The Wonderful World of 4ply Yarn

Hello! In today's blog post I’d like to go deeper into the wonderful world of 4ply yarn. Often admired for its delicate and refined appearance, 4ply yarn possesses a hidden strength that many crocheters might overlook. It's this unique combination of elegance and resilience that makes it a favourite of mine for intricate projects.

The Magic of Multi-Stranded Construction

Have you ever wondered what the "ply" in 4ply actually means? It refers to the number of individual strands that are twisted together to create the yarn. Think of it like this: each strand is like a single thread, and on its own, it might be quite fragile. However, when you bring four of these strands together and twist them, something magical happens; they reinforce each other, creating a yarn that's surprisingly strong.

This multi-stranded construction is fundamental to 4ply's strength. The twisting action creates friction and cohesion between the strands, making the resulting yarn much more resistant to breaking. This means that despite its fine nature, 4ply yarn can withstand the rigours of crochet, allowing you to create intricate and long-lasting pieces.

Why Choose 4ply?

Delicate Detail: 4ply yarn is perfect for projects that require fine detail and intricate stitch work. Its thinness allows for beautiful drape and a lightweight finish, ideal for garments and accessories.
Stitch definition: The consistent twist of 4ply wool also contributes to good stitch definition, allowing intricate patterns to stand out clearly.  
Versatility: From delicate shawls and blankets to elegant sweaters and cosy socks, 4ply yarn can be used for a wide range of projects.
Strength and Durability: As I’ve mentioned, the multi-stranded construction ensures that your finished projects are not only beautiful but also strong and durable.
Wonderful Drape: Due to its lightness, 4ply garments and accessories have a wonderful drape, which makes them very comfortable to wear.

Time is ticking on my early bird offer!

Speaking of beautiful projects in 4ply yarn … I'm really pleased with the release of my latest cowl pattern! Many of you bought the pattern from my stall on Saturday and many more have purchased online, thank you - it's been one of the most successful launches I've ever done!

Designed with the elegance and strength of 4ply yarn in mind, this cowl is the perfect blend of delicate detail and robustness as an everyday item. I think it's a fantastic project for those looking to explore the versatility of 4ply yarn.

My cowl is designed to show off the beautiful drape and stitch definition that 4ply yarn provides. I used Clan 4ply from The Scottish Yarn Festival in the colours Bruce and Errol. Its interesting design will keep you engaged as you crochet and the finished piece will be a stunning addition to your wardrobe.

Ready to Experience the Beauty of 4ply?

Don't miss out on the opportunity to start your own stunning cowl! Click the link below to purchase my new pattern and to take advantage of my early bird offer of 20% off. Use the code RIVER on my website and in my Ravelry Store (offer ends 23:59 on Sunday 30th March, BST). I can't wait to see your beautiful creations - tag me! 

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Crochet Cowl Pattern Release Day Tomorrow!

Hello! Tomorrow (Saturday 22nd March) is release day for my River Never Sleeps Cowl! This is a captivating möbius design that flows endlessly, just like a winding river.

The name of this pattern was inspired by a vintage fishing book called A River Never Sleeps by Roderick Haig-Brown. When I was crocheting up the cowl, I stumbled across a battered copy of this book with a beautiful cover illustrated by Stephen Russ and I felt that the perfect name had presented itself right at the moment of creation!

Crafted with the luxurious 4ply yarn in a Shetland/ Cheviot blend from The Scottish Wool Festival, this cowl promises unparalleled softness and comfort on chilly days. The intricate looking möbius construction is achieved by crocheting a long tube in the round and seamlessly joining it with a twist. 

This pattern is designed for intermediate crocheters and includes clear instructions in both UK and US terms. You'll need two distinct coloured skeins from The Scottish Wool Festival to bring this dynamic design to life.

Finished size, after blocking (but before sewing up): length 74cm; depth 20cm. Finished size, after sewing up: width 36cm: depth 20cm

To crochet this cowl, you will need:

• Main colour: 1x 100g skein of The Scottish Yarn Festival Clan 4ply (350m/ 100g, 80% Shetland/ 20% Cheviot), I used the colourway Bruce (blue). 

• Contrast colour: 1x 100g skein of The Scottish Yarn Festival Clan 4ply (350m/ 100g, 80% Shetland/ 20% Cheviot), I used the colourway Errol (green). 

• 4mm (G/6) crochet hook

• Large needle for sewing up

My new cowl pattern invites you to create a truly unique and mesmerising accessory, perfect for adding a touch of handcrafted warmth to any outfit. 
 
Tomorrow is the day of the Scottish Wool Producers' Showcase and that's the day I've chosen to release this cowl pattern, come see me at my stall to purchase a paper copy or check back here on my blog. If you don't want to miss the release, subscribe to my mailing list - loads of crochet goodness coming your way when you do, including my biggest early bird offer!

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx