I have tried out 18 different types of yarn
Here are my 4 favourites (so far)
In the last 2 years I have knitted with 18 different types of yarn from 10 different manufacturers. The sheer choice of beautiful yarns is another reason why I love this hobby. But sometimes it is also a bit overwhelming. There are of course many obvious differences like weight, fiber and composition. But even yarns of the same type, such as merino or mohair, can be very different in look and feel.
Here are four of my favourite yarns from two years of knitting experience.
#1: Silk Mohair by Isager Yarn
Composition: 75% Mohair (Super Kid), 25% Silk | Weight: Lace | Length: 212m = 25g
I recently saw some creators on Tiktok discussing whether or not mohair is a corporate cash grab. In some cases it might be. Especially if it's not well made and itchy. But not all mohair is the same. I have used 4 different mohair yarns so far, two of which I have lost the label, Soft Silk Mohair from Knitting for Olive and the Isager Mohair yarn. Of these, Isager Mohair is my favourite. I used it to knit the Cumulus blouse from Petiteknit. I don't have the most sensitive skin and I can wear it with a tanktop underneath. I have also found that the yarn washes very well. After washing it is a bit scratchy, but after a few wears it gets soft again.
#1.5: Silk Mohair + Tvinni by Isager
Composition (Tvinni): 100% Wool | Weight: Light fingering | Length: 225m = 50g
The second time I used Isager Silk Mohair was in combination with Tvinni from Isager. Tvinni is a light fingering yarn from 100% wool. I knitted the October sweater from Petiteknit and the two yarns make a very airy and soft fabric. Even though Tvinni is a wool yarn, the combination with the mohair makes it very wearable. My favourite way to wear the jumper is with a light top and it doesn't itch. In comparison, I knitted the Eira jumper with Soft Silk Mohair and Merino from Knitting for Olive. I find that the fabric created by these two yarns is more itchy and I prefer to wear a t-shirt underneath.
#2: Brushed Alpaka by Drops
Composition: 77% Alpaca, 23% Silk | Weight:Aran | Length: 140m = 25g
But if mohair isn't for you, you've probably heard of replacing it with a brushed Alpaka yarn. And with good reason. I first knitted the Clematis jumper with Drops Brushed Alpaka and Baby Merino. Last winter I knitted balaclavas using Brushed Alpaca in combination with other Merino yarns. The fabric that the alpaca created together with the merino is buttery soft and cosy. I'm not a fan of the Drops Merino I used in the combination, but it's on my list to knit with Brushed Alpaca again. I am currently eyeing Paula Strickt's Berlin Scarf. But that will have to wait until autumn. The only drawback I have to mention is that it pills quite a bit compared to mohair. I am okay with removing the pills, if If I get this super soft fabric out of it.
#3: Yak by Lang Yarns
Composition: 70% Merino Superfine, 30% Yak | Weight: Worsted | Length: 120m = 50g
And here I have another soft yarn. I found this yarn when I saw the beautiful sweater No. 30 by My Favourite Things Knitwear on Instagram. When I discovered it in the shop I was surprised how soft it was. Maybe I haven't found the right merino wool yet, but I think it’s not the most comfortable yarn. Unless you have a superwash merino. But the 30% of yak wool makes this yarn almost as soft as cashmere. It is not cheap; 50 grams costs 15€, but in comparison the Large Cashmere from Cardiff Cashmere costs twice as much. I used this yarn to knit the Sophie scarf from Petiteknit when I was in that weird phase between projects. To be honest, I haven't blocked the scarf yet, so I can't say how much it will block. But the Sophie scarf is very soft and warm against my skin. I also loved knitting with this yarn. It is recommended to use 5mm needles, so it knits up quite quickly. The yarn does not split and holds its shape well even after unravelling a few times. I know because I had to start Sophie's scarf twice.
#4: Heavy Merino by Knitting for Olive
Composition: 100% merino wool | Weight: Aran | Length: 125m = 50g
This is the first yarn that's a bit rougher in look and feel, but I love the character it adds to my knits. I knitted Vest No. 1 from My Favourite Things Knitwear with this yarn after debating for a long time whether to use this or the recommended Gepard yarn. Now I am so glad I chose the Heavy Merino. Not only was it much cheaper, but I love the clear stitch definition and the fabric. Especially the twisted ribbing looks great with this yarn when you go down a needle size. I knitted with Knitting for Olive Merino before, which gives a drapey, light fabric. But I prefer the Heavy Merino and the denser, more textured fabric it creates. I find that this yarn holds its shape very well, it doesn't stretch much with blocking and everyday wear. Overall, I loved the process of knitting with this yarn. The yarn does not split easily and the rough texture makes it easy to work with. It is not slippery on the needles like some superwash merino yarns. So far I haven't noticed much pilling, but I'm looking forward to seeing how this yarn wears out.
What are your favourite yarns?
See you next week and until then: happy knitting!
xx Sophie