# [Add a second strand only in selected sections](https://threadcabin.com/explore/351/add-a-second-strand-only-in-selected-sections)

> Separate whole-project base yarn from the sections that consume an additional strand.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/351/add-a-second-strand-only-in-selected-sections
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:35.0355697+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:40.8481373+00:00
- Primary image: [Illustration: A knitted panel worked mainly with one cream yarn strand, with a denser muted-teal accent section where a second strand is held together with the first.](https://threadcabin.com/images/explore/focused/partial-double-strand.jpg)

Separate whole-project base yarn from the sections that consume an additional strand.

## Before you start

Gather the measurements, counts or timing sample needed below. Record their units and whether they describe a sample, the whole project or one purchased package. Use a finished sample when dimensions or material use depend on fabric structure.

## How to do it

1. **Make a representative finished swatch** — Use the project’s stitch pattern, working direction and finishing treatment. A smooth flat sample does not represent a textured circular garment.
2. **Budget two different yarns held together** — For 400 m of working length with one strand of each yarn and 10% reserve, yarn A and yarn B each need 440 m. Their lengths cannot be pooled.
3. **Combine component quantities without mixing colors** — Two parts using 120 m and 80 m of color A total 200 m before reserve. Color B uses 60 m separately. At 100 m per ball and 10% reserve, buy three A balls and one B ball.

## Try this example

A base plan needs 600 m, but a sampled textured section uses 180 m while held with a companion. Budget 600 m base plus 180 m companion before reserves, not 600 m of each.

## Check your result

- Recheck the inputs against the actual sample or label, keep units consistent and round only the final count or purchase. Repeat a sample if a small measuring difference changes the decision.
- These arithmetic examples assume the measured structure stays comparable. Shaping, borders, dense textures and color changes require their own allowances or samples.

## Sources

- [www.purlsoho.com: all about gauge](https://www.purlsoho.com/create/all-about-gauge/)
- [www.craftyarncouncil.com: yarn weight system](https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/yarn-weight-system)

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[Report a correction](/corrections).

## Sources and provenance

- [Make a representative finished swatch](https://threadcabin.com/explore/107/make-a-representative-finished-swatch)
- [Budget two different yarns held together](https://threadcabin.com/explore/65/budget-two-different-yarns-held-together)
- [Combine component quantities without mixing colors](https://threadcabin.com/explore/66/combine-component-quantities-without-mixing-colors)