Not-So-Casual Summer Yarns

Warmer temps make us want to ditch heavy, woolly yarns in favor of cooler, more plant-based fibers. Although they lack wool’s inherent boinginess, cotton, linen, and silk have a beautiful drape and they feel comfortable against the skin when the mercury rises. The three summer yarns below add a surprising touch of luxury to otherwise casual fare. Think gloss, not glitz. 

Universal Yarn Magnolia

Content: 95% modal, 5% cashmere
Color: Brambleberry
Put-up: 361 yd (330 m)/3.5 oz (100 g)
Weight: Fingering

Modal is a “semi-synthetic,” cellulose-based yarn made from beechwood. Completely biodegradable, modal yarn requires less water than cotton, is just as durable, and has a slight sheen. In Magnolia, it’s blended with a touch of cashmere for softness and would be perfect for shawls, tanks, and tees.

BC Garn Summer in Kashmere

Content: 90% organic cotton, 10% cashmere
Color: Mint
Put-up: 180 yd (165 m)/1.75 oz (50 g)
Weight: Fingering   

Cotton yarns can be dense and heavy, but the addition of cashmere somehow lightens the load here. Available in 27 colors—from summer brights to pale neutrals—Summer in Kashmere is a year-round yarn but particularly nice for summer tops.

Shibui Koan

Content: 70% linen, 30% mulberry silk
Color: Ash
Put-up: 248 yd (227 m)/1.75 oz (50 g)
Weight: Fingering     

Rustic linen pairs with refined silk in this delicate 2-ply yarn. Although it has a slight “crunch” in the skein, Koan softens immediately with blocking or washing. It would make lovely lace shawls or stoles, but it really shines in simple stockinette. Try it in an elegant, simple silhouette to show off its fluid drape.

Find beautiful projects featuring luxe summer yarns in Interweave Knits Summer 2022!