Cashmere Yarn

Cashmere yarn is a fine, warm yarn that contains fibre from the cashmere goat. You will find three lines here: Katia Cotton Cashmere with 10% cashmere blended into cotton, Austermann Cashmere Cloud with 20% cashmere in wool and cotton, and Austermann Cashmere Lace, which pairs cashmere with silk. It works well for scarves, hats, shawls, lightweight sweaters and garments worn right next to the skin. Your choice depends on whether you want a denser knit for everyday wear or an airy lace.

Which cashmere yarn should you choose?

• Katia Cotton Cashmere – 90% cotton and 10% cashmere, 50 g ≈ 155 m, needles 2.5 to 3.5 mm. A soft, breathable yarn for lightweight sweaters, tops and children's clothing.
• Austermann Cashmere Cloud – 46% wool, 34% cotton and 20% cashmere, 25 g ≈ 180 m. A thin, light yarn for scarves, cowls and airy knits.
• Austermann Cashmere Lace – cashmere with silk in a 20 g ball. A delicate yarn with a subtle sheen for lace shawls and stoles.

Why is the cashmere in yarn blended with cotton, wool or silk?

Pure cashmere is very soft, but it is less durable and pills easily. Adding another fibre gives it what a knitted fabric needs. The cotton in Katia Cotton Cashmere makes the fabric firmer and breathable, so you can wear it in spring too. The wool in Austermann Cashmere Cloud holds both warmth and shape. The silk in Cashmere Lace gives the lace its sheen and drape.

If you are looking for another natural fibre, take a look at merino yarn or alpaca yarn. You will find every type in the knitting yarn category.