Frequently Asked Questions
GAUGE
Gauges are not printed on our yarn labels of the simple reason that each yarn can be knitted in many different gauges. A shawl is worked more loosely than e.g. a pillow case, and the needle size may vary from 2.5 to 4 mm.
We like to experiment with our yarns and to find new ways of mixing them, and on our website a list with gauges of the yarns and yarn combinations can be found. Please find the list here.
All Isager patterns specify the gauge for the design.
Colour bleeding or transfer
When knitting with yarn in dark colours, you may experience that the dye comes off on your fingers, but this does not necessarily mean that the colour will bleed or transfer to other fabrics. The reason for this is the combination of excess dye and your warm hands. The excess dye will be washed out in time. However, wearing dark knitwear on top of a white shirt may not be such a good idea. Tiny fibes of wool will easily stick to your shirt and make it look dirty. We suggest that you add a little vinegar to the rinsing water when you wash your knitwear for the first time.
HOW TO WASH
Wool should be washed by hand unless you have a washing machine that uses lukewarm water (below 28° Celsius) and has a very gentle wool cycle.
To avoid felting, please observe the following:
Use very little soap and use a wool mark approved detergent. Be careful to keep the same temperature during the entire washing and rinsing process (not above 28° Celsius). After washing and rinsing place the garment in a washing bag and spin it lightly in a washing machine. Then place the garment flat on towel and leave to dry.
Woolen garments do not necessarily need washing very often. Airing outside in damp weather will often be sufficient. Yarns from cotton and yarns made from mixed fibres containing flax and bamboo could be washed in warm water, but still we recommend the same washing instructions as for wool.
HOW TO STORE YARN AND KNITWEAR
Always store yarn and knitwear in a plastic bag or densely woven cotton bag.
The insecticides available can have side effects and might cause allergic reactions and are therefore not advisable to use. Furthermore, a treatment with insecticides will last for approximately 3 months and will be washed out in the first washing.
Conditioned weight
The weight of Isager Yarn is conditioned.
Conditioned weight refers to the weight of the yarn after all natural moisture has been removed through drying and then adjusted to the industry’s standard moisture‑regain level. Wool in particular absorbs a significant amount of moisture from its surroundings, which is why certified, standardised weight is important.
When the yarn is moved from our warehouse to a warmer shop environment, it is normal for the actual weight to become slightly lower than the weight printed on the label. A weight difference of up to 10% is considered acceptable. However, the metreage of the yarn always remains as stated on the label, and this is the most important factor when ensuring you have sufficient yarn for your project.