Gradient vs Variegated yarn, What’s the difference?

While solid color yarns are the staple of most crafters stash, variegated and gradient yarns add the ability to make ordinary crochet or knitting more dynamic. In this blog post we discuss what makes them different and what they can be used for.

So, what is a variegated yarn?

Variegated yarn(sometimes called multi-color) is yarn dyed with more than one color. It can produce effects that vary depending on the technique of the crafter, the pattern used, and the frequency of color change. These effects include “flashing” (lightning-bolt effects) and “pooling” (patchy or marbleized effects). Some yarns (known as “self-striping yarns”) are designed to produce stripes when used to knit small items such as socks or mittens.

The change in color in a variegated yarn is consistent through the ball or skein. Using Lizbeth Crochet Thread as an example, you can see how the colors uniformly vary from one shade to the next. This allows for predictable patterns in your projects.

OK, so what is a gradient yarn?

Gradient yarn is yarn that gradually changes color, usually from a lighter color in the center to darker on the ends. Typically made from wool or cotton, gradient yarns can be single or multi strand and come in typical yarn sizes.

Today’s trends in gradients be subtle such as the yarns show below or can have dramatic shifts in colors. Look at these examples below. You can see going from a light almost white center to a vibrant colors toward the ends.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the differences between variegated and gradient yarns, lets look at some projects to see how they appear.

Variegated Projects

As you can see in the variegated projects the pattern of the treads repeat. They are more or less uniform in nature and thus predictable.

So depending on the nature of your project this may be desired. However, if you are working on a larger project such as a shawl, scarf, or table runner, then a gradient yarn can you give you a unique effect.

Gradient Projects

Here are some examples of projects made with gradient yarn. As you can see there is a gradual transition from one shade to the next. There are no repeating patterns.

This makes gradient yarn better suited to large projects, where the transition from one shade to next can be seen. On smaller projects, like a flower or butterfly you may not get the desired gradient effects.

So what does Ombre mean and how is it associated with gradient yarn? 

Ombre is a French term meaning shaded, and usually refers to a gradual color change from light to dark or from one color to another. Alize uses Ombre to distinguish its gradient line of yarns from its other projects. So any Alize yarn with Ombre in the name is a gradient yarn.

Available Now

For years Lyn’s Crafts has sold yarn and threads in solid and variegated colors. We have finally added a line of gradient yarns to our collection.

The first line of gradients we have added are the Alize Angora Gold Batik Ombre line.  These are size 2,  wool blends (80% acrylic, 20% wool) that weigh 150 grams and are 825 meters (902 yards) long. They are similar in length and composition to the Alize Angora Gold yarns we normally carry

We have a limited supply so show now before they are gone.

We are striving to provide unique yarns that you can’t find in your local Walmart, Target or Joann’s. You will be able to order these yarns from our store and know that are shipped to you from the USA – no drop shipping.

So if you like gradients yarns check back on our site or our social media to know when they are in stock.

As always, thanks for stopping by our blob.  Enjoy your knitting or crochet!

Lyn