How much yarn do you need?

Isn't that a loaded question? When Hubby asked my answer was always the same, "Lots". He has given up asking.

Today we are asking the question with regarding to the amount of yarn needed for casting on a certain number of stitches.

My Grandma taught me a fast and easy method.
For our example, let's say we want to cast on 30 stitches.
Step 1: You cast on ten stitches. Leave a long tail.
Step 2: Take the stitches off of your needle. Use the "casted" on yarn (the yarn which was once on your needle) as a guide. Measure out its length three times.
You now have sufficient yarn for 30 stitches.
Notice, however, that the tail has grown. So the method is not perfect but it works.

Lily Chin recommends that you use this rule of thumb: "use at least three times the width of your [finished] piece" http://www.diynet.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_4246179,00.html

The problem with this method is that you need to know how wide your finished project will be. If you are simply fouling around and don't have a finished project in mind, like we are doing, this method is hard to follow.

Tomorrow: making a slip loop, holding the needles, and holding the yarn. Or how to make a proper cup of tea.