Here’s everything you need to know about our yarns, patterns and how to get started. Find answers to common questions including general information below.
What are Blacker Yarns products made from?
We only work with pure British-breed sheep that we have sourced from fibre producers and UK based farms and smallholdings. Occasionally we blend these beautiful fleeces with other materials such as recycled and ethically sourced silks and bamboo.
Where does your wool come from in the UK?
We are committed to supporting the British farming industry and promoting British breeds, many of which are rare, endangered or specialised and buy direct from the farmers, subject to fleece availability and seasonality.
What types of yarn do you offer?
We make and sell laceweight, 4-ply (Fingering), Double Knitting (DK), 5-ply and Aran weight yarns, suitable for hand knitting, machine knitting and crochet projects.
Is your yarn suitable for beginners?
Yes certainly, our yarns are suitable for all levels of ability, including those wishing to work with pure wool, without acrylics, for the first time. We have created a number of Easy Knitting Kits and Easy Crochet Kits to support beginners and less experienced.
What can I knit or crochet with Blacker Yarns wools?
Almost anything! Our yarns are suitable for a wide range of projects, from garments and accessories to homeware. We also offer a curated selection of project kits and patterns, created by the Blacker Yarns team and independent designers, all designed specifically to complement our wool ranges.
How do I choose the right yarn weight?
The best place to start is with your pattern or design. Most knitting and crochet patterns will recommend a specific yarn weight to help you achieve the correct size and finish. If you’re choosing a yarn first, think about your project – lighter weights are ideal for delicate garments, while heavier yarns are better suited to warmer, more structured pieces. Our patterns also include guidance on suitable and suggested yarns to help you get the best results.
Is your yarn soft enough for sensitive skin?
Our yarns vary in softness, so we’ve created a simple softness guide to help you choose. Each yarn is rated from one to three sheep (with three being the softest), and you’ll find this on every yarn product page. Our softest yarn ranges are made from merino wool such as Blacker Swan and Ewe-Nique, suitable for baby/children’s wear.
Do you offer undyed or natural yarns?
Yes, we offer undyed or natural yarns on cone as well as skeins and balls. All our yarn ranges have undyed/natural options including Blacker Swan, Pale Maiden and Dusty Miller shades.
Is your yarn ethically sourced?
All the yarns that we sell on our site are designed and produced inhouse by our mill team, with British-breed fibre that we have sourced directly from small businesses such as UK farmers, smallholders and fibre producers, so that we can provide assurance of quality and full traceability.
What makes British wools different from acrylic wools?
British wool is a 100% natural fibre, grown by sheep and sourced from farms across the UK. Unlike acrylic yarns, which are made from synthetic, petroleum-based materials, wool is biodegradable and more environmentally friendly. It also offers a very different crafting experience, British wool has a natural texture, breathability and warmth that many knitters and crocheters prefer when working on their projects.
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