We test the latest yarns
Cast on a special summer knit with our pick of the best yarns, including Bluefaced Leicester, silk, cashmere and cotton blends
EINRÚM E+2
Shade pictured Skóles t (1002) Skein weight/length 50g/208m Needle size 3-4mm (UK 11-8/US 2/3-6) Tension 19 sts and 24 rows to 10cm Fibre content 80% Icelandic wool, 20% mulberry Thai silk Care Hand wash RRP £10.50 Contact 020 8940 0999 www.tribeyarns.com The two natural components in this strong, Icelandic yarn help create a light yet warm fabric. Rustic in appearance, and with an airy feel as it flows through your fingers, E+2’s 16 shades knit into an even texture with a natural, marled finish. The mulberry Thai silk adds a sophisticated shimmer, making it ideal for special garments and accessories alike.
WEE COUNTY YARNS Kinross 4ply
Shade pictured Highland Cow Skein weight/length 50g/205m Needle size 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) Tension 28 sts to 10cm Fibre content 100% superfine lambswool Care Hand wash RRP £6.95 Contact 01259 301006 www.wee-county-yarns.co.uk Knitters should choose this 100% lambswool yarn for its crisp, accurate stitches, which improve further when blocked. Softening significantly once washed, this yarn creates a smooth, sumptuous fabric you’ll love, and all at a reasonable price. The yarn, which is spun in Scotland, comes in 14 beautiful shades, from Seaweed and Surf to Rosebay.
AINSWORTH & PRIN BFL Smooth Sock
Shade pictured An Angel Passing Skein weight/length 100g/400m Needle size 2.25mm (UK 13/US 0) Tension 32 sts and 48 rows to 10cm Fibre content 100% Bluefaced Leicester wool Care Machine wash on gentle wool cycle RRP £17 Contact 01903 683 683 www.theknittingshed.com Enjoy a sense of exclusivity when you cast on this luxurious sock yarn from Ainsworth & Prin. Dyed in small batches, BFL Smooth Sock’s 13 muted colours vary from skein to skein, so it works best when skeins are alternated. Its durable high twist creates a sturdy fabric which is ideal for wearing next to the skin. Knit it into opulent socks, shawls and more.
CLOUD9 FIBRES Primo
Shade pictured Boudoir Skein weight/length 100g/280m Needle size 2.25-3.25mm (UK 13-10/US 4) Tension 30 sts to 10cm Fibre content 80% pima cotton, 10% cashmere, 10% silk Care Hand wash RRP £23 Contact www.cloud9fibers.com Looking for that special kind of luxury? Primo’s indulgent mix of cotton, cashmere and silk creates a creamy-smooth and even fabric that’s velvety against the skin. Its eight-shade range is ideal for extra-special baby blankets, jumpers and accessories. Currently available in North America, Primo is produced in Italy using raw wool from South American farms.
RICO Fashion Cotton Light & Long
Shade pictured Grey (06) Skein weight/length 50g/200m Needle size 4mm (UK 8/US 6) Tension 21 sts and 30 rows to 10cm Fibre content 47% cotton, 46% acrylic, 7% polyamide Care Machine wash at 30 C RRP £4.99 Contact www.rico-design.co.uk If you’re after exceptional softness and excellent stitch definition, you can’t go wrong with this yarn from Rico. Wonderfully breathable, and quick and easy to knit with, its sturdy fabric will stand the test of time. Make the most of its long, flowing variegated colour transitions to create attractive summer garments and accessories.
PAINTBOX YARNS Metallic DK
Shade pictured Woo Woo (05) Skein weight/length 50g/120m Needle size 4mm (UK 8/US 6) Tension 24 sts and 36 rows to 10cm Fibre content 55% cotton, 45% polyamide Care Machine wash at 30 C RRP £4.50 Contact www.loveknitting.com Cast on a vibrant option this summer with this resolute blend of cotton and polyamide. Its shimmery, tone-on-tone colour changes in the light, making it perfect for the summer sun. This yarn’s chainette construction delivers a lightweight feel with plenty of squishability, and a pleasing bounce and drape. Machine-wash this practical yarn on a wool or gentle cycle.