FREE SHIPPING over $75 and FREE GIFT over $100 automatically applied, no code needed.
What are you Looking for?
SHOPPING CART

No Products in the Cart
TOTAL:
$0.00
PROCEED TO CHECKOUT
VIEW CART
img

title

  • details
qty X
price

Go Luxe or Go Home: When to Use Specialty Yarns

March 18, 2025

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing like treating yourself to a skein of luxury yarn. Whether it’s the silky softness of cashmere, the warm halo of mohair, or the exotic allure of qiviut, specialty yarns have a way of making any project feel extra special. But with their higher price tags and unique properties, it’s important to know when (and how) to use these premium fibers.

 

In this post, we’ll explore the world of specialty yarns, their benefits, and how to make the most of them in your knitting projects. Ready to add a little luxury to your stash? Let’s dive in!

 

Quick Note: In case you are brand new here, this blog post is part of our ''Choosing the Best Fiber Type for Your Project'' series! In this series, I am breaking down everything you need to know about yarn fibers and choosing the best yarn fibers for your projects. To see the previous post in this series, check out blog post 6 called ‘’Soft and Sturdy: Choosing Yarn for Knitted Plush Toys’’!

What Are Specialty Yarns?

Specialty yarns are those made from rare or luxurious fibers that offer unique qualities like exceptional softness, warmth, or visual appeal. These yarns often come from small-batch producers or exotic animals and plants, making them a step above your everyday wool or acrylic.

The Benefits of Using Specialty Yarns

So, why splurge on specialty yarns? Here’s what makes them worth it:

1:

Unmatched Softness: Luxury fibers like cashmere and baby alpaca are buttery soft, making them perfect for next-to-skin projects.

2:

Exceptional Warmth: Fibers like qiviut and yak offer incredible insulation while remaining lightweight.

3:

Unique Aesthetic: Specialty yarns often have beautiful natural lusters, halos, or textures that elevate the look of your finished piece.

4:

Sustainable and Ethical Options: Many specialty yarns are produced ethically using eco-friendly practices or supporting small-scale farms and artisans.

Top Specialty Yarns and Their Best Uses

Let’s take a closer look at some popular luxury fibers and how to use them in your knitting projects:

1. Cashmere

Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats and is prized for its unparalleled softness and warmth.

 

Pros: Incredibly soft, lightweight, and warm.

 

Cons: Expensive and prone to pilling.

 

Best for: Scarves, cowls, lightweight sweaters, or anything worn close to the skin.

2. Mohair

Mohair, from the Angora goat, is known for its fluffy halo and airy texture. It’s often blended with silk for added strength and shine.

 

Pros: Lightweight, warm, and adds a soft, dreamy halo.

 

Cons: Can be itchy for sensitive skin.

 

Best for: Shawls, lightweight sweaters, and layering pieces.

3. Qiviut

Qiviut, sourced from the undercoat of musk oxen, is one of the warmest and softest fibers in the world. It’s rare and highly sought after.

 

Pros: Extremely warm, soft, and doesn’t shrink or felt.

 

Cons: Very expensive and often only available in natural shades.

 

Best for: Heirloom-quality scarves, hats, or lightweight winter knits.

4. Yak

Yak fiber is similar to cashmere but slightly denser and even warmer. It has a silky feel and a rich natural color palette.

 

Pros: Warm, soft, and durable.

 

Cons: Less elastic than wool.

 

Best for: Warm winter hats, mittens, and cozy sweaters.

5. Silk

Silk is a timeless luxury fiber with a beautiful sheen and incredible drape. It’s often blended with other fibers to add strength and smoothness.

 

Pros: Smooth, shiny, and breathable.

 

Cons: Expensive and can stretch over time.

 

Best for: Elegant shawls, summer tops, or drapey cardigans.

6. Baby Alpaca

Baby alpaca fiber is softer and lighter than regular alpaca, offering a silky feel and excellent warmth without the itch of some wools.

 

Pros: Soft, hypoallergenic, and warm.

 

Cons: Can stretch out without proper care.

 

Best for: Cozy wraps, slouchy hats, and winter sweaters.

7. Linen and Bamboo

For lightweight, breathable projects, linen and bamboo offer a luxurious plant-based alternative. They have natural lusters and soften beautifully with use.

 

Pros: Cool, drapey, and eco-friendly.

 

Cons: Lack elasticity, so they’re best for loose-fitting designs.

 

Best for: Summer shawls, tanks, and market bags.

When to Splurge on Specialty Yarns

Not every project needs a $40 skein of cashmere, but there are times when luxury yarns are totally worth it:

1:

Heirloom or Special Occasion Projects: Knitting a wedding shawl or a keepsake baby blanket? Go all out with a specialty yarn.

2:

Close-to-Skin Accessories: Treat yourself to a cashmere cowl or yak-blend hat for ultimate comfort.

3:

Showstopper Pieces: Shawls and wraps allow specialty yarns to truly shine, showcasing their texture, drape, and color.

4:

Small Projects: For a taste of luxury without breaking the bank, use specialty yarns for small items like wrist warmers, headbands, or mitts.

Blending Luxury Yarns with Basics

Love the idea of using specialty yarns but worried about cost or durability? Blending is your answer! Pair luxury fibers with more affordable, sturdy yarns to get the best of both worlds.

 

Examples:

Combine a strand of mohair with merino for a soft halo effect.

Use silk blends for added drape in wool projects.

Add a touch of cashmere to a standard wool yarn for a hint of luxury without sacrificing strength.

Tips for Knitting with Specialty Yarns

1:

Swatch and Block: Specialty fibers often behave differently than standard yarns, so swatching is essential.

2:

Use Simple Patterns: Let the yarn’s texture and drape take center stage by choosing straightforward patterns.

3:

Handle with Care: Luxury yarns may require gentler handling to avoid breakage or stretching.

4:

Mind the Needles: Smooth needles (like metal or polished wood) help prevent delicate fibers from snagging.

Caring for Your Specialty Yarn Projects

Once you’ve finished your masterpiece, proper care is essential to keep it looking its best:

Handwash Only: Most luxury fibers prefer a gentle soak in cool water with a mild detergent.

Block Gently: Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Avoid wringing or hanging to prevent stretching.

Store Carefully: Keep your projects in breathable fabric bags to protect them from moths or dust.

Conclusion: Embrace the Luxe Life

Specialty yarns are more than just materials—they’re an experience. From the moment you cast on, they transform your knitting into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re creating a cozy cashmere scarf, an elegant silk shawl, or a rare qiviut hat, these fibers bring a sense of joy and indulgence to every stitch.

 

So don’t be afraid to splurge once in a while. After all, life’s too short to knit with boring yarn!

 

You don't want to miss our next post in our ''Choosing the Best Fiber Type for Your Project'' series! To stay up to date on this series and all the fun things happening at Southern Skeins, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube! 

Subscribe
Title

Hi, I'm Jenna!

I am owner and dyer behind Southern Skeins and a lifelong creative with a passion for helping others bring their visions to life. Through every endeavor, my goal is to make the creative process easier, more enjoyable, more productive, and more successful for everyone!
Title

Join The Club
Title

Trending Articles

Soft and Sturdy: Choosing Yarn for Knitted Plush Toys

March 11, 2025
Title

Top It Off: Choosing the Best Yarn for Hats and Accessories

March 4, 2025
Title

Warmth and Wearability: The Best Yarn for Sweater Knitting

February 25, 2025
Title

Trending Topics

                         Yarn                           

                      Yarn Club                    

                   T-Shirt Club                   

         Bags & Notion Pouches