Ultra Wool

Ultra Wool is a workhorse yarn. 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 enormous color range makes it particularly useful for colorwork. It's comfortable enough for next-to-skin projects and sturdy enough for things that are actually going to get worn. And because it's worsted weight, it lands in one of the most useful gauges around. There's a reason our pattern recommendation for Ultra Wool starts with “Literally anything.”

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 comes in an enormous range of colors from neutrals and heathers to deeply saturated solids. We carry it in Ultra Wool DK and Ultra Wool Chunky, giving you the same dependable wool across three useful gauges.

Pattern Ideas

• Literally anything
• The Shining (crochet)
• Anthony (free)
• Issa Mesh Cardigan (crochet)
• Worsted Sanguine Sweater
• Flax Worsted (great first sweater!)
• Book Club Cardigan
• Here We Gnome Again