Frequently asked questions
What is the Gauge for this colourway?
Yarn Gauge
#1 - Fingering (Super Fine) - 400m/100g
27 - 32 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US 1-3 (2.25mm - 3.25mm) Needles
21 - 32 Stitches over 10cm (4") Using US B-1 To E-4 (2mm - 3.5mm) Hooks
#3 - DK (Light Worsted) - 200m/100g
21 - 24 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US 5-7 (3.5mm - 4.5mm) Needles
12 - 17 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US 7 To I-9 (4.5mm - 5.5mm) Hooks
#4 - Worsted (Medium Aran) - 166m/100g
16 - 20 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US 7-9 (4.5mm - 5.5mm) Needles
11 - 14 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US I-9 To K-10.5 (5.5mm - 6.5mm) Hooks
#5 - Bulky (Chunky) - 100m/100g
12 - 15 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US 9-11 (5.5mm - 8mm) Needles
8 - 11 Stitches Over 10cm (4") Using US K-10.5 to M-13 (6.5mm - 9mm) Hooks
What’s the yardage for a 100g skein?
Yardage
Sold Individually By The 100g Skein
#1 - Fingering (Super Fine) Weight - 80/20 Extrafine Merino Nylon Superwash - Approximately 400m (437yds) per 100g
#3 - DK (Light Worsted) Weight - 80/20 Extrafine Merino Nylon Superwash - Approximately 200m (218yds) per 100g
#4 - Worsted (Medium Aran) Weight - 100 % Extrafine Merino Superwash - Approximately 166m (181yds) per 100g
#5 - Bulky (Chunky) Weight - 100 % Extrafine Merino Superwash - Approximately 100m (109yds) per 100g
What are your washing instructions?
Washing and Care
Here’s how to wash your hand-dyed wool items with care!
1. **Washing**: Always hand wash in **cold water** using a wool wash or a gentle detergent like Dawn dish soap. While wool washes are great, be cautious—they can sometimes cause colors to bleed. Even though our yarns are Superwash, handling them gently is key. The rule here is: better safe than sorry!
2. **Rinsing**: Once washed, gently squeeze out the excess water—**never wring or twist** the yarn, as this can damage the fibers. Instead, carefully press the water out.
3. **Absorbing Moisture**: Lay the item flat on a towel, then roll the towel up with the item inside to help absorb extra water. You can repeat this step with a second towel if needed.
4. **Drying**: Once most of the moisture is absorbed, carefully **lay your item flat to dry**. Make sure to spread it out on a clean, dry surface, reshaping it if necessary to maintain its original shape. Avoid hanging it up, as this can stretch the fibers. Let it dry naturally—air drying is best for wool.
5. **Color Fastness Tip**: Some suggest adding a few tablespoons of vinegar to the wash to help maintain color. While we heat set all our yarns and allow them to cool in the dye bath to prevent bleeding, scented detergents or very hot water can sometimes pull dye out. Stick to **mild detergents and cool water** to keep your colors vibrant.
Remember, avoiding hot water is essential—cold, cool, or room-temperature water is always safe!
How do you ball a skein of yarn?
How to Ball (Cake) a Hank of Yarn: Step-by-Step Guide
Turning a hank of yarn into a neat ball is an essential skill for knitters and crocheters. Winding your yarn helps prevent tangles and makes your crafting experience smoother. Follow these simple steps to transform a hank into a ready-to-use yarn ball. For a visual demonstration, don't miss the YouTube video by Sheep And Stitch shown below
Materials Needed
- Hank of yarn
- Scissors
- Yarn swift (optional)
- Yarn winder (optional for caking rather then a ball)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Unfold the Hank
- Remove any labels or packaging from the hank.
- Hold the hank at both ends and gently untwist it to open it up into a large loop.
Step 2: Position the Yarn Loop
- Place the loop over the back of a chair, your knees, or have a friend hold it for you.
- Alternatively, use a yarn swift to hold the loop in place.
Step 3: Secure the Strands
- Identify the ties that keep the hank together. These are usually contrasting pieces of yarn or thread.
- Carefully cut or untie these ties, being cautious not to cut the actual yarn strands.
Step 4: Find the Yarn Ends
- Locate the two ends of the yarn in the loop.
- Choose one end to start winding; the other end can hang freely.
Step 5: Begin Winding the Yarn
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By Hand:
- Wrap the yarn around your fingers a few times to start.
- Slip the loops off your fingers and continue wrapping the yarn around them, rotating the bundle as you go to form a ball.
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With a Yarn Winder:
- Attach the yarn end to the winder as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Turn the handle to wind the yarn into a cake.
Step 6: Continue Winding Until Complete
- Keep winding steadily, ensuring the yarn feeds smoothly without tangling.
- Rotate the ball or adjust the swift as needed to maintain even tension.
Step 7: Secure the Yarn Ball
- Once all the yarn is wound, tuck the loose end under a few strands in the ball to secure it.
- Your yarn is now balled and ready for your next project!
Tips and Tricks
- Avoid Stretching: Don't pull the yarn too tight while winding to maintain its natural elasticity.
- Consistent Tension: Aim for consistent tension to create an even ball that unwinds smoothly.
- Use Tools for Efficiency: While not necessary, a yarn swift and winder can speed up the process and produce professional-looking results.
Tell me more about your merino
About The Bases
In late 2020, before Arcane officially launched, we began collaborating with a mill to create a yarn line designed entirely around our needs. At the time, we’d tested everything from 70/20/10 Merino/Bamboo/Nylon blends to 100% Merino, and a handful of 75/25, 80/20, and 85/15 Merino/Nylon mixes from various suppliers.
What we wanted was simple but specific: the softness of our beloved 85/15 base with the broader versatility and durability of the industry-favorite 80/20. From that pursuit, the Arcane 80/20 Base was born, luxuriously soft, springy, and ready for any project that lives close to the skin. Each variation in this range shares the same 19.5 micron extra fine Superwash Merino fiber and meticulous spinning standards, adjusted only for weight and ply.
Fingering Weight — 80/20 Merino/Nylon Superwash
3-ply (4/16Nm) construction with a delightfully plush handfeel. Perfect for socks, shawls, and lightweight garments.
Composition: 80% extra fine (19.5 micron) Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon
Length: ~400m (437yds) per 100g hank
DK Weight — 80/20 Merino/Nylon Superwash
4-ply (4/9Nm) version of the Arcane base, balancing drape and structure. Ideal for sweaters, accessories, and cozy layers.
Composition: 80% extra fine (19.5 micron) Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon
Length: ~200m (218yds) per 100g hank
Worsted (Aran) Weight — 100% Merino Superwash
Spun from extra long-staple 19.5 micron Merino (3/5Nm), this base is soft, strong, and has a silky sheen. It’s washable, resilient, and deeply dye-absorbent, excellent for garments, baby knits, or accessories.
Composition: 100% extra fine (19.5 micron) Superwash Merino
Length: ~166m (181yds) per 100g hank
Chunky (Bulky) Weight — 100% Merino Superwash
Made with the same ultra-soft 19.5 micron fiber, this 2/2Nm base knits up into lofty, cloudlike fabric. Great for quick projects, blankets, hats, scarves, or anything that needs warmth and bounce.
Composition: 100% extra fine (19.5 micron) Superwash Merino
Length: ~100m (109yds) per 100g hank