If you want a very soft cashmere sweater, pure cashmere is best. Cashmere silk double yarns mix silk and cashmere for more strength and shine. This helps your projects last longer. Silk gives the yarn a soft shine and makes it better. Pure cashmere is the softest and warmest. But silk in the blend makes it stronger and helps it keep its shape. If you want your knitting to look nice and work well, compare these yarns. Think about quality, price, and how much care you want to give your project.
Key Takeaways
Pure cashmere is very soft and warm. It is great for special and delicate projects.
Cashmere silk double yarns are soft and strong. Clothes made with them last longer and keep their shape.
Silk blends have a soft shine and do not wrinkle easily. They are good for sweaters and accessories you use every day.
Both yarn types need gentle care. Silk blends are easier to take care of and do not pill as much.
Pick pure cashmere if you want luxury and softness. Choose silk blends if you want something strong, less expensive, and useful.
Cashmere Silk Double Yarns
Fiber Blend
You will find that cashmere silk double yarns combine two luxurious fibers: cashmere and silk. This blend creates a unique yarn that feels soft and smooth in your hands. Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats. Silk is a natural fiber made by silkworms. When you use blended yarns with both fibers, you get the best qualities of each. Silk cashmere blends often appear as laceweight yarns. These yarns work well for projects that need a light and airy feel. You can knit elegant garments, shawls, or scarves with these blended yarns. The mix of cashmere and silk gives your projects a gentle shine and a soft touch.
Properties
Silk cashmere double yarns offer many benefits for your knitting. The silk in the blend adds strength and helps the yarn keep its shape. You will notice that your finished pieces hold up better over time. Silk protects the cashmere fibers, which means your garments resist wrinkles and last longer. This increased durability makes silk cashmere blends a smart choice for items you want to wear often. The yarn keeps the warmth of cashmere but feels lighter and smoother. You will see a lovely sheen on your projects because of the silk. Blended yarns also cost less than pure cashmere, so you can enjoy luxury without spending too much. If you want to knit structured garments or lightweight accessories, cashmere silk double yarns give you both beauty and strength.
Tip: Choose silk cashmere blended yarns for projects that need both softness and durability. You will love how your garments look and feel!
100% Cashmere
Fiber Source
You may wonder where 100% cashmere comes from. This pure yarn starts with the fine undercoat of cashmere goats. These goats live in cold regions, mostly in China, India, and Mongolia. Each goat produces only a small amount of fiber every year. This makes pure yarns rare and special. The process to collect 100% cashmere takes time and care. Farmers gently comb the goats to gather the softest fibers. They sort and clean the fibers to keep the best cashmere fiber quality. You get pure yarns that feel soft and smooth. The careful work and limited supply make 100% cashmere a symbol of luxury.
Unique Qualities
You will notice the difference when you touch 100% cashmere. This pure yarn feels softer and lighter than regular wool. The fibers are finer and shorter, which gives you a silky texture. You can enjoy warmth without heavy layers. 100% cashmere keeps you cozy but never feels bulky. Pure yarns also breathe well, so you stay comfortable all day. The natural stretch helps your garments keep their shape. You can use 100% cashmere for delicate accessories, like shawls or scarves, or for loose-drape garments. These pure yarns work best when you want something soft and elegant.
100% cashmere stands out for its:
Unmatched softness and smooth feel
Lightweight warmth and comfort
Natural breathability and stretch
Durability, even with gentle fibers
You will find that luxurious cashmere is more than just soft. The rare fibers and careful process create pure yarns that last. High cashmere grades mean you get the best quality. You can trust 100% cashmere to make luxurious fabrics that feel special every time you wear them. Many knitters choose pure yarns for projects that need a touch of luxury. If you want to create something truly elegant, 100% cashmere is the perfect choice.
Note: Always check the label for cashmere grades when you buy pure yarns. Higher grades give you the softest and most durable results.
Silk Cashmere Blend vs. Pure Cashmere
Softness
You will notice a difference in softness when you touch 100% cashmere and a silk cashmere blend. 100% cashmere feels the softest against your skin. The fine fibers create a gentle, cloud-like touch. Silk cashmere blends still feel soft, but silk adds a smooth, cool texture. This makes the blend feel a bit firmer than pure cashmere. If you want the softest yarn for scarves or shawls, 100% cashmere gives you that luxury. Silk cashmere blends offer a balance between softness and a smooth finish.
Warmth
100% cashmere keeps you very warm. The fibers trap heat well, so you stay cozy even in cold weather. Silk cashmere blends also provide warmth, but silk makes the yarn lighter. You get good insulation, but the blend may feel a bit cooler than pure cashmere. If you want a lightweight garment that still keeps you warm, silk cashmere blends work well. For the warmest option, choose 100% cashmere.
