Yarn Substitution Finder

Tell us about the yarn in your pattern. We will suggest swaps that match weight, fiber, and gauge.

Pick your yarn details above and press Find Matches to see substitution suggestions.

Why Substitution Matters

Pattern writers often name specific yarns. Those yarns get discontinued, go out of season, or are not sold where you live. Swapping by color alone can give you a fabric that is too stiff, too stretchy, or the wrong size after all your hard work.

YarnSwap matches by weight class and family of fiber, the two factors that matter most for how your finished piece looks and feels.

Quick Presets

Not sure where to start? Try one of these common scenarios:

Common Mistakes

Swatching only one needle size. Go up or down one size and see which gives you the right fabric.
Ignoring fiber behavior. Cotton does not bounce back like wool. Acrylic can grow after washing. Plan for this.
Forgetting yardage. Different brands have different yardage per ball even in the same weight. Always check the label.
Matching only color. A navy merino and a navy acrylic might look alike on the skein but feel very different as fabric.

What We Assume

Our suggestions assume you want a close equivalent in drape and density. The built-in database covers common weight-and-fiber combinations. It does not include every brand or regional yarn. Use the results as a starting point, then read reviews, check Ravelry, and swatch before you buy.

How to Use YarnSwap

Enter your original yarn. Pick the weight class from the pattern label. Choose the closest fiber type. Type the total yardage the pattern calls for.
Optionally enter your gauge. If you know how many stitches you get per 4 inches, add it. This helps us flag substitutes that might run tighter or looser.
Review the matches. Each result shows a suggested yarn, its typical gauge range, fiber details, and the yardage you would need. A note explains any adjustment.
Save to a project. Click Save on any match to add it to your project list. You can build a shortlist for your next yarn shop visit.
Share or print. Use the Share button to copy a link. Use Print to get a clean summary you can fold into your project bag.

Example Scenario

You found a beautiful cardigan pattern that calls for 1,400 yards of Rowan Felted Tweed DK. It is sold out near you. You select DK weight and Wool Blend, enter 1,400 yards, and press Find Matches. The results show Cascade 220, Berroco Vintage DK, and Drops Merino Extra Fine. Each entry lists the typical gauge (20-22 sts per 4 inches), the fiber breakdown, and a note that the yardage should be very close. You save two options, print the list, and head to the shop to compare in person.

Saved Project Lists

Every time you save a match, it goes into your project list for that search. Your lists live only in your browser. Nothing is sent anywhere.

No saved projects yet. Run a search and click Save on any match to start a list.

Questions Crafters Ask

What if my exact yarn is not in the database?: Pick the closest match by weight and fiber family. The gauge and yardage notes still apply as a starting point. You can also adjust the yardage field to match what you actually need.
Does this work for crochet too?: Yes. Weight categories and fiber types are the same. Crochet usually uses about 10-15% more yardage than knitting for the same area, so add a buffer.
Why do two yarns in the same weight have different gauge ranges?: Spin method, ply count, and fiber type all affect how a yarn knits up. A plied wool and a single-ply wool in the same weight class can behave quite differently. Swatch both.
Can I share my results with a friend?: Yes. Click Share below the results. It copies a link to your clipboard. When your friend opens it, the same search loads.
Is my project data private?: Everything stays on your device in localStorage. No account, no server, no tracking. If you clear your browser data, your lists are gone, so print anything you want to keep.