How Nysta finds yarn substitutions

Yarn substitution is difficult because two yarns are rarely alike on more than a few parameters at once. A yarn may match on weight but not on fibre. Even with exactly the right fibre, it may be spun differently or be superwash-treated, which affects how it behaves in wear and wash.

To give you a useful answer, we have to weigh multiple parameters against each other simultaneously and find the yarn alternatives that work best as a whole. That is what Nysta’s yarn substitution algorithm does.

Here is an explanation of the ratings and two concrete examples.

What the algorithm is built on

Nysta’s suggestions are based on knowledge of yarn properties and how they affect the finished knitting. This is craft knowledge that has existed in knitting for decades. We’ve put it together in a form you can use directly when you’re standing with two yarns and need to know whether one can replace the other.

When you search, you get an overall assessment of the match and an explanation of the differences you should be aware of.

The traffic light method

Each match is assigned a score from 0 to 100 along with a clear traffic light rating:

• Green: Very close match. The yarn resembles the original on the most important parameters, but you should still knit a gauge swatch.
• Yellow: There are minor differences in structure or fibre, but nothing disqualifying. You should read the specific warnings.
• Red: There are critical differences between the two yarns. It may still be possible in some cases, but you will end up with a visually or functionally different result than the pattern intends.

The traffic light is not driven solely by the overall score. A yarn alternative can technically have a high score of 85%, but still show red if it fails on a decisive parameter, for example if the fibre is unsuitable for the pattern’s prominent cable work.

Sandnes Sunday: What yarn can replace it?

Sandnes Sunday is one of the most popular yarns in Scandinavia. It is 100% merino wool in fingering weight and a classic choice for baby knits, light pullovers, cardigans and projects with silk mohair as a carry-along strand.

Below you can see the ten closest matches divided by region (Nordic, European or other). You can switch between the tabs to see the different categories:

At the top of the Nordic list you will find strong alternatives from other Nordic producers with nearly identical specifications. If you switch to the European or other brands tab, you will discover international suggestions. This makes it easy to find a good Sandnes Sunday alternative if your local yarn shop has sold out.

Knitting for Olive Heavy Merino: What alternatives are there?

Heavy Merino is Knitting for Olive’s worsted-weight yarn in 100% merino. It is widely used for chunky cable patterns and adult sweaters. It is also used for warm, soft winter accessories.

Worsted-spun merino is a large international category with many well-established producers, so there are plenty of close matches across regions when looking for a Knitting for Olive alternative.

Why is good yarn substitution so hard?

Ball bands are often incomplete. A ball band usually lists gauge, yardage, needle size and fibre content. What it rarely states is spinning method and construction. Fibre fineness is not always specified either. You can rarely see whether the yarn is an airy woolen-spun or a compact worsted-spun yarn unless you have significant hands-on experience. The information is scattered. Yardage, gauge, fibre content and construction are recorded in different places, and you have to hold them up against each other yourself for every yarn you consider.

A number on its own does not tell you why. Two yarns can sit close together on gauge and still give a different fabric, and the difference is hard to read without knowing which properties pull in which direction.

Nysta brings it together in one app. You choose the yarn you want to replace and get the closest matches with a percentage and a green, yellow or red rating. Tap a suggestion to compare the two yarns side by side and see their similarities and differences.

Download Nysta on the App Store and try it free for 7 days.

---

Frequently asked questions

How does Nysta score a yarn match? Nysta evaluates multiple properties of the yarn simultaneously and weighs them into an overall score from 0 to 100. The higher the score, the closer the substitution is to the original.

What do red, yellow and green mean in Nysta’s rating? Green is a very close match. Yellow means minor differences worth knowing about. Red marks significant differences where the result is unlikely to match the original.

Can Nysta find substitutions for discontinued yarn? Yes. Nysta compares the discontinued yarn against known qualities and ranks them by how closely they match.

What does Nysta do when it suggests a substitute? Nysta evaluates several properties at once. The suggestions are tied to the yarn in your own stash, and you get an explanation of the similarities and differences behind the assessment.

---

Add your yarn, and we’ll find patterns you can knit. You can also get suggestions for alternatives or compare two yarns directly.

Nysta is available for iPhone and Android. You can try it free for 7 days. After that, you can choose a monthly or yearly subscription, and you can cancel anytime.