Welcome back to our series on enabling you to become a better crafter and answer some of those burning questions you may have with your new hobby. 

We have created a series of blog posts which address some of the most commonly asked questions which are known to really twist a yarn retailers stitches and will empower you to become your own yarn boss before you know it! 

Do you have a very soft yarn that doesn’t pill? 

Here’s the rub (pun intended) what makes a natural fibre yarn super buttery soft is how fine the individual fibres making up that are. So the finer the fibres the softer the yarn. However, the finer the fibres, the easier it is for those little suckers to come unravelled from their little twisty home within the yarn or the fabric and gather together for their own party dropping more pills than a 90’s rave on a Friday night. 

The ultimate yarn that is pill resistant is strong wool yarn, such as our Southlander. This yarn is very popular as a blanket yarn, due to its value and durability. Speaking of blankets, we know you have seen those Insta perfect blankets made from chunky knit yarn and you have been drooling – hate to burst your bubble, whilst it looks dramatic and impactful, its performance in real world conditions is a nightmare – with SO many fibres loosely spun any project soon becomes a magnet for dirt, grime and enough pills to fill a pharmacy! Best to avoid. 

The tradeoff is, if you simply can’t live without those divine super soft yarns, investment in a good quality fabric shaver is advised. It’s nothing to give them a quick touch up every wear or two to keep the garment looking sharp. Yarns that falls into this category include those with Cashmere, Possum blend yarns, fine Merino & Alpaca yarns. 

Can’t bear the thought of having to depill a garment every couple of outings? Then look for a yarn which is long fibred, a mid-micron breed and with plenty of twist to keep the fibre in place. Something with three folds (plys) or more and a higher angle of twist.  

Remember the golden rule, have fun, knitting is a hobby after all!