How do I ensure my garment is the right size?

Before investing time and energy creating a garment, avoid disappointment by measuring twice then knitting once!

Note that the amount of ease allowed between the human body and the garment circumference varies from one design to the next. If a garment has been designed to be worn snuggly, the bodice 
(garment circumference) measurement will be only slightly more than the chest/bust (body circumference) measurement. 

However, if a garment is designed to fit loosely, the bodice (garment circumference) measurement will be generously larger than the chest/bust (body circumference) measurement. 

Therefore, its not always easy to pick which size will suit you best. We have found that instead of simply choosing a chest/bust (body circumference) size from your pattern, its best to find a bodice measurement on the pattern that is closest to the bodice measurement of a garment in your wardrobe which is approximately the size you require. The wardrobe garment that you use as a guide must be of similar fabric weight and size to the outcome you would like for your new knitted garment. The thickness of the garment fabric will influence the finished width since thicker fabrics take up more space.

 

The garment you use as a guide may be a shop-purchased item rather than something you knitted yourself. So long as the finished fabric is a similar weight to the fabric of the garment you are about to knit, your size choice will be most accurate. 

The same logic may be applied for length of garment, however in many garments, the length may be adjusted during knitting, whereas the width may be a more difficult to make any changes to.This way of deciding upon the correct garment size for knitting is by no means scientific, however, in our experience, it works best and could save you a lot of knitting time.

 

Why is the ‘ply’ of the yarn not listed?

We don't use the term 'ply' because it means so many different things to different people. We use the tension as a guide to yarn gauge.

 

 

Can you give me advice on choosing yarn colours?

Sorry, we do not have a coloring service available, however we can put you in contact with a consultant who can. (See below , "extra help").

 

 

Can I order a specific dye lot?

You can request a particular dye lot on your order in the "comments" part of the order form, however we will not guarantee that the dye lot you order will be sent.

 

We recommend that when you place your order you purchase an extra one or two balls of yarn to be sure you have the quantity you need as differences in tension mean that more or less yarn may be required to finish a project. When we pack orders we pack only one dye lot per shade ordered. If you find you are short of a ball or two of yarn and we are unable to assist you with a matching dye lot, we suggest you go to our stores listing and call the larger stores (listed in bold) to obtain the dye lot you require. Most of the larger stores will send your requirements by mail.

 

 

Knots in yarn - the particular characteristics of Silkroad Tweed yarns.

Knots occur in our Silkroad Aran and DK Tweed yarns from time to time owing to the machinery involved in spinning. When breaks occur, workers intervene to join the breaks by hand with small knots. We have taken up this issue with the yarn maker and we are assured that all care is taken to ensure minimum breaks. 

Silkroad Tweeds are made using a carded (woollen spun), rather than the combed (worsted spun) system of spinning. Whereas the combed (worsted spun) system creates a stronger yarn consisting of longer fibres (such as we use in our Classic DK Wool, Silkroad Ultra, Mulberry Silk Georgette and Alpaca Kid Lustre yarns), the carded (woollen) system is able to accommodate very fine short fibres to make super soft yarns such as Silkroad Tweed. Because the fibres are short, breakages are more common than with worsted spinning.The contrast colour nubs which are added to our tweeds create additional problems with breakages as they make the spinning uneven. In such a delicate textured yarn as Silkroad, the number of breaks can be more than with a normal robust yarn type.The resulting yarn is a very lightweight, soft, very textured and natural.

Silkroad Tweeds almost look as though they are handmade. These special characteristics go hand in hand with breakable yarn. We hope this explanation our customers some assurance that Silkroad Tweed yarns are  characteristically delicate and breakable and that this does not indicate inferior quality.

 

When knots are encountered in knitting yarn, the work should be taken back to the seam edge where a join can be made - rather then knitting the knot into the work. By allowing 4 times the yarn length of the row being worked prior to beginning each row, knots in the yarn will be discovered prior to beginning a row. If there is a knot in the yarn, break the yarn, removing the knot, and begin with the new section of yarn at the beginning of the row. This avoids knots in the middle of a row. The following link is a video which explains this technique.

 

Why are ball weights sometimes under or over weight?

A tolerance of plus/minus 5% is quite normal in hand knitting yarns. There is in all Countries a law setting the limit accepted, but it is not exactly the same everywhere; in Australia it is 5%.We try to keep the weight as close as possible to the 50 gr (or 25g in some cases) and every day with all lots our quality control make trials in order to avoid differences. We always try to keep the tolerence within plus/minus 3%. The humidity reading each day affects the final weight.

 

Regarding length and in particular relating to tweeds, because the yarn is not as regular in spinning as the yarns spun with the combed spinning system it is difficult to maintain exact lengths in the balling.

 

What if the number of balls stated on the pattern is too many or too few?

During the design phase we have garments knitted in most sizes and estimate the number of balls required based on this knitting. Because knitting is not an exact craft, and because human hands are involved in both the knitting and the yarn making, there are sometimes over or under estimates made in the pattern writing. Our experienced knitters all produce slightly different tensions when using the same products. Therefore, the volumes stated on our patterns may not be absolutely accurate.

 

Over time, we receive comments back from our customers regarding ball quantities. If we receive a number of similar comments on a particular garment we will make a change to the pattern and publish the change on the website. We can change the volumes stated in the on-line patterns as well, but of course any printed material we cannot change. We do not accept liablity for any inconvenience or loss caused due to differences between the quantities stated in a pattern and the materials required for your particular project. Since knitting is not an exact craft we ask that our customers take this into account when they find they are a ball short, or a ball too many in their knitting.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please advise us if you feel we have made a serious error and we will consider your advice for inclusion in our next revision of the pattern concerned.

 

How do I care for my handknitted garment?

Hand Washing

For best results, gently hand wash knitted items in lukewarm water, using a wool detergent. Rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water. Rinse again in cold water.

 

Drying

To remove excess moisture after washing, roll garment inside a large towel and gently squeeze. Alternatively, spin dry inside a pillow case. Never tumble dry. Place on a flat surface in the shade to dry, coaxing back into shape whilst damp. Drying flat is recommended. Do not dry directly in front of an open or artificial fire.

 

Dry Cleaning

Generally is not recommended as residual dry cleaning chemicals tend to harden hand knitted fabric.

 

 

What if I need extra help with my garment?

Deborah has a wealth of experience and knowledge with both knitting and crochet techniques. She is also a passionate teacher and skilled designer & can assist you with garment modifications, colour selection and reading patterns.

For a small investment you can fast-track your skills.
Many of our customers are already familiar with the benefits of consulting with Deborah and we recommend her service to you.

If you need assistance with your knitting or crochet project, Deborah can assist on a consulting basis by phone, email or in person.
Check with Deborah for her hourly rates.
Please email demackay1@bigpond.com to arrange a consultation.

 

If I have a complaint do you have customer policies?

We will follow Australian consumer protection guidlines.

Please send all policy related questions to info@knit.net.au

We undertake to communicate openly with our customers about any reasonable concerns in relation to our products or service. We will listen to your complaint, concern or suggestion and we will respond within a reasonable time-frame. So try us - we are user-friendly!

We invite you to visit our Testimonials page to see our track record.