Knitch Magazine

Brand: Berroco
Manufacturer: Berroco
Made In: Italy
Date Released:
Yardage: 108 yds.
Weight: 40 grams
Yarn Weight: Light Worsted (DK); Medium Weight
Fiber Content: 31% cotton, 26% silk, 23% nylon, 20% linen
Texture: Woven over Plied
Gauge (st./4 in.): 21 sts/4 inches
Needle Size(s): US 6 (4mm)
Availability: Currently Available
MSRP: $7.85
Care: Handwash in cool water. Lay flat to dry. Do not iron.

The Look

The luster and smooth texture of Mica is an immediate draw to this yarn.  Mica’s silky texture, rich color and graceful drape, even in the hank, make for an irresistible combination.  It can easily be mistaken for silk.  This is a yarn destined for chic garments and accessories.

The Feel

The glisten in Mica rivals some metallic yarns, yet it is silky soft, rating an 8 on the softness scale.   The over-woven outer fibers add shine strands add smoothness while the interior cotton and linen plies add weight, drapability, and durability.  There is a surprising crunchy feel to the yarn but no scratchiness or chafing.

The Patterns

Berroco provides a wide range of patterns, including a glamorous oversize scarf, tank, tee, cabled cardigan, textured cardigan, and lace cardigan.  Designers are featuring Mica in their personal lines as well.  Mica knits up similar to cotton or linen, and can be substituted for garments using these fibers in DK weight.  Since Mica is relatively inelastic and should not be substituted in designs that emphasize form fit.

Color Range

Mica is available in 11 “au courant” colors including deep jewel tones and crisp neutrals.  Shiny fibers are woven over flatter-toned cotton and linen plies that are deeply saturated in color.  The many different surfaces and fibers reflect light at varying angles.  The resulting rich color is brightened with shiny highlights.

Working It

MicaMica knits up to a versatile gauge of 22 stitches/4 inches.  Like cotton or linen, Mica is inelastic.  The smooth texture of the yarn contributes a bit to hand strain as I had to knit somewhat firmly to maintain gauge.   The yarn did not snag, split, pill or shed in knitting, even with repeated “frogging” and re-knitting.  The smooth texture created a few problems with joining, but there were no breaks or knots in the skein.  Follow conventional advice by joining new ends at the edges of the fabric to avoid bumps in the smooth surface texture.

While the yarn is very sturdy and not prone to splitting, you may find that bamboo needles, or needles with a blunt tip, will help to avoid snagging the woven outer layer on the yarn. 

The loosely textured fabric, weighted by the cotton and linen fibers, drapes exquisitely.  Lace is revealed beautifully by the glossy sheen, good stitch definition and drape can be achieved with Mica.

What I’d Like to Make with It

Mica is ideal for a summer shawl, lace tank, or lace border.  It is a luxurious looking but durable yarn that can go from daytime to evening and from basic shell to lace tank.   Mica will bring a feeling of luxury and a little sparkle to cotton knitting.

Knitting Outside the Box

Capitalize on Mica’s sheen by using it to embellish your next felted project.  Mica is very similar to silk cord, and would be ideal for buttons, frogs, or other closures.  Brighten up a cotton garment with Mica by using it as a decorative I-cord or embellished edging.  Knit a scarf and finish off with a twisted cord edge, beaded edge, tassels or knotted fringe.  Combine Mica with mohair, boucle, eyelash or other glitzy fibers to create an opulent shawl or afghan.  Substitute Mica anyplace you might use a silk cord:  adapt it as a tie a jewelry roll, for example.  You might even want to twist Mica into a cord to tie  up a gift.

Blocking  It

Lay flat.  Do not use heat.  The loose texture of the fabric will stretch slightly in washing, but it readily blocks into shape and retains the blocked shape.

Washing It

Hand wash cool water.  Lay flat to dry.  The colors do not run nor does the luster dull with washing.

Wearability

Mica looks a little fragile and you might think it will snag because of the fine filaments woven over heavier plies, but it is well made and will likely withstand prolonged wear and washing.

Overall Recommendation

In the cotton and linen category, this yarn is a “9”.  It will add a touch of luxury and elegance to your knitting.