Over the years, we’ve been very lucky to stock Malabrigo here in the warehouse. The brand name actually translates to âbad shelterâ, a cheeky nod to a cold, windswept village in Uruguay where the only sensible thing to do is stay inside and knit! What started in 2005 as a small family project dyeing yarn in a kitchen pot, has grown into a crafter’s favourite, with their yarns taking knitters and crocheters by storm!
Most of their wool comes from sheep that are free to roam through the Uruguayan hills, resulting in a Merino softness that is hard to beat. Because everything is kettle dyed in small batches, you get these incredible shifts in tone and saturation that make a simple scarf look incredibly detailed. Since Malabrigo are famous for their deep tones and hues, the trick to a great coloured project is finding shades that either lean into each other or create a sharp and intentional contrast.
From my time working in customer service, one of the biggest things with Malabrigo is that not two skeins are the same. So if you do have a larger project, or you are worried about a change of dye lot, then you may be better working the skeins in alternative rows, so the yarn flows better without an obvious dye lot change.
Popular ranges that we stock include Rios and Arroyo. Rios is the heavier weight of the two ranges, being classed as a Worsted weight (often known as Aran). The yarn is plump and knits up relatively quick on a 4-5mm needle. The yarn is less likely to pill due to it being a stranded 4 ply (4 strands of wool twisted together). Because the yarn is 100% Superwash Merino, itâs a popular choice for jumpers and cardigans, along with hats and kidsâ clothes. Itâs super soft on the skin and can be washed on a gentle wash.
Arroyo, on the other hand, is a sport weight yarn, classed on our website as a DK. Itâs more refined that Rios, making it perfect for the in between projects where you want warmth without the bulk. If youâre planning a delicate lace shawl, or a lightweight spring cardigan, Arroyo is your best bet. It typically uses between 3.5mm and 4.00mm needles and give you about 306 metres per skein. Like Rios, itâs also a plied Superwash Merino, so you can have the same beautiful stitch definition, and easy to care convenience đSee all Malabrigo patterns here.
If youâre looking for some colour inspiration, Malabrigo is the one for you. Whales Road is a stunning mix of deep teals and purples, and Reflecting Pool acts as a brighter, shimmering blue companion that pulls out the lighter tones in the darker skein. If you want something a little more like a sunset, the popular Archangel looks incredible when grounded by a semi solid like English Rose or even a natural like Pearl.
If youâre feeling bold and want a high contrast for mosaic or striped project, you canât go wrong with the Brights on Grey formula! Pairing a very busy, variegated colourway like Aniversario or Arco Iris, with a calm, stead grey like Polar Morn or Cirrus Grey ensures that the rainbow colours really pop without it becoming overwhelming. For something earthier, try mixing mossy green of Land of Oz with the golden, honey tones of Frank Ochre (a favourite!), it creates a natural walk in the woods that would work beautifully for an autumn cardigan!
Something to remember about Malabrigo, is that itâs sold in skein form, meaning you have to wind the yarn before using it, otherwise, your yarn will become a knotted mess! It’s a relaxing process, as you get to work with the yarn prior to knitting or crocheting with it. You can shop all the yarn winders by clicking here.
Thatâs a wrap on our Malabrigo post, see you next month đ