Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Filatura Di Crosa Cincillà
Review Date: September 21, 2011
Date Introduced to Market: Fall 2010

The Look

Filatura di Crosa’s Cincilla yarn looks like some yarn mavens wound up a ball of shearling fleece for you to knit. This super bulky chenille-effect yarn is ideal for faux furs and trendy big knit fashions. It is whisper light but is also warm enough for chill outer wear. On close inspection, Cincilla could be mistaken for supersized those pipe cleaners we once used as children to make art projects. Instead, ultra-soft fleece is secured along a center band, trimmed and fluffed into a super lofty yarn.

The Feel

While it may look like a pipe cleaner, Cincilla is soft and pliable. You won’t be able to twist it into a cat or dog, but it knits into soft, lightweight and cuddly fabric that looks and feels like velvet. Cincilla ranks #9 on the softness scale.

Softness Scale

The Patterns

Filatura Di Crosa presents fashionable designs in pattern booklets and free online offers, too. The trendy patterns amplify the high fashion aspect of these chic luxury yarns. Designs that capitalize on Cincilla’s soft pile include plush scarves, cowls, and other accessories as well as faux fur garments. Don’t be limited by what you see from the manufacturer: nearly any simply shaped garment plan that is based on a gauge of 8 to 10 stitches over 4 inches can be adapted for use with Cincilla.

Color Range

For a natural look to faux fur, choose one of the many natural shades that range from white to black. In between there are champagne, beige and brown tones that mimic the animal kingdom. Color enthusiasts may opt for bolder shades, also available in this palette of 14 solids.

Working It

Cincilla knits smoothly with no twisting so there is none of the biasing that sometimes occurs with chenille yarns. In stockinette stitch, the stitches are barely visible, creating a velvety plush surface. Consequently, Cincilla is not a good candidate for textured stitches or cables; they will dissolve into the thick pile. Pair Cincialla with other yarns to add resiliency and surface detail. In two popular projects, the Faux Fur Jacket and the Faux Fur Stole, stripes of lighter weight yarn are inserted to create the illusion of pelts.

What I’d Like to Make with It

If you can’t make it through chilly months without a fleece vest, consider knitting one in Cincilla. Filatura di Crosa created a flattering wrap that is quick and easy to knit, yet functional and stylish. The collar will keep your neck and shoulders warm, while the angled front avoids that unattractive pouch created by zippered closures.

Knitting Outside the Box

Mimic the folk embroidered shearling coats and jackets popular in the 70’s with Cincilla and a bit of imagination. Here, a Cincilla vest is embellished with a companion yarn (Felix), recalling lavishly embroidered vintage shearling coats. Make your own statement by decorating Cincilla with ribbon or yarn embroidery or other fibers.

Blocking It

Lay flat to dry.

Washing It

Hand wash in cool or lukewarm water using a mild soap.

Wearability

Cincilla won’t bill but the pile may crush with use, so fluff and brush it thoroughly after wearing to preserve the plush velvet surface. You won’t have to worry about Cincilla shedding bits of fiber or fuzz; it is a well-constructed high quality product.

Overall Recommendation:

For quality, fashion, and ease of care, I rate Cincilla #8.