100% British Superwash Bluefaced Leicester Wool (26 Microns)

Aran/Worsted / 100g / 182y / 166m

Small batch yarn hand dyed in Canada

BFL fibre is fine, silky, lustrous and strong - an incredibly versatile fibre.
Our BFL yarns are naturally soft but they are also good for items that are subject to wear such as socks, mittens, sweaters and hats. They drape well without heaviness due to the natural crimp of the fibre and, with long staple fibres, these yarns are less prone to pilling than many wools. Because of the natural lustre of the fibre, the yarns dye exceptionally well to produce clear, gleaming colours. The lustre also emphasises the shape of stitches so is ideal for textured stitches and cables.
At 25-26 microns, the fibres are less fine than merino but the BFL fibres have large, smooth scales on their surface so they feel smoother and have a characteristic pearly sheen to them. BFL yarns are a great introduction to the diverse world of British wool breeds and ideal for those looking to expand beyond merino wool.

Ever wonder what the difference was between #worsted and #aran weight #yarns? At first they seem interchangeable, but sometimes call for different needle sizes 😱

Aran is the equivalent of two strands of DK yarn, making it the perfect weight for vests, cardigans and blankets. Worsted is considered the same weight, but often calls for a different needle size due to its density. The difference between the yarns is in the way the fibres are spun. Aran is a woolen-spun yarn - it is lofty, warm and light, and can condense into denser fabric or bloom to cohere as a gauzy fabric. Worsted weight yarn is a worsted-spun yarn, smooth and dense; the stitches knit from a worsted weight yarn will have excellent definition and the finished garment will drape beautifully due to the compactness of the spun yarn.