Durability
You will find that silk cashmere blends last longer than 100% cashmere. Silk adds strength to the yarn. This helps your projects keep their shape and resist stretching. Pure cashmere feels delicate and can lose shape if you wear it often. Silk cashmere blends hold up better to daily use. The silk protects the cashmere fibers, so your garments resist wrinkles and look new for longer. If you want a project that lasts, silk cashmere blends offer better durability.
Drape
Textile experts have studied how these yarns drape. Here is what you can expect:
Silk cashmere blends keep much of the softness and insulation of 100% cashmere.
Silk improves shape retention, so your garment keeps its form.
Silk reduces wrinkling, while pure cashmere wrinkles more easily.
Silk cashmere blends do not stretch as much, so the drape stays stable.
100% cashmere feels softer but may stretch and lose shape over time.
Silk cashmere blends have a smoother, more elegant drape and a gentle sheen.
The blend gives up a little insulation for better shape and less wrinkling.
If you want a garment that looks neat and keeps its shape, silk cashmere blends are a smart choice.
Sheen
Silk gives the yarn a natural shine. When you knit with a silk cashmere blend, your finished piece will have a soft, elegant sheen. 100% cashmere has a more matte look. If you want your project to catch the light and look extra special, silk cashmere blends stand out. The sheen adds a touch of luxury to any garment or accessory.
Cost
You may wonder about the price difference between these yarns. Here is a table showing the average cost per gram for some silk cashmere blends:
Yarn Name | Weight (g) | Price (SGD) | Cost per gram (SGD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lang Yarns CASHMERE DREAMS luxury | 25 | 33.33 | 1.33 | Cashmere silk blend |
CARDIFF Silk and cashmere yarn | 50 | 42.70 | 0.85 | Cashmere silk blend |
Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk DK | N/A | 11.52 | Approx. lower price | Small skeins, cashmere silk blend |
Cashmere/silk/merino yarn on cone | 100 | 28.31 | 0.28 | Larger cones, cashmere silk blend |
Cashmere/silk/merino/sequins yarn | 380 | 190.83 | 0.50 | Larger cones, cashmere silk blend |
You will see that silk cashmere blends come in a range of prices. Pure cashmere usually costs more, but exact prices can change based on quality and brand. If you want luxury at a lower price, silk cashmere blends give you good value.
Care
Caring for your yarn helps it last. Both 100% cashmere and silk cashmere blends need gentle care. Always follow the care instructions for the most delicate fiber in your yarn. Here are some tips for both types:
Wash in cold water with a mild detergent made for wool and silk.
Avoid washing with items that have sharp edges to prevent snags.
Hand washing is best, but you can use a gentle machine setting for woolens.
Do not use the same care for blends with synthetic fibers as you would for pure cashmere. Use eco-friendly dry cleaning for blends with synthetics.
Wash only after every three wears to keep the yarn strong.
Never tumble dry. Lay your garment flat to dry.
Store your items carefully to keep their shape and softness.
Cashmere-blended fabrics, especially those with silk, keep their quality if you care for them well. If you follow these steps, your projects will stay soft and beautiful for a long time.
Tip: Always check the label for care instructions. Proper care keeps both 100% cashmere and silk cashmere blends looking and feeling their best.
Project Suitability
Garments
When you want to knit a cashmere sweater, your yarn choice is important. Pure cashmere is best for luxury sweaters, cardigans, and loose tops. These feel very soft and warm each time you wear them. Silk cashmere double yarns give more shape and structure. These blends help sweaters keep their form after many wears. If you want a sweater for daily use, silk cashmere blends are stronger and wrinkle less. You can also use these blends for fitted tops and light cashmere clothes.
Accessories
You have lots of choices for accessories. Pure cashmere yarns are great for scarves, hats, and cowls. These items feel soft and warm, which is nice in winter. Silk cashmere blends are good for shawls, wraps, and lace patterns. Silk adds a gentle shine and helps your projects last longer. The table below shows which yarns are best for different accessories:
Yarn Type | Composition | Recommended Accessories | Key Qualities / User Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
TEHETE 100% Cashmere | 100% Mongolian Cashmere | Scarves, cowls, hats | Soft, warm, excellent insulation, lightweight, luxury feel |
Rowan Pure | 100% Cashmere | Sweaters, cardigans, neck warmers, scarves | Pure softness, luxury garments, machine washable cold water |
Lang Yarns Premium | 100% Cashmere | Sweaters, scarves, general luxury accessories | Soft, lofty, excellent color range, hand wash care |
Lang Yarns Big | 100% Cashmere | Bulky warm accessories like scarves, beanies | Super bulky, cozy, quick projects, hand wash care |
Lotus Yarns Lace Weight | 50% Cashmere, 40% Wool, 10% Angora | Delicate lace patterns, shawls, wraps | Soft, smooth, excellent stitch definition, hand wash or dry clean |
Capretta Superwash | 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon | Machine-washable socks, mitts, scarves, lightweight cardigans | Soft, durable, machine washable, luxury with ease of care |
Autumn Wind Blend | 90% Cotton, 10% Cashmere | Baby accessories: cardigans, sweaters, hats, blankets | Soft, good drape, natural fibers, hand wash care |
Everyday vs. Luxury
You might want a cashmere sweater for every day or for special events. Pure cashmere feels fancy but needs gentle care. It can get fuzzy and moths like it, so you may save it for special days. Silk cashmere blends make sweaters better for daily use. These blends do not wrinkle much and keep their shape. You get both luxury and strength, so they are good for regular wear.
