Picking Yarn and Swatching for Gauge
Intro to Knitting Toys, Part 1
Because toys are standalone objects, you don’t have to be very precise when swatching gauge or choosing yarn for a pattern. This makes toy knitting very beginner-friendly and also great for stash-busting. Let’s talk about what you do need to consider when making toys: yarn, fiber content, and gauge.
Yarn
You can knit toys out of any yarn fiber. I typically use acrylic or wool yarn. Here are some things to consider when picking yarns for your project:
Feel
Will a little one be holding this toy or will it be sitting on a shelf as a decorative object? If it’s meant to be hugged and carried, pick something soft! Softness can vary across fiber content and brand, so just pick a skein that feels good to touch.
Care
How often might this be washed? Again, if it’s a gift for someone small, it’s more likely to get dirty and it might need washing. Pick a fiber that won’t felt or fray, like acrylic, cotton, or superwash merino. Always hand wash in cold water and lay out to dry.
Allergies/Veganism
Some people have allergies to certain fibers, like wool. Some people prefer items free of animal products. Check in with your recipient before choosing your fiber.
Fiber Content
Still unsure about what yarn to pick? Here are my opinions on a few different fibers for toy knitting:
Acrylic
Acrylic yarn is affordable, easy care, and generally soft. It’s allergy-friendly as well. It’s a great option for toy knitting, especially if you are new!
Wool
If you’re looking for unique colors, most independent dyers use wool. If you’re planning on gifting your toy to a little one, I’d recommend a superwash wool so it doesn’t felt from use or washing. Wool is a great option for color and for stash busting!
Cotton
Cotton generally isn’t the softest yarn, and it has a tendency to stretch over time. I wouldn’t choose it for a gift that’s going to a child, but it works great for an art toy.
Tencel
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to acrylic, I would pick Tencel over cotton. Tencel is a bamboo blend. It’s softer and holds its shape better than cotton.
Faux Fur Yarns
Faux fur yarns are generally a polyester. They look more like a fabric when finished. they make beautiful toys, but working with them can be tricky. These are best for intermediate and advanced knitters.
Gauge
Toys don’t need to be a specific size, so gauge is very forgiving. Your fabric just needs to be tight enough to keep the stuffing from poking out. A general rule of thumb is that you should choose needles 2-3 sizes smaller than recommended for your yarn weight. Below is a table to help you choose:
| Yarn Weight | Standard Needle Size | Toy Needle Size |
| Fingering | US 2-4 / 2.75mm-3.5mm | US 1-3 / 2.25mm-3.25mm |
| DK | US 6-8 / 4.0mm-5.0mm | US 3-5 / 3.25mm-3.75mm |
| Worsted/Aran | US 8-10 / 5.0mm-6.0mm | US 5-7 / 3.75mm-4.5mm |
| Bulky | US 10-13 / 6.0mm-9.0mm | US 8-11 / 5.0mm-8.0mm |
| Super Bulky | US 13-17 / 9.0mm-12.75mm | US 10.5-13 / 6.5mm-9.0mm |
| Faux Fur | US 11-13 / 8.0mm-9.0mm | US 11-13 / 8.0mm-9.0mm |
