We had a long think about how to make some undyed eco sock yarns which contained a fibre which could replace Nylon, and an alternative to the Superwash bases. but that are easy care.
We came up with two different blends which tick these boxes in different ways.
Linen was used in both the blends as the strengthening fibre, it’s strong, extremely hard wearing, it won’t take acid dyes, but is in proportions that it doesn’t effect the colour update significantly.
Type 49198 as pictured below is an Easy wash Alpaca blended with Nylon. 80% Superfine Alpaca Easy Wash, 20% Linen with 400m per 100g
We all know that socks need washing regularly and we wanted an option that could be machine washed. Easy-Wash Alpaca has been treated with Enzymes in an ecological process to reduce shrinkage. There will still be a little shrinkage, but it is significantly reduced, and we recommend washing garments and socks with these on a wool wash, and of course even better - handwash.
This yarn is soft with a light caramel coloured base with some texture from the linen, it is less plump than the Merino version, and makes a lovely fabric, see below our swatches. The Gauge on this yarn comes out at:
In the round
2.25mm - 34sts & 44 rows
Knitted Flat
2.5mm - 30sts & 46 rows
WPI: 26
The yarn takes the dye nicely, and colours appear soft, muted and sophistcated on this base, speckles will spread somewhat. This yarn would be lovely as a warp and weft.
Type 49199 merino Linen Eco sock
Of course a Merino version was the second option, Type 49199 we used 18.5 micron merino for softness, and at 80% Non-Superwash Merino Wool and 20% Linen, 400m per 100g this yarn has a lovely plump texture to it. It knits beautifully. The yarn takes the dye well, and the speckles softly spread. We LOVE this yarn. This will need to be hand-washed as it will shrink.
49199 dyed with Speckles
The gauge on this yarn is
In the round
2.25mm - 34sts & 48 rows
Knitted Flat
2.5mm - 30sts & 48 rows
WPI: 22
Both yarns would work well for weaving.