Superwash Yarn

Superwash yarn is wool that's been treated so it won't felt, which means most of it can go in the washing machine. That's why it's the usual pick for socks, baby things and blankets that get washed a lot. Here's every superwash yarn we have in stock, from lace and sock yarn to super bulky, in pure superwash merino and in blends with nylon, silk, cotton and acrylic.

How superwash works

Wool fibers are covered in tiny scales. Heat, water and rubbing make those scales lock together, which is how wool felts and shrinks. Superwash wool is treated so the scales can't lock, and that's what lets it go through the wash. Our guide What Is Superwash Wool? explains how it's made and how it differs from regular wool.

Superwash yarns we stock

When to skip superwash

Superwash won't felt, so it's the wrong yarn for felted bags, slippers and hats. Use a feltable wool for those. It also has less spring than untreated wool and can grow a little when it's washed, so wash and dry your swatch before you start a fitted sweater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Superwash yarn is wool or a wool blend that has been treated so the fibers cannot lock together and felt. That treatment is what lets most superwash yarn go in the washing machine. Always follow the care instructions on the label, since a few superwash yarns still recommend hand washing.

Yes. Most sock yarn is superwash merino, often blended with about 25 percent nylon for strength, because socks get washed constantly. Malabrigo Sock, Cascade Heritage and Socks Yeah! are good places to start.

No. The superwash treatment stops the felting that hot water and agitation cause in regular wool. For felting projects, use wool labeled feltable or non-superwash.

It can. Superwash wool has less spring than untreated wool and can relax when it is wet, especially in heavy garments. Knit a swatch, wash and dry it the way you will wash the finished piece, and measure your gauge after that.

Yes. Superwash takes acid dye quickly and brightly, which is why so many hand-dyed yarns start on a superwash merino base. Use a dye made for wool and other animal fibers, and test a small amount first, because it strikes fast.

It is one of the most popular choices, because baby things get washed often. A soft superwash merino such as Cascade 220 Superwash Merino, Plymouth DK Merino Superwash or Malabrigo Rios works well.