Composition and characteristics
Composition:
70% alpaca, 30% polyamideYarn weight: about 400 meters for 100 g / 437 yards for 3.5 oz
Each thread cone of Cumbria is about 1000 meters / 1094 yards.
Type of yarns in category: DK, Light, Worsted.
Knitting gauge swatch: 15 stitches e 19 rows in stockinette stitch for 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 in.
Crochet gauge swatch: 19 stitches e 24 rows in single crochet for 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 in.
Description
Cumbria is an alpaca yarn crafted from three twisted strands. Two ultrafine threads form the core, while a third, super-thin, fuzzy, and almost ethereal strand adds a voluminous, cotton-candy-like texture. This third alpaca strand determines the varying thickness of the entire yarn, depending on the concentration of its fluffy component. The resulting yarn has a firm structure but is also soft, thanks to the natural suppleness of alpaca fibers. Its slightly irregular volume, silky texture, and smooth glide make it a pleasure to work with.
For us, Cumbria embodies the desire to create warm, cozy projects with a feminine yet understated touch. It’s perfect for crafting a soft, enveloping sweater ideal for a day in the English countryside—or a comforting throw to accompany a steaming cup of tea. Perhaps that’s why we named it Cumbria!
Techniques
Use medium-sized knitting needles or crochet hooks (approximately 3.5 mm or 4 mm). For an airier look, opt for larger sizes. For a denser result (such as for outdoor knitwear), go down a size. Cumbria is also excellent for weaving, macramé, needle punching, and tufting.
Important notes: keep in mind that undoing your work is almost impossible if you make a mistake. The fuzzy strand tangles within the stitches, making it challenging to unravel. Therefore, proceed carefully and test your stitches and patterns by making a swatch before starting your final project.
Tips
With knitting needles: stockinette stitch, ribbing, and bold, textured patterns work best, as the fluffy yarn can obscure intricate details. Despite its softness, Cumbria’s structure ensures even edges and neat margins.
With crochet hook: single crochet is ideal for achieving a compact, dense fabric. Higher stitches, like double crochet, can also be used, but closing loops on the hook may be slightly challenging with this type of yarn. That said, the yarn remains easy to handle and glides smoothly during work.
On the loom: we wove this yarn on a rigid heddle loom with a 32:10 reed (3.2 ends/cm). This yarn can be used as both warp and weft, but should be woven at low density to prevent threads from sticking. Not recommended for beginners. Soft hand, making it perfect for garments or accessories that touch the skin.
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