An Overview of Ruffle Yarns

Not all ruffle yarns are alike.

Premier Yarns Starbella Flash

Red Heart Sashay

At Michaels, I find Scarf Ladies who will only work with Sashay, because it has more interior structure than Starbella. Others will only work with Starbella because its edges are more tightly worked, and it's easier to see the edge of the yarn they're working. Others choose their yarn by the color or colorway, or the embellishment on its edges.

I'm not going to post an exhaustive catalog of different ruffle yarns here: I've already posted them to a Pinterest board. I am going to post a couple of samples so you can see the general types.

Bernat Twist & Twirl

Trendsetter Yarns Flamenco

Yarns such as Sashay and Starbella have two distinct edges: one as thin as the interior mesh, and one which is thicker and may sport metallic thread, chenille or "fur" treatment, or even pompoms.

Yarns such as Twist & Twirl and Flamenco have a mesh structure, but no distinction between "left" or "right" ("up" or "down") edges.

Loops & Threads Flaunt

In addition to edge treatment, these yarns differ by their overall width and by the density of the interior mesh.

A third type of ruffle yarn, sometimes referred to as "ribbon yarn" or "ladder yarn", has a satiny main area similar to a dressmaker's "bound fringe", and a semi-detached yarn similar in width and spacing to that of mesh ruffle yarns. These yarns are good starter yarns for learning how to apply existing knit and crochet techniques to ruffle yarn. Their relative stiff and short "ruffle" area is great for demonstrating the effects of these basic stitches and techniques in a ruffle environment; you will see me referring again and again to ladder yarn samples as I show you these basic techniques. My primary yarn in this category is Loops & Threads Flaunt (Loops & Threads is one of Michaels' store brands); similar yarns include Red Heart Boutique Ribbons, Plymouth Yarns Joy Rainbow and Passion Ice

A fourth type of ruffle yarn is based on a strip of fabric or lace edging, with evenly spaced holes near the edge opposite the fancy edge.

As I describe a technique, I may mention the type of yarn and size of mesh I think would make the effect stand out. This doesn't mean you shouldn't try it on a different ruffle yarn, or a different material altogether! The main purpose of this workbook is to give you design ideas — which means taking my notes and running with them in your own, unique direction. That said, most of the time I will be working with the first and third types of ruffle yarn, as these are the most readily-available from major craft stores and online bulk yarn suppliers.