Yarn Substitutions
When you are a crocheter or knitter, it can be frustrating when you can’t work with the yarn a pattern calls for. This could be due to lack of availability or even a wool/fiber allergy. But don’t let that deter you! There are often similar yarn substitutions out there that work and are equally beautiful, and today I will be sharing some of my favorite yarn substitutions for Lion Brand Scarfie yarn.
Why Yarn Substitutes for Scarfie?
You may be wondering why I’m sharing an entire post dedicated to yarn substitutions for Lion Brand Scarfie yarn. Each year I host a Seven Days of Scarfie free crochet pattern event where we crochet seven different one skein projects. Every year I get so many questions about what yarn can be used instead of Scarfie. Scarfie has some wool in it, and I know that not everyone can work with wool. So this year I went on the hunt and gathered a list of substitutes that I think will work fabulous for the Seven Days of Scarfie patterns.
Whether you don’t want to work with wool or you just want a few more color options to work with; I think you are going to love some of the options below for substitution. I worked up a few swatches so that you can visually compare the yarns and how they look crocheted. I will also let you know the pros and cons of each yarn in using it as a substitute. Please note that these are only my opinions, and I hope that you find this information helpful.
Click here for more information about the Seven Days of Scarfie pattern collections
Lion Brand Scarfie
Here is the baseline that we are comparing to.
Lion Brand Scarfie is a light and lofty yarn with long and gradual color changes. It has great nice stitch definition and is very versatile. In my designs I use it as both a worsted and a bulky weight yarn by changing my hook size and tension (it is technically a Category 5 Bulky). It has several color options, and new color options have been added the past couple of years to keep the yarn on trend.
Lion Brand Shimmerie
Pros
- very similar look and feel to Lion Brand Scarfie
- also a Category 5 Bulky
- gradual color changes
- the shimmer running throughout the yarn is very subtle and pretty
Cons
- this yarn only comes with the shimmer - no option for those who don’t want some sparkle
- only a few color options are available
- this yarn is not widely available yet
- the color changes are gradual, but the color segments are shorter than in Scarfie yarn (not necessarily a con, just a difference)
Scarfie Yarn Substitution Recommendation
This yarn is first on my list because I think Lion Brand Shimmerie is the most similar to Lion Brand Scarfie out of the yarns that I tried. I think it could be substituted in pretty much any of my Scarfie designs. As with any yarn substitution, I recommend making a gauge swatch to check before you start a project.
Lion Brand Ferris Wheel
Pros
- very similar look and feel to Lion Brand Scarfie
- several color options - including some more colorful options
- gradual color changes
- easily available in several stores and online
Cons
- This yarn is a Category 3 - quite a bit lighter in weight than Scarfie
- the color changes are gradual, but the color segments are shorter than in Scarfie yarn (not necessarily a con, just a difference)
- not many neutral colorways available
Scarfie Yarn Substitution Recommendation
Lion Brand Ferris Wheel is also super similar in appearance to Lion Brand Scarfie but the weight of the yarn is a bit limiting. Scarves/cowls can still be made with this yarn but they won’t have the same full appearance as a project made with Scarfie. I think this yarn would be a good substitute for mittens and slipper sock designs.
Lion Brand Landscapes
Pros
- several color options - including neutral and colorful options
- also a Category 5 Bulky
- gradual color changes
- a beautiful, shiny single ply yarn
- widely available in most yarn stores
Cons
- the color changes are not as gradual and do not create the same type of ombre look
- though this yarn is also a Category 5, I felt like it was less versatile for some of the patterns that require smaller hooks
Scarfie Yarn Substitution Recommendation
Lion Brand Landscapes is a beautiful yarn that would work best for the scarf or cowl designs from my Seven Days of Scarfie patterns. I don’t think it would be a very good substitute for the more fitted designs like slippers or mittens. While this yarn is beautiful, it does look quite a bit different than Lion Brand Scarfie when worked up.
Red Heart Colorscape
Pros
- several color options - including some more colorful options
- gradual color changes
- similar look and feel to Lion Brand Scarfie
- the label states this yarn is a Category 4, but I personally think it’s basically the same weight as Lion Brand Scarfie yarn which is a Category 5.
Cons
- not many neutral color options available.
- it is available online, but I didn’t see it at any of my local yarn stores
- it’s not quite as soft or flow-y when it’s worked up
Scarfie Yarn Substitution Recommendation
Red Heart Colorscape will probably work for any of the designs from my Seven Days of Scarfie collections. If anything, I personally think it was on the bulkier end compared to Scarfie, so be sure to check your gauge especially if you want to use it for mittens or slippers.
Red Heart Gemstone
Pros
- several color options - including neutral and colorful options
- also a Category 5 Bulky
- gradual color changes
Cons
- the color changes are not as gradual and do not create the same type of ombre look
- I haven’t seen this yarn available at any of my local yarn stores - only online
- it’s not quite as soft or flow-y when it’s worked up
Scarfie Yarn Substitution Recommendation
Red Heart Gemstone is a category 5, and I would suggest using this yarn as a substitute for scarves/cowls and possibly hats.
I LOVE seeing your projects! Come share pictures of your work in my Left in Knots Crochet Community 🙂 If you are looking for more free patterns from me, you can follow me on Pinterest!
This post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional charge to you.