequins – but it can also change the project's gauge, drape, and finished look.
Therefore, the choice of accompanying yarn is not just about colour. It is also worth considering what the extra strand does to the yarn you have already chosen.
Can an accompanying yarn be used alone?
It depends on the yarn.
Some thin yarns, often used as accompanying yarn, can also be knitted alone or with multiple strands of the same yarn. This applies, for example, to thin mohair, alpaca, and silk yarns.
One strand can give a very light, airy, and almost transparent result, while two or more strands provide more fullness and a denser surface.
A sequin or glitter yarn, on the other hand, is usually developed as an effect yarn. It rarely has enough fullness and structure to function as the project's only yarn.
As a simple rule of thumb:
- An airy mohair or alpaca yarn can often be used alone or with multiple strands.
- A sequin, glitter, or effect yarn is usually used together with another yarn.
- Always check the yarn's recommended needle size and use.
What does an accompanying yarn do to the main yarn?
The extra strand can change more than one might initially expect.
A soft and fluffy accompanying yarn can provide:
- more fullness
- a soft and light surface
- less distinct stitches
- a warmer look
- a more vibrant and nuanced colour
A glitter or sequin yarn can provide:
- discreet shine
- visible sequins or small effects
- a more festive look
- extra texture on the surface
An extra smooth yarn strand can provide:
- more weight
- a firmer surface
- clearer colour blending
- a greater change in gauge
The result therefore depends on both the main yarn and the strand you add.
Can you always add an accompanying yarn?
You can experiment with most yarns, but you cannot expect the pattern's result to remain the same.
When you add a strand, the yarn combination can become thicker. This can change the gauge, making the work larger, smaller, or firmer than indicated in the pattern. It can also become heavier, warmer, or less supple.
You should therefore always make a swatch with the finished combination – even if the accompanying yarn looks very thin.
Among other things, assess:
- whether the gauge is correct
- whether the fabric becomes too dense or loose
- whether the finished look becomes too heavy
- whether the stitches are still clear
- whether the yarn feels comfortable against the skin
- how the swatch looks after washing
This is especially important for texture patterns, cables, and lace patterns. A very fluffy strand can hide small details, while smoother yarns usually provide a clearer stitch definition.
Can mohair or other fluff be combined with cotton?
Yes, it can.
Cotton and mohair do not need to be kept separate. The combination can be very beautiful because cotton provides a smooth and firmer base, while mohair adds airiness and a soft surface.
But mohair also changes the original look of the cotton.
Cotton alone is often:
- smooth with clear stitches
- relatively cool
- not very elastic
- heavier in drape than wool
With a mohair strand, it typically becomes:
- more fluffy
- warmer
- less sharp in stitch definition
- more airy on the surface
- visually softer
This does not necessarily mean that the combination becomes light. Cotton still retains its weight, and the extra strand adds more material. Therefore, the combination should be tested, especially for larger sweaters and cardigans.
Mohair with cotton is a good choice when you want to soften the smooth look of cotton. If you want to retain a cool summer look and perfectly sharp stitches, a sequin or glitter yarn might be a better choice.
Do the materials have to match?
The materials do not have to be of the same fibre type, but they should work together in the finished project.
You can, for example, combine:
- cotton with mohair
- wool with mohair
- alpaca with silk mohair
- merino with a sequin yarn
- several thin mohair strands with each other
The most important thing is to consider what property each strand contributes.
A cotton strand will not become elastic like wool just because you add mohair. A heavy main strand will also not necessarily become light, even if the accompanying yarn is airy.
The accompanying yarn affects the main yarn, but it does not replace the main yarn's fundamental properties.
Also remember the washing instructions. The finished combination should generally be treated according to the most delicate strand. If the main yarn can be machine washed but the accompanying yarn requires hand washing, the finished project should be hand washed.
Is it best to only add one accompanying yarn?
For most projects, one main strand and one accompanying strand is the simplest solution. It makes it easier to control gauge, weight, colour, and yarn consumption.
But there is no rule that you can only use two strands.
You can, for example, knit with:
- one strand of main yarn and one strand of mohair
- one strand of main yarn and one sequin yarn
- two strands of mohair alone
- one strand of main yarn, one mohair strand, and one sequin yarn
The more strands you combine, the more the yarn's thickness, weight, and appearance can change. Therefore, it is often a good idea to start with one extra strand and only add more when they have a clear purpose.
Fluff or sequins – what should you choose?
The choice depends on what you want to change.
Choose a fluffy accompanying yarn when you want:
- a soft and light surface
- a more fluffy look
- more fullness
- a mottled or nuanced colour play
- to make a smooth yarn visually softer
Choose a sequin or glitter yarn when you want:
- to retain more of the main yarn's original structure
- shine or small decorative details
- a festive look
- effect without strong fluff
- to highlight specific areas of the project
You also do not need to use the accompanying yarn throughout the entire work. Sequins or glitter can, for example, be used in stripes, edgings, or on the yoke.
A mohair strand can also be added to selected areas, but be aware that the thickness and gauge can change when the strand is added or removed.
Tone-on-tone or contrast?
The colour of the accompanying yarn significantly impacts the finished result.
If you choose an accompanying yarn in almost the same colour as the main yarn, you get a calm and uniform look with more depth.
You can, for example, combine:
- beige with sand
- dark pink with pale pink
- moss green with olive green
- dark blue with light blue
- brown with cognac or rust
An accompanying yarn in a contrasting colour gives a more distinct and mottled look.
Try, for example:
- black with light grey
- beige with dark brown
- pink with red or orange
- blue with green
- grey with a bright colour
The contrast often becomes less pronounced in the finished knit than it appears when the yarn balls are lying next to each other. Therefore, a swatch is also a good help when choosing colours.
How to choose the right combination
Start by deciding what you want to change about the main yarn.
Should it be softer, fluffier, more colourful, or have a bit of sparkle?
Then lay the strands together and twist them lightly around each other. This gives a first impression of the colour but does not fully show how the combination will behave in the finished work.
The safest approach is therefore:
- Choose the main yarn.
- Decide what effect the accompanying yarn should provide.
- Compare the colours in daylight.
- Make a swatch with all the strands.
- Wash and dry the swatch.
- Check gauge, weight, softness, and appearance.
There are many good combinations, and different fibre types can certainly be used together. The decisive factor is not whether the strands traditionally belong together, but whether the finished combination suits the project and the look you desire.
