Purchasing Yarn
Contact Us for more details, yarninfo@briggsandlittle.com or 1-800-561-YARN (9276).
To ensure colour consistency, all yarn for a project should be purchased at once to obtain the same dye lot number (printed on the label).
TIP: Although yarn amounts stated in the pattern allow some variance, if knitting sleeves or body of a garment longer than average, extra yarn may be needed.
Washing & Care
We recommend Eucalan delicate wash for cleaning your woolens. This product gently cleans your garment, while maintaining the lanolin content and also contains a natural moth inhibitor.
We stock five natural scents: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Grapefruit, Jasmine and Natural unscented. These are available in 100ml or 500ml bottles.
If not using Eucalan, hand wash with mild soap, in warm water. Squeeze excess water from the garment (do not wring) and lay flat to dry.
Working with Skeins of Yarn
The advantage of skeined yarn is that the natural elasticity of pure wool is retained when prepared in loose skeins rather than tightly wound balls. Skeins of yarn are tied together at intervals to prevent tangling. Do not untie the skeins until you are ready to wind the yarn into balls. To wind each skein into a ball, first rest the skeins over your knee (while seated); hang the skein over someone elses outstretched hands; or on the back of a chair so the skein forms a circle, cut or untie the knot. Pick up one end of the yarn on the skein and wrap it loosely, about 25 times, around the four fingers of your hand. Note the original end of yarn which must never be lost. Continue winding the yarn around the yarn in your hand and around your fingers about 25 times. Holding the yarn together, remove your fingers from the yarn ball. Repeat the process until the ball of yarn is complete.
TIP: Specially designed yarn winders for avid knitters are available from yarn retailers.
Gauge
Gauge is the term used to describe the number of stiches within a specific width and length of knitted fabric, as determined by the designer for a particular pattern. The stitches per inch for the same yarn may vary from design to design, depending on whether the fabric is to be plain or textured.
For best results, before starting to knit, make a 4″ x 4″ (10cm x 10cm) swatch, using the suggested yarn and needles. If the swatch is too wide, try smaller needles; if too narrow, try larger needles.
TIP: For best results, wash or gently steam the swatch before measuring.
Knitting the Correct Size
The measurements given for the garment patterns are average. For best results, measure the person for whom you are knitting. Note the person’s chest size at the fullest point and knit the garment with the desired finished chest measurement, allowing for freedom of movement. Measure the arm length from the wrist to about 1″ (2.5 cm) from the armpit, and the desired body length from the hips to the about 1″ (2.5 cm) from the armpits.
TIP: Before starting to knit, circle or underline all of the numbers relating to the size you desire.
Storage & Moth Prevention
Your pure wool Briggs and Little garment, when not being worn, should be folded and stored in an air tight container, never on a hanger.
The truth is, moths can be found anywhere. Take proper steps to protect your wool items, consider the following suggestions:
-Keep yarn and finished wool knits stored in air tight container
-Keeping your knits clean and dry, move them around and inspect them regularly
-Clean areas where you store your knits regularly, to avoid creating environments that might attract moths.
-There are several natural scents that help to repel moths. Lavender and eucalyptus are two popular ones.
