Ultra Wool DK

Ultra Wool DK is a workhorse yarn in a lighter gauge. It isn't trying to be the softest, loftiest, most rustic, or most luxurious wool on the shelf. Instead, it does a remarkably good job at almost everything you ask of it.

It's a smooth, soft 100% superwash wool. Untreated wool fibers are covered with microscopic scales that can catch on one another when exposed to moisture and agitation, causing the fibers to felt. Superwash processing changes the surface of those fibers so they're much less likely to lock together, making the wool machine washable. That treatment also changes the way the yarn behaves: Ultra Wool still has good elasticity and memory, but it can relax more after washing than an equivalent untreated wool.

The round, even yarn gives cables and texture clear definition, while the broad color range makes it particularly useful for colorwork. The DK gauge gives you a lighter fabric than the original Ultra Wool while still feeling substantial enough for everyday knitting. It's particularly good when you want the versatility of a workhorse wool in a fabric that's comfortable for layering.

Machine washable doesn't mean indestructible. Handknits aren't really built for a lifetime of abuse in a washing machine, so we recommend using a mesh laundry bag to protect the fabric from unnecessary abrasion. And wash your swatch the same way you intend to wash the finished project. That gives the yarn a chance to relax before you commit to a garment's gauge and finished size.

Ultra Wool DK comes in an enormous range of colors from neutrals and heathers to saturated solids. We also carry Ultra Wool in Worsted and Chunky when the same dependable wool is what you want at a different gauge.

Pattern Ideas

• Siza (crochet)
• Ingrid Sweater Man
• Ovis
• New Terrain
• Boneyard Shawl (free)
• Electrine Sweater
• Easwas