Merino, Cashmere or Cotton? A Buyer’s Guide to Yarn

The fibre decides everything that follows. A practical look at how each yarn behaves in drape, warmth and price — and how to brief it.

Merino, Cashmere or Cotton? A Buyer’s Guide to Yarn

Before a single stitch is knitted, the yarn has already decided most of what the customer will feel. Choosing the right fibre is the highest-leverage decision in any knitwear brief — and the one most worth slowing down for.

Merino: the all-rounder

Extra-fine merino is soft, breathable and surprisingly resilient. It blocks cleanly, holds colour and works from 12GG fine knits to chunky 5GG pieces. For most premium everyday ranges, merino is the safe, beautiful default.

Cashmere: the indulgence

Cashmere brings warmth and a halo of softness that nothing else matches. It rewards a relaxed gauge and gentle finishing, and it carries a price to match — so it is best reserved for hero pieces and gifting styles.

Cotton and blends: the year-round option

Long-staple and organic cottons give crisp stitch definition and trans-seasonal appeal. Blended with a little cashmere or nylon, they balance hand-feel, durability and cost.

Tell us the look, the season and the target price, and we will recommend a yarn — and knit you a swatch — before you commit.

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