Knitch Magazine

Brand: Louet
Manufacturer: Louet
Made In: Belgium
Date Released:
Yardage: 270 yds.
Weight: 100 grams
Yarn Weight: Sport or DK
Fiber Content: 100% Wet Spun
Texture: Plied
Gauge (st./4 in.): 24 sts/4 inches
Needle Size(s): US 2-4
Availability: Currently Available
MSRP: $23.95
Care: Machine washable and dryable

The Look

Euroflax Sport is a smooth yarn with the luster of – well, linen.  It is presented in hanks of softly twisted fiber dyed in subtle but rich hues that glow as if lit from within.

The Feel

On the skein, Euroflax Sport is stiff and wiry – a “3” on the softness scale, but it softens with washing and blocking to a “6”.  The yarn is shiny, smooth, and clean.  There were no knots in the skein, which is important for a yarn that won’t splice easily.   Some poorly processed yarns have stray bits of vegetation spun into the fiber, but Euroflax Sport was consistently clean and smooth.

The Patterns

Nearly all summer fashion knitting magazines will feature at least one linen design.  Because of its excellent stitch definition, Euroflax Sport is ideal for knitted lace.  With its ease of care and durability, Euroflax Sport is an excellent choice for lace garments, especially lacy tops or cardigans.

Color Range

Euroflax Sport is available in a stunningly wide array of 35 solid colors and 16 blends.  Like cotton, linen absorbs dye well, and a wide variety of deep tones are possible.

Working It

Your first challenge will be in winding linen from the hank into a neat working ball.  Linen has little or no resiliency and tends to be wiry and springy.  Controlling the ball is a little like keeping those practical joke snakes from springing out of the can.  You will want to contain the skein to it from unraveling into a slinky of knots and loops and a “yarn bra” will control unruly yarn.  If you can’t find one at www.yarnmarket.com, buy a bag of hot-house tomatoes and recycle the soft, pliable net bag as a sleeve to control yarn.  Wind the yarn into a center pull ball, pop it into the mesh sleeve, and enjoy your knitting.

Linen knits up much like cotton.  If you are not familiar with these yarns, take the time to practice while making a swatch.  To prevent linen’s springy stitches from jumping off the knitting needles, use bamboo or birch needles.  Further, keep a needle cap handy to secure the stitches on the needle when you put the work down.  

Linen sheds short fibers as it is knit.  While Euroflax Sport shed a few short fibers, it was not excessive or messy.  This linen yarn unraveled easily, and could be re-knit without defect.

Because linen is inelastic, you will probably notice some hand strain if you knit with Euroflax Sport for extended periods of time.  Take frequent breaks to rest your hands and admire the results.

What I’d Like to Make with It

Linen responds well to moisture; it won’t droop and sag, and dries quickly.  The firm texture displays lace to it’s best advantage.  Consider lacy curtains or a valance for your bathroom window.  You may like a lace strip to swag across the shower curtain.  Small gift bags for sachet or bath crystals are little luxuries that please almost anyone on your gift list. 

Mason Dixon Knitting offers a seductive kimono and negligee knit in Euroflax Sport.  Indulge yourself.

Blocking  It

Pin or wet block back to shape.  If machine dried, use a light steam to block into shape.

Washing It

Euroflax Sport can be machine washed and dried!  It sounds too good to be true, but linen will take a beating and seems to get better with use and laundering. The soft fabric belies its sturdiness.

Wearability

Linen yarn wears well and ages to a soft fabric with good drape.  With proper care, it will last decades, retaining its color, shape and softness.  Garments are lightweight and cool, even in hot weather.  Linen is a sturdy, natural fiber that doesn’t pill, isn’t affected by moths, and won’t trigger allergies.

Overall Recommendation

This yarn is exceptionally fine, consistent, and smooth.  The flax fibers are long and well processed, with no extensive shedding.  Euroflax Sport is a high quality yarn, worthy of a “10” for linen yarns.