Questions about yarn substitution

[Kama82]

I want to knit my daughter a pig for christmas. I found a cute pattern that seems to be within my capabilities in a book I got from the library (Knitted and Felted Toys by Zoe Halstead). The problem is the reccomended yarn is way out of my price range. I am not comfortable with adjusting the pattern I don't want to have gauge or issues with the yarn not being quite "right" for the project. Here is what I found, would this work?

The recommended yarn is Rowan Calmer (Aran weight), it is 75% cotton 25% microfiber and $11.50 per 50g . Here is a link to it:
http://www.theknittinggarden.com/ro-calmer.htm

Knitpicks has a yarn that I thought might be a suitable replacement, it is worsted weight 75% cotton 25% acrylic. It is $2.79 for 50g. Here is a link to it:
http://www.knitpicks.com/Comfy+Yarn_YD5420171.html

Thanks in advance!

[iowaorganic]

should work- probably very close to the same guage! Have fun with the pig!

[Sagesgirl]

It's a pig. No one's wearing it, I assume. Therefore: make it with whatever yarn and needles you desire, and realize it may come out a different size.

[MeepyCat]

What Sagesgirl said. There is no need to be perfectly precise with the gauge for a pig.

About yarn substitutions in general: Knitting designers seem to be seriously bankrolled by the companies that produce spendy yarn. There is just no way to afford that stuff in serious quantities. Maybe now and then for something really special. But in general, no. So if you are going to knit, it helps immensely to get good and comfortable with yarn substitutions. This is practically why KnitPicks was *invented*.

[Sagesgirl]

Originally Posted by MeepyCat

What Sagesgirl said. There is no need to be perfectly precise with the gauge for a pig.

About yarn substitutions in general: Knitting designers seem to be seriously bankrolled by the companies that produce spendy yarn. There is just no way to afford that stuff in serious quantities. Maybe now and then for something really special. But in general, no. So if you are going to knit, it helps immensely to get good and comfortable with yarn substitutions. This is practically why KnitPicks was *invented*.

Good point on the pricey yarn. It's a big issue for me with books. Lovely patterns, lots of uber-expensive, hard-to-find yarn. I can't make it if I can't buy the yarn at Wal-Mart (or Michael's on a good day). That's why I've been very happy to find a couple of books--crochet books--that use cheap yarn for at least some of their patterns. I've got a wrap skirt pattern that actually calls for Red Heart Super Saver.

[Kama82]

Thanks ladies! My concern was that the yarn might make it too stretchy and create gaps that are too large and stuffing might poke out (this is one of the problems with the kitty I made ).

[Sagesgirl]

I wouldn't think so, offhand. It's a mainly cotton yarn, and cotton isn't inherently stretchy. If you're concerned, knit a gauge swatch and pull the daylights out of it, then go down a needle size if you feel it necessary. It might make the pig a bit smaller, but that probably won't make a huge difference.

I'm not overly familiar with knitted toys, but I know when I crochet a toy I need to use a hook smaller than is typical for the yarn. (Whereas I normally use a 5mm hook for worsted weight, with amigurumi/toys/sculpture crochet I generally use a 4mm hook.)