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White Gum Wool yarns are made from 17-micron superfine merino wool.
This is the calibre of wool used in the finest of Italian men’s suiting, and gives an amazing softness and handle to the yarn.
White Gum Wool silk merino yarns blend 70% of our luxurious 17-micron superfine merino wool—renowned for the softness found in Italy's finest men's suiting—with 30% tussah silk, which imparts a subtle golden hue and heathery dye effects from the fibers' variable color uptake. Available in 4 ply (Fingering) for durable socks, 5 ply (Sport), and 10 ply (Aran), these yarns deliver a buttery feel and exceptional stitch definition.
Our innovative twist-on-twist spinning—plying fine singles first in pairs, then together again—reduces pilling by tucking away stray fibers and enhances wear, especially for socks, outperforming pure merino while avoiding synthetics. Originally developed as a nylon-free alternative to our discontinued reinforced sock yarn, the silk's tensile strength and felting resistance make it a reliable choice for everyday knits.
About pilling: like so many things in life, superfine yarn has its trade-offs — the very thing that makes it lovely and soft next to your skin also gives it more tendency to pill than a yarn made from a harsher, broader micron. It also felts beautifully, when you want it to (and even when you don't!). The simplest solution to pilling is to use a high quality fabric shaver to remove the pills as they appear. The Classic 50 fabric shaver is highly recommended by a number of experienced knitters who use White Gum Wool. To prevent inadvertent felting, follow the care guidelines.
70% MERINO/30% SILK 5 PLY (SPORT)
METRIC UNITS: 1000g: 2860m.
Tension: 24 st/30 rows for 10 x 10cm square on 3.75mm needles.
US/UK Units: 2.2lb: 3128yd.
Tension: 24 st/30 rows for 4 x 4 inch square on US 5 or UK 9 needles.
CARE: Hand wash cold, dry flat, medium iron, dry cleanable.
70% MERINO/30% SILK 10 PLY (ARAN)
METRIC UNITS: 1000g: 1900m.
Tension: 20 st/30 rows for 10 x 10cm square on 4.5mm needles.
US/UK Units: 2.2lb: 2078yd.
Tension: 20 st/30 rows for 4 x 4 inch square on US 7 or UK 7 needles.
CARE: Hand wash cold, dry flat, medium iron, dry cleanable.
