Knitting is known to have many health benefits to people. It can help improve motor functions and slow cognitive decline. It can also help alleviate the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Besides knitting for these reasons, it’s more fulfilling if the results are beautiful.

Beauty is subjective. But this shouldn’t stop anyone from using high-quality yarn when knitting. Malabrigo yarn is the best option for this activity. It’s one of the highest quality yarns you can buy today because it’s made from the facilities in Uruguay. What makes it extra special is the fact that it’s hand-dyed.

What is a Malabrigo Yarn?

The name Malabrigo came from a small village in Uruguay, called Mal Abrigo. The reason why the yarn was named after it is because of the extreme wind in that village. Back then, people had to ride horses and had to take shelter for the night. Mal Abrigo was famous for being a terrible place to stop.

Malabrigo yarns are usually made with 100% Uruguayan merino wool. Uruguay is among the countries with the biggest wool supplies in the world. It also has one of the high-quality wools in the world, especially when it comes to softness.

Malabrigo yarn is produced 100% by Uruguayan farms which allow the free-range sheep to go to the hills. The sheep are herded by old-style shepherds. They don’t practice the controversial act of mulesing. As a matter of fact, this practice is banned in all major wool-exporting countries.

Some Malabrigo yarns use fibers like mora, silky merino, and skillpaca. Silky merino is a blend of merino and top-quality silk. Mora is made of 100% mulberry silk. Skillpaca is made of baby alpaca from Peru and top-quality silk. Some yarns also use Dos Tierras, which is a blend with 50% baby alpaca from Peru and 50% merino.

Different Types of Malabrigo Yarns

When knitting using a Malabrigo yarn, you want to make sure you’re using the one that meets your preferences. Because of this, you need to understand the different varieties of Malabrigo yarns.

Malabrigo Sock Yarn

This Malabrigo yarn is incredibly soft. It has intricate colorways and smooth piles. It’s made of 100% merino wool and is hand-dyed. Each of the ombre skeins has a unique look. It adds an amazing amount of depth to your next knitting project.

Length: 440 yards

Weight: 100 grams

Yarn Weight: 1 – super fine

Yarn Material: 100% Merino wool

Needle Size: US 1-3

Gauge: 32.0 sts = 4 inches

Hook Size: US B-1 to E-4

Physical Quality: soft and luxurious

How to clean: You can clean this using a washing machine, with a gentle cycle, and cold water. Do not tumble.

Best for:  knitting, needlepoint, crocheting, tatting, and embroidery

Malabrigo Rastita Yarn

This type of yarn is light felted and delicate. It’s also made of 100% merino wool. It’s hand-dyed in different colorways. Each of the shades shines with every twist and turn.

Length: 310 yards

Weight: 100 grams

Yarn Weight: 3 – DK

Yarn Material: 100% Merino wool 

Needle Size: US 6 – 7

Gauge:  20.0 to 22.0 sts = 4 inches

Hook Size: US 7 to I-9

Physical Quality: soft and luxurious

How to clean: You can handwash this cold and then dry flat.

Best for:  crocheting and knitting

Malabrigo Nube Yarn

This is a special type of Malabrigo yarn. It’s super plush and is also ombre-dyed. Each of the skeins is available in different vibrant colorways.

Length: 5 yards

Yarn Weight: 6 – roving  

Yarn Material: 100% Merino wool 

Needle Size: US 11-17

Hook Size: K 

Physical Quality: soft and luxurious

How to clean: You can handwash this cold and then dry flat.

Best for:  knitting, weaving, crocheting, and spinning

Malabrigo Mecha Yarn

This single-ply yarn can create superior loft. It’s a perfect choice for your next project involving crocheting and knitting. This type of yarn exhibits dimensions upon dimensions of hues.

Length: 130 yards

Weight: 100 grams

Yarn Weight: 5 – bulky

Yarn Material: 100% Merino wool 

Needle Size: US 10-11 

Gauge:  11.0 – 13.0 sts = 4 inches

Hook Size: US K-10/12 to M/-13

Physical Quality: soft and luxurious

How to clean: You can clean this using a washing machine (gentle cycle, cold water). Make sure not to tumble.

Best for:  weaving, knitting, and crocheting

Malabrigo Worsted Yarn

This Malabrigo Worsted Yarn is a hand-dyed 100% Merino Wool. It’s unbelievably soft and vibrant. This type of yarn is perfect for any project that involves knitting, crocheting, and weaving.

Length: 210 yards

Weight: 100 grams

Yarn Weight: 4 – worsted 

Yarn Material: 100% Merino wool 

Needle Size: US 7-9 

Gauge:  4-5 sts = 1″ on US 7-9

Hook Size: US I/9-K 

Physical Quality: soft and luxurious

How to clean: You can handwash this cold and then dry flat.

Best for:  knitting, crocheting, and weaving

Malabrigo Rios Yarn

This type of yarn is soft, but also durable; plush, but also strong. The Malabrigo Rios Yarn is the best choice for handmade goods which are worn daily and are always used. This is a 4-ply yarn which can resist breakage and pilling. It’s hand-dyed in both ombre and solid options and can be cleaned using a washing machine.

Length: 210 yards

Yarn Weight: 4 – worsted 

Yarn Material: 100% superwash Merino wool

Needle Size: US 6 – 8

Gauge: 18.0-22.0 st (4 inches)

Hook Size: US I-9 to K-10/12

Physical Quality: Soft, luxurious, and durable!

How to clean: You can clean this using a washing machine, with a gentle cycle and cold water. Make sure not to tumble.

Best for:  knitting, crocheting, and weaving

Where to Buy Malabrigo Yarns

There are a lot of places where you can buy Malabrigo yarns. Nowadays, the quickest way to purchase them is online. You can buy them through Amazon and other wool supplies online stores. However, the Malabrigo yarns from these online retailers have different qualities.

If you want the best quality Malabrigo yarn for your next crochet, knit, or weaving project, shop at Darn Good Yarn. They carry a variety of Malabrigo’s top yarn, from Worsted to Rios. This includes Rastita, Nube, and Sock.