substitute for DK smoothie?

[greenmags]

Can anyone recommend a more natural fibre to substitute for Patons Smoothie DK? Thought I'd finally have a go at knitting and bought a nice pattern, without checking the yarn! 100% acrylic makes me too hot !

It says 19sts and 25 rows to 10cm on 4.5mm needles - funny numbers!

You could do a tension swatch but I am guessing that an ordinary DK would do. DK is 22 stitches to 30 rows but on a 4mm needles. You may find that if you use a 4.5mm needle you get the same number of stitches as the Smoothie which would be very helpful as you could use anything you like.

Failing that and nobody else having a clue (I'm sure somebody else will be along soon) have a look on Ravelry.com and see if that produces any ideas.

Thanks Bertha I'll try a swatch. Only problem with that is Ill have to buy the yarn to try it, so if anyone has specific ideas before I splash out, I'll be grateful!

Are you looking for wool or cotton or say bamboo? For the lightness how about a merino like King Cole anti-tickle Merino or one of the Sublime Cashmere/merino/silk DK's? they won't be as cheap though, natural fibres are expensive these days.

Bamboo and cotton are heavier than acrylic so they might make the pattern hang and drape differently is the only thing.

Thanks. Now I remember why I never get started...is anything ever straightforward. Guess I'll just dive in and see...