Know Your Yarn: From Fiber to Finished Object

Curious about how yarn fiber and structure affect your fabric? This workshop provides knitters the knowledge and confidence to choose the right yarn for any project. We’ll explore different fiber types—animal, plant, and blends—and examine how yarn construction (like woolen vs. worsted spun) affects drape, stitch definition, durability, and overall garment performance. By the end, students will feel more confident pairing patterns with yarns for beautiful, wearable results in any season.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN 

• The key characteristics of common fiber types and how they behave in finished knits
• The difference between yarn constructions (woolen-spun vs. worsted-spun, plies, etc.)
• How fiber and construction affect stretch, softness, breathability, and durability
• How to evaluate a yarn’s suitability for specific patterns and garment types
• Strategies for swatching and testing yarns before committing to a project

MATERIALS

Provided: Goody bag and sample yarns will be provided as part of workshop fee. 
Suggested: A notebook and pen or digital device for note-taking
Optional: A pattern you’d like help choosing yarn for or yarn from your stash you're unsure about

ABOUT BRIANA ARLENE
Briana is a Knitwear Designer, Rock Climber, Traveler, and Cat Lover based in Colorado. According to her website, https://www.brianaarleneknits.com/, she "love[s] translating the textures, colors, and motifs of the wild places [she] visit[s] into each of [her] hand knitting patterns."

Briana's Knitting Patterns
Briana's Ravelry Page