Some notes on “DRAPE.”
I have been thinking about drape lately because drape can really make a big difference in the outcome of hand knit garments. The word drape describes how your fabric moves and hangs. Several of my designs depend on the yarn having a degree of drape for them to be optimally successful. Drape is particularly important to think about if you are going to use a substitute yarn. Gauge is not the only factor that you want to consider; drape is also critical. While some fibers lend themselves to a more relaxed outcome, others lend themselves to a firmer outcome. Linen, cotton, alpaca, rayon, and silk tend to add drape to a fabric. Worsted wool tends to give a firmer, denser-bodied outcome. Of course, gauge is still critical.
Sometimes when substituting yarns you can use a yarn that is slightly lighter in weight to add drape to your garment.
Be careful to create a fabric that balances holding its shape and its degree of drape. If you are concerned about a yarn’s suitability, make a larger swatch, wash it, move it around, and feel it.
Some of my designs including, Oxford Street, Merriman Street, Alexander Street and Castlebar Road patterns all depend on having some drape in the fabric. On the other hand, the Westminster Street hat is more successful with a firmer gauge and yarn. Given my design style, I love to work with SHIBUI yarns because they allow for so much flexibility in fiber and gauge.
Ultimately, it is back to the prime rule for knitters: swatch, swatch, swatch.
I have been thinking about drape lately because drape can really make a big difference in the outcome of hand knit garments. The word drape describes how your fabric moves and hangs. Several of my designs depend on the yarn having a degree of drape for them to be optimally successful. Drape is particularly important to think about if you are going to use a substitute yarn. Gauge is not the only factor that you want to consider; drape is also critical. While some fibers lend themselves to a more relaxed outcome, others lend themselves to a firmer outcome. Linen, cotton, alpaca, rayon, and silk tend to add drape to a fabric. Worsted wool tends to give a firmer, denser-bodied outcome. Of course, gauge is still critical.
Sometimes when substituting yarns you can use a yarn that is slightly lighter in weight to add drape to your garment.
Be careful to create a fabric that balances holding its shape and its degree of drape. If you are concerned about a yarn’s suitability, make a larger swatch, wash it, move it around, and feel it.
Some of my designs including, Oxford Street, Merriman Street, Alexander Street and Castlebar Road patterns all depend on having some drape in the fabric. On the other hand, the Westminster Street hat is more successful with a firmer gauge and yarn. Given my design style, I love to work with SHIBUI yarns because they allow for so much flexibility in fiber and gauge.
Ultimately, it is back to the prime rule for knitters: swatch, swatch, swatch.
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