Skill Level
If you are new to knitting, silk cashmere blends are easier to use. They keep their shape and do not stretch a lot. Advanced knitters may like pure cashmere for fancy patterns. You can make pretty sweaters or accessories that show your skills. Both yarns let you try many knitting projects and styles.
How to Choose Cashmere Yarn
Project Goals
First, think about what you want to knit. If you want a fancy scarf or a soft hat, pick yarns that feel gentle on your skin. Pure cashmere yarns are very soft and feel special. These are great for gifts or delicate things. If you want to make a sweater or something you will wear a lot, try a cashmere silk blend. Silk makes the yarn stronger and helps it last longer. Silk blends also cost less, so they are good for bigger projects and daily use.
Here is a table to help you compare your choices:
Factor | Pure Cashmere Yarns | Cashmere Silk Double Yarns (Blended) |
|---|---|---|
Composition | 100% cashmere, natural fiber | Blend of cashmere and silk |
Softness & Luxury | Very high softness, luxury, and prestige | Softness of cashmere combined with silk’s shine |
Durability | More delicate, requires careful maintenance | Increased durability and strength |
Maintenance | Requires dry cleaning, more delicate | Easier to care for, less delicate |
Cost | More expensive | More affordable |
Suitability | Ideal for luxury garments, sensitive skin | Suitable for everyday wear, larger projects |
Lifespan | Longer lifespan if well cared for | Good durability but generally shorter lifespan |
Pilling & Yarn Structure | More prone to pilling | Reduced pilling, improved yarn structure |
Use Case | Luxury, refined accessories, sensitive skin | Cost-effective, durable, practical for frequent use |
Tip: Pick silk blends if you want your project to last and look shiny. Choose pure cashmere for the softest and most fancy feel.
Personal Preferences
Think about what is most important to you. If you like shiny yarn, silk blends give your knitting a nice glow. If you want something soft and warm, pure cashmere is best for comfort. Some people want yarns that are easy to take care of. Silk blends need less special care and do not pill as much. If you want something that lasts for years, pure cashmere is a good pick, but you need to be gentle with it.
You should also think about your budget. Silk blends usually cost less, so you can make bigger things without spending a lot. If you want the best quality, pure cashmere is worth it for small, special items. Always read the label to make sure you get the right yarn for your project.
Note: Your choice depends on what you want to make, how you want it to feel, and how much care you want to give your finished piece.
You now know the key differences between cashmere silk double yarns and pure cashmere.
Blends with silk hold their shape, resist wrinkles, and feel soft with a gentle sheen.
Pure cashmere feels softer and warmer but needs gentle care and works best for small, special items.
Many knitters choose blends for sweaters or daily wear because they last longer and cost less.
Remember: Match your yarn to your project’s needs. Avoid using pure cashmere for heavy-use items. Choose blends for strength and easy care.
FAQ
What projects work best with cashmere silk double yarns?
You can use cashmere silk double yarns for sweaters, shawls, and lightweight scarves. These yarns hold their shape and show off stitch patterns. You get a soft feel and a gentle shine. Many knitters choose them for garments they wear often.
How do I wash pure cashmere items?
You should hand wash pure cashmere in cold water with a gentle wool detergent. Lay your item flat to dry. Never wring or twist the fabric. This care keeps your cashmere soft and helps it last longer.
Does cashmere silk blend yarn pill less than pure cashmere?
Yes, cashmere silk blends pill less than pure cashmere. Silk adds strength and helps the yarn resist fuzz balls. You will notice your projects look newer for longer when you use a blend.
Is pure cashmere warmer than a silk blend?
Pure cashmere feels warmer because the fibers trap more heat. You stay cozy even in cold weather. Silk blends feel lighter and cooler, but still keep you comfortable.
Can beginners knit with cashmere yarns?
You can knit with both types as a beginner. Silk blends are easier because they hold their shape and resist stretching. Pure cashmere feels softer but needs gentle handling. Start with small projects to build your skills.
