Knitch Magazine

crofter dkYarn Name: Crofter DK (Fair Isle Effect DK) F026
Review Date: 1/19/09

Brand: Crofter DK (Fair Isle Effect DK) F026
Manufacturer: Sirdar Spinning Ltd.
Made In: Turkey
Date Released: 2009
Yardage: 170 m/184 y
Weight: 50 gr
Yarn Weight: DK (sport)
Fiber Content: 60% acrylic, 25% cotton, 15 % wool
Texture: Plied
Colors: 8 current colors
Gauge (st./4 in.): 22 sts/4 inches
Needle Size(s): US 6 (4mm)
Care: Machine wash lukewarm, no dryer (dry flat), cool iron, can be dry cleaned

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All of the above patterns can be found in the Crofter Pattern Book.

The Look

Crofter DK is a space-dyed yarn in gray and white neutral background colors with pastel accents.  According to the manufacturer, the dye is sprayed onto the yarn.  The dye is absorbed differently into the acrylic, cotton, and wool fibers, resulting in a heathered coloration.  While not slubby, the yarn has a very slight crinkle, probably due to its 25% cotton content.  Overall, Crofter DK masquerades well as a “Shetland” yarn.

The Feel

This yarn is softer than expected.  Perhaps because it looks like a Shetland, one expects it to be slightly coarse, but Crofter DK is soft, not at all scratchy.  Due to its texture, it is not a smooth yarn, but still rates a “6” on the softness scale.

The Patterns

The manufacturer provides a range of garments reflecting the Fair Isle pattern of this space-dyed yarn.  Socks, leggings, wristlets and cardigans, pullovers, and vests are presented for men, women and children.   Crofter DK is particularly effective in ribbing, and the manufacturer capitalizes on this quality by offering patterns featuring wide ribbed borders and bands.

The sample projects are extremely helpful in visualizing how the space-dyed yarn will work up in pattern.  From here the knitter can use their imagination to turn any knitting into Fair Isle because the yarn does all the work of creating the pattern.

Working It

Crofter DK YarnThe yarn knits to recommended gauge.  At gauge, I achieved a delightful Fair Isle pattern over 100 stitches (18 inches).  I pull from the center of the ball, so I achieved a pattern “upside down” from the manufacturer’s suggested designs.  To my eye, I achieved a pattern more reminiscent of traditional Fair Isle, but either direction is equally pleasing.  As with any space-dyed yarn, the knitter should be consistent in starting from the center or end of every skein.  

The pastel highlights in this yarn hide in the background and aren’t easily detected by looking at the yarn in the ball.  I was delighted when the pale blue and lavender emerged in the pattern along with the green and gray tones.  

Given the 18 – 20 inch spacing for the pattern, this yarn is better suited for smaller garments or flat knitting than for circular knitting.  Consider that a child’s sweater with a chest of 22 inches may stretch the bounds of the pattern spacing for circular knitting, but a sweater knit flat will easily fit up to an adult up to 40 inches.

What I’d Like to Make with It

Socks, hats, leggings, wristlets, and garments for wee ones are ideal for this yarn.  The knitter can easily achieve the richness of Fair Isle patterning and coloration along with the easy care of this yarn.  The pattern spacing is also proportional to the smaller “canvas” of these garments.  Adult garments will be just as effective, but some experimentation may be needed to get the right pattern spacing for larger sizes.  

The pastel colors on a predominantly white background (main color) bring to mind baby/toddler items or feminine garments for spring.  The manufacturer’s pattern suggestions with generous 2x2 ribbing take good advantage of this colorway.  Crofter DK would show well in a wrap cardigan or shrug with ruffled border.

Knitting Outside the Box

This yarn can bring easy care Shetland styling to everyday garments for babies and children.   Crofter DK could turn a plain tam, sweater, or blannie into an eye-catching “heirloom” garment.

Blocking  It

Cool iron, no heat.

Washing It

Machine wash, lukewarm temperature.  Do not dry in dryer.

Wearability

The fiber content promises strength with comfort and resiliency.  The sample I knit bounced back into shape with gentle laundering and no blocking.  It is soft, resilient, and feels more like wool than acrylic.  The yarn is firmly spun and I do not expect it pill excessively.  The knit fabric was softer than I expected; it would be lightweight and comfortable anyone.

Overall Recommendation

I highly recommend this yarn and rate it a “7” for its easy care characteristics, attractive pattern and pleasant pastel colorway.  It did not rate higher because Crofter DK is restricted to its dyed, unchangeable pattern (unless you choose to knit from the other end of the skein).  Space-dyed yarns will never replace the unlimited possibilities of color and pattern in Fair Isle knitting, but Crofter DK offers an attractive, easy care substitute.