By this date I have knitted quite many meters of Eco Cashmere so thought to talk a bit about this luxury Italian cashmere yarn itself and give some ideas what to knit with it.
What Kind of Yarn Is Eco Cashmere
First, the yarn. Eco Cashmere has 150 m/ 164 yds per 50 g hank so it would be generally be classified as sport weight yarn if looking only at the length per grams. But because how Eco Cashmere is spun it is DK weight as you can knit it with larger needles than sport weight yarn. It is also suitable for worsted weight patterns due the loftiness. For hat bodies and garments I use size 4.5 mm/ US 7 needles, the brims have to be knitted with smaller needles and I have found that size 3.75 mm/ US 5 works great. For items where more drape is wanted, like shawls and wraps, I use size 5 mm/ US 8 needles. What needle size to use is of course quite a personal preference as everyone has their personal knitting “hand writing”.
Needles to Use with Eco Cashmere
When it comes to what kind of needles to use I have found that I prefer metal tips instead of bamboo or wood with Eco Cashmere. Cashmere does not have the same memory as for example as merino wool so it does not spring back that well. This has to be remembered when knitting items which need to hold their shape and use smaller needles than usual if necessary. Blocking Eco Cashmere is a bliss, it dries unbelievably fast.
What Is It Suitable For
Secondly, what is Eco Cashmere suitable for? Well, for almost anything. It is absolutely fantastic yarn for garments, hats, cowls, shawls, wrist warmers and mittens; anything that comes in touch with your skin as cashmere is soft as puppy paws and does not make your skin itch. It is great for baby garments also for this reason, but of course you must take into account that it is not machine washable so maybe not knit bibs and diaper covers with it. As there is no man made fibre in Eco Cashmere it is not suitable for hard wearing items like socks.
That said, I will knit a pair of bed socks with Eco Cashmere as my freezing toes need some luxury warmth during the cold winter months. I am also dreaming of snuggling under an Eco Cashmere blanket, maybe if I start now I will have one by the end of this year! As Eco Cashmere is 50% recycled cashmere yarn, what ever you will be knitting with it you will be creating sustainable fashion with your needles!
Speaking of cold weather, the temperature seems to be dropping again in Finland so here is January's free pattern.
Free Knitting Pattern - Pipo Hat
Pipo hat which will keep your head warm during the cold winter months. Pipo hat is worked in the round from bottom up in soothing 2/2-rib holding Eco Cashmere doubled for extra warmth.
Pipo Hat Pattern Info
Sizes
S/M, M/L, to fit head size 52-56, 56-60 cm/ 20-22, 22-24 inches.
Yarn
2 hanks of Eco Cashmere (100% Cashmere of which 50% is recycled; 150 m/ 164 yds per 50 g). Sample shown is knit in colourway Alta.
Needles
6 mm / US 10 circular needle or needle size to obtain gauge
6 mm / US 10 double-pointed needles (or needle size to obtain gauge) for crown if not worked with the magic loop technique
Gauge
15 sts x 21 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inches in 2x2 rib yarn held doubled after blocking
Notions
Darning needle
Tape measure
Ready made pompom or pompom maker (optional)
Abbreviations
CO cast on
k knit
p purl
PM place marker
p2tog purl two stitches together
rep repeat
rnd(s) round(s)
st(s) stitch(es)
Pipo Hat Pattern Instructions
Brim
With yarn held doubled CO 60 (68) sts with long tail CO or with your preferred method. Join to work in the rnd being careful not to twist the sts and PM to indicate beginning of rnd.
Rnd 1: *k2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd
Repeat Rnd 1until the body measures approximately 26 cm/ 10.25 inches from the CO edge or until the body is approximately 4 cm/ 1.5 inches less than desired length.
Crown
Rnd 1: *k2, p2tog; rep from * to the end of rnd; 45 (51) sts
Rnds 2-3: *k2, p1; rep from * to the end of rnd
Rnd 4: *ssk, p1; rep from * to the end of rnd; 30 (34) sts
Rnds 5-6: *k1, p1; rep from * to the end of rnd
Rnd 7: *ssk; rep from * to the end of rnd; 15 (17) sts
Rnd 8: k all sts
Rnd 9: k1, *ssk; rep from * to end of rnd; 8 (9) sts
Bind off
Break yarn and pull it through the remaining sts tightly. Weave in ends. Place the hat in lukewarm water and let it soak thoroughly. Gently squeeze out the excess water. Place on a towel and roll in to remove further moisture. Lay on flat surface and let dry completely. Attach pompom after the hat is dry. Wear proudly!
We hope you enjoy this free hat pattern and our Eco Cashmere info. We would love to see your Pipo hats so don't forget to tag us on Instagram, our handle is nordic_yarn.
Best regards,
Joanna Ignatius
Designer at Nordic Yarn