Hand dyed yarns are super special because they are all made individually by hand by makers, and they have the most stunning gradient of colours! It is usually made with top quality locally sourced wools which means it is super soft and long lasting. There are many hand dyeing methods and many different dyes, and each dyer has a unique style and method. There are two main types of hand dyed yarn: tonal (one colour with slight variations) and variegated (lots of colours or shades). As a small business, I love supporting hand dyed yarn artists as they are also small businesses!

Though I love receiving hand dyed yarn, I find that I’m scared to start making with it because I am worried of ruining it, anyone else? 😂

I’ve found that the key to using hand dyed yarns is to choose a simple design, and let the yarn shine! Having too much going on can limit the potential of the yarn, but allowing it to be seen through simple designs and stitches will create harmonic, beautiful knitwear.

If you want to learn how to dye your own yarns, check out this blog post!

I’ve created this post to give you some examples of how I have used hand dyed yarn and how you can too! Let’s get started:

Part 1: Variegated

1.Wren and Ollie Sock

Wren and Ollie are a local Australian Yarn company creating stunning colourways. I fell in love with the beautiful speckles and mix of greens in the colour Poison Ivy and knew it would be perfect in a pretty Fall sweater. Thus, the Moss Valley Sweater was born! The Moss Valley is perfect for any hand dyed fingering yarn, and the simple texture allows the beautiful variegation to shine. If you have a speckle or variegated hand dyed yarn, the Moss Valley is perfect for using it!

Hand Dyed Yarns and what to make with them!.png

2. Hedgehog Fibres Merino DK

Another stunning dyer from Ireland creating vibrant, poppy colourways that can brighten any day! I used the colour A Day In May for my Birdsong Tee, which was the perfect blend of bright neons, pastel pinks and cool blues and greens. The symphony of colours created a unique piece, and the DK merino was perfect for a spring top. If you’re looking to use variegated or even tonal DK yarns, then the Birdsong Tee is perfect as it has a simple stitch pattern and easily customisable design. If you want to read more about the Birdsong, check out the design journal here.

3. Expression Fiber Arts Crema Sock

The blend of silk and merino in this yarn base creates a deliciously soft texture but also the perfect base for an array of colours. When I saw their Calliope colourway, I fell in love immediately and knew I had to design something beautiful. I combined it with a neutral white colour to make it pop in the Dancing Wings Socks. The contrast of the white and coloured yarn creates a beautiful colourwork sock pattern that is absolutely gorgeous. The whimsical hummingbird motif and optional ruffle make it a gorgeous Spring pattern, perfect for using up variegated sock yarns.

4. Emma’s Yarn Marvellous Mohair and Super Silky

The final yarn in the variegated section is this delightful mix of calming colours from Emma’s Yarn. Whoever said ‘blue and green should never be seen without a colour in between’ has obviously never seen their Everglades colourway! The hints of sage, teal, and bright green combine harmoniously with indigo and sky blue in this nature-inspired beauty. I used the yarn’s different textures to create the Dragonfly Jumper. This design uses simple stockinette stitch which means the yarn can really take centre stage. The light, slightly toned down colours in the mohair complement the boldness of the silk in a beautiful vintage inspired garment.

Part 2: Tonal

5. Louie and Lola Yarn Merino Singles and Mohair Silk

I love supporting local yarn companies and Louie and Lola are another Australian brand! They take inspiration from nature and use ethically and sustainably sourced yarn bases. Their colourways are all absolutely beautiful, and I used their Tea Rose on the Mohair Silk Lace and Lace Merino Singles bases. The yarn is a really lovely dusty pink that works perfectly in the romantic, feminine shawl.

6. Eden Cottage Yarns Bowlands 4ply

Eden Cottage Yarns are a UK based dyeing company creating stunning colourways on a wide range of bases. I used their Bowlands 4ply, a Blue Faced Leicester yarn that was super soft to work with. I picked the colour Bluebell, which is a perfect mix of pastel purple and blue and one of my favourite colours! It works perfectly in my Snowdrop Sweater as the cabling details are defined and stand out against the light yarn.

7. Expression Fiber Arts Pearlescent Worsted

This yarn is a combination of silk and merino which makes for the perfect base for beautiful colours. The single ply gives it a great drape and there is a variety of tonal and variegated colourways. I used the Accismus Hues set for my Infinitesimal Cardigan, which is a beautiful fade set of blues which I used to make the cardigan.

I hope I have inspired you to try working with a gorgeous hand dyed yarn! It’s amazing that we get to support small businesses, and also get the most beautiful, high quality wools. Do you have a favourite hand dyer? I’d love to know! Leave a comment so I can go follow them!

A Guide to Hand Dyed Yarns: What are they and what to make?