Astra Yarn comparible

15 years ago

Hey there - My mom was an avid knitter but is currently in respite after knee surgery (80 Years Old). I suggested that she knit to pass the time. The pattern she wanted to do was one she made for me over 20 years ago and I still wear, it looks great and every year I get compliments on it.

Problem! The sweater was made with Patons Astra Double Knit. I went into Michaels and she suggested I used Vanna's Choice. I dropped the yarn off to my mom but this morning googled an found that the gauge on the two is totally different.

Astra's was Approx. 121 m per 1 3/4 oz. 50 gm ball. Suggested gauge: 22 sts. and 28 rows to 10 cm on 4.0 mm needles. Does anyone know of an appropriate substitute? Thanks - I've only dabbled in knitting - Mom was so good that she could have the whole sweater done in the time it took me to do the ribbing :)

Comment (1)

Janey - formerly jane2
15 years ago
You really lucked out on the advice you received at Michaels!
Vanna's Choice yarn is listed (online)as worsted weight, and has a gauge of 16 sts per 10 cm/4inches.
As you have pointed out, Astra is DK (double knit) with a gauge of 22 sts.

In order to get a sweater that is as long-lasting and as good-looking as your 20 year old sweater you should have the same yarn. Just because your Michaels doesn't seem to sell it, that doesn't mean Astra is not available.

I just bought 10 balls of Patons Astra yarn last weekend - from my LYS (not a chain). I can't put my hands on it right now to see if it is DK for sure, but I am certain that it is. Can't you get it where you are? Are there any other yarn stores?

A substitute for Astra would be a DK weight of yarn - Bernat Satin Sport for example. It has the same row and stitch gauge as Astra. (But I would stick with Astra.)

Good luck to you. And best wishes for your mother's recovery.
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