Want to save time looking through yarn substitution charts? Use the free interactive tool below to find the nearest colour match across three popular DK ranges: Yarnsmiths Create DK, Stylecraft Special DK, and Cascade 220 Superwash. Type any shade name or number and results appear instantly, showing all three ranges side by side so you can see exactly where your colour lands before you commit to a substitution.

There are plenty of reasons you might need to swap one yarn for another.

You have fallen in love with a pattern written for Stylecraft Special DK, but your stash is full of Yarnsmiths Create DK and you would rather use what you have. Or the pattern calls for a specific Yarnsmiths shade and you cannot get hold of it, but you have a cone of Stylecraft sitting right there. The good news is that Stylecraft Special DK and Yarnsmiths Create DK are very similar in weight, construction, and colour range, which means you can mix and match shades from both ranges within the same project with confidence. The tool below will show you exactly where the colours line up.

If you are knitting or crocheting in the US, you may find that a pattern lists Yarnsmiths or Stylecraft shades that are simply not easy to get hold of. The tool covers Cascade 220 Superwash alongside both UK ranges, so you can find the nearest Cascade equivalent for any shade in either range and get on with your project without waiting for an international delivery.

It is also a useful tool if you are trying to make the most of a yarn deal, clear some stash, or avoid buying new yarn when you already have something close enough. Search the shade you need, see what matches, and decide with confidence rather than guesswork.

Type a shade name or number below to get started

Further down the page you will also find a printable PDF guide if you prefer something you can take to the yarn shop with you.

If you would like more guidance on substituting yarn in a knitting or crochet pattern, including what else to check beyond the colour, you can read the full guide here: How to use a yarn substitution chart for UK knitting

How to use the yarn shade comparison tool

Type a shade name or number into the search bar at the top of the tool. Results appear automatically after two characters, so you do not need to type the full name.

Each result card shows the matching shade across all three ranges, with a colour swatch, brand name, shade name, and shade number. If you already know which range you want to search from, use the dropdown filter to narrow results to Yarnsmiths, Stylecraft, or Cascade. The result cards will still show the nearest equivalent in all three ranges alongside it.

Below the search results you will find a Browse section, hidden by default. Click Show to open a scrollable table of all shades grouped by colour family. Use the colour group pills to filter the table if you want to explore a particular family.

Take the yarn substitution chart with you

The free tool above is ideal when you are at your computer or have your phone to hand. If you would rather have something you can print out, annotate, and take to the yarn shop, the Yarn Colour Match Guide is available as a downloadable PDF.

The guide covers every shade in the Stylecraft Special DK range matched to its nearest Yarnsmiths Create DK equivalent, organised by colour family so you can find what you need at a glance. Whites, creams and neutrals through to greens, blues, and greys, all laid out with colour swatches, shade names, and shade numbers for both ranges side by side.

It is particularly useful if you are working from a printed pattern, sitting in a yarn shop without reliable signal, or simply prefer to have a physical reference on the table rather than a screen propped up next to your knitting.

What to consider when substituting yarn

Colour is usually the starting point, but it is worth checking a few other things before you commit to a substitution.

Weight

Stylecraft Special DK, Yarnsmiths Create DK, and Cascade 220 Superwash are all DK weight yarns, so if you are swapping within these three ranges you are already on solid ground. If you are substituting a yarn from outside these ranges, check the weight carefully. The Craft Yarn Council publishes a standard yarn weight guide if you need a reference point.

Fibre

All three ranges are acrylic or acrylic blend yarns, which means they behave in a similar way and are machine washable, an important consideration for baby and children’s knitting. If you are substituting with a yarn from a different fibre category, bear in mind that natural fibres such as wool or cotton will behave differently, particularly when it comes to drape, stretch, and care instructions.

Tension

Even yarns of the same weight can knit up slightly differently depending on the fibre, the twist, and the needle size. Always knit a tension square before starting your project, particularly if you are substituting across brands. A small difference in tension across the whole project can affect the finished size significantly.

Always knit a tension square before starting your project, particularly if you are substituting across brands. If you need a refresher on any pattern abbreviations while you are working, the Knitting Abbreviations Guide has everything you need.

Frequently asked questions

Are these colour matches exact?

No, and it is worth being clear about that. The matches in this tool are the closest available equivalent, not a perfect replica. Yarn dye lots vary between brands and even between batches of the same shade, so two yarns listed as a match will be very close in colour family and tone but may not be identical when held side by side. If you are mixing shades from different brands within the same project, knit a small test swatch first to see how they sit together in natural light.

Can I substitute any DK yarn for any other DK yarn?

In most cases, yes, as long as the weight, tension, and fibre content are compatible. Stylecraft Special DK, Yarnsmiths Create DK, and Cascade 220 Superwash are all DK weight and acrylic or acrylic blend, which makes them straightforward to swap between. If you are substituting with a yarn outside these ranges, check the tension and fibre carefully before you begin.

Does this tool work for crochet as well as knitting?

Yes. The tool simply matches colours across the three ranges. Whether you are knitting or crocheting, the colour information is the same. The same considerations around tension and fibre apply if you are substituting yarn for a crochet project.

What if my yarn is not listed?

The tool covers Stylecraft Special DK, Yarnsmiths Create DK, and Cascade 220 Superwash. If your yarn is a different range or brand, the tool will not include it. In that case, the colour family groupings in the Browse section may still be useful as a general reference for finding a shade in a similar tone.

Where can I buy Yarnsmiths Create DK?

Yarnsmiths Create DK is available from Wool Warehouse here: https://tidd.ly/48qzBVe

Where can I buy Stylecraft Special DK?

Stylecraft Special DK is one of the most widely available DK yarns in the UK and can be found at most major yarn retailers and craft shops. You can also pick it up from Wool Warehouse here: https://tidd.ly/4d4yCgj

Where can I buy Cascade 220 Superwash?

Cascade 220 Superwash is available from Wool Warehouse here: https://tidd.ly/3Rto5Dh

A good yarn substitution comes down to three things: the right weight, a compatible fibre, and a colour you are happy with. The tool above handles the colour part. The rest is a tension square and a bit of confidence.

If you would like a version you can print and take with you, the Yarn Colour Match Guide PDF covers every Stylecraft Special DK shade matched to its nearest Yarnsmiths Create DK equivalent, organised by colour family with swatches, shade names, and shade numbers throughout. You can find it in my Etsy shop below

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