3 Embellishing Yarns and How to Use Them.
May 07 2025 – Angeles R
Ever felt like your project needs just a little something extra? That’s where embellishing yarns come in. These are the fine, often fluffy or sparkly yarns that you can carry along with your main strand to add texture, depth, or a bit of glitz to your knitting or crochet. They’re the secret ingredient that can take your makes from “lovely” to “oh wow, tell me everything about that!”
If you're itching to mix things up a bit, embellishing yarns are your crafty playground. Think of them as the sprinkles, the spice, or the statement earrings of the yarn world – small additions that can make a big difference.
We'll give you 3 reasons to use these fantastic yarns, plus an extra tip. Read long!
1. Breathe New Life into a Trusted Project
We all have those patterns we come back to again and again – the ones that fit just right, knit up like a dream, and always get compliments. But sometimes, even a favourite could use a little refresh. That’s where embellishing yarns come into their own.
Leonie vs Sparkly Leonie
Take Leonie by Julie Weisenberger of Cocoknits, for example – a much-loved staple among our team and customers alike. It’s a relaxed, slouchy tee that flies off the needles and somehow manages to feel both effortless and stylish.
The clever Cocoknits construction means you also get to add a few useful techniques to your toolkit – from special neckline bind-offs to shadow wrap short rows.
Now imagine taking that go-to summer knit and pairing your main yarn with a strand of subtle sparkle. Suddenly, you’ve got a whole new version of Leonie – maybe a little dressier, a bit more textured, or just that bit more you. It’s still the same trusty pattern, but with a fresh twist that makes it feel brand new.
Quick Tip
When pairing an embellishing yarn with a familiar pattern, knit a quick swatch to see how the texture and drape change. For a relaxed top like this one you might find you want to go up a needle size, or even try a slightly more relaxed fit for maximum effect. But always SWATCH SWATCH SWATCH.
Looking for yarns with a bit of sparkle?
2. Add Instant Texture (Without the Fuss)
Make it tweed!
Sometimes your project just needs a little extra something – a bit more dimension, a splash of colour, or a touch of interest that lifts plain yarn to a whole new level. That’s exactly what Make It Tweed is made for. The name really does say it all!
This multicoloured, textured thread is designed to be held alongside your main yarn, instantly creating a classic tweedy effect – without the need to buy a whole new yarn or switch up your favourite fibres. It brings bright pops of colour to solid shades, giving flat fabrics a bit of flair and personality.
We love how easy it is to use – no complicated techniques or changes to your pattern needed. Just carry it along as you go and watch the magic happen. It’s ideal for accessories like hats and mitts, but it works beautifully in garments too, especially if you want to play with colour in a subtle, wearable way.
TIP: Casting on with Multiple Strands
Here’s a handy trick: just cast on with your main yarn only, and then introduce the embellishing yarn when you start your first row or round. It keeps things nice and simple, and your tension will stay steady – especially if your carry-along is lace weight or finer. Easy!
3. Add a Little Fluff (and a Lot of Warmth)
There’s something undeniably cosy about a soft halo of fluff floating over your stitches. Whether you’re going for dreamy and delicate or snug and snuggly, holding a fine fluffy yarn alongside your main yarn can completely transform the look and feel of your project. It’s one of the simplest ways to add warmth, texture, and that cloud-like softness we all love.
Mohair is the classic choice here – airy, lightweight, and available in a gorgeous range of shades. But we know mohair’s not for everyone, whether due to yarn sensitivities or personal preference.
The good news? There are plenty of fabulous alternatives. Midnatssol is one of our favourites: a beautiful blend of baby alpaca, tencel, and merino that delivers all the fluff and warmth, without a single mohair fibre in sight.
These yarns are especially lovely held together with smoother bases like merino or silk blends – adding depth, drape, and a touch of gentle fuzz. The final fabric is warmer without being bulky, and has that comforting softness that just makes you want to wrap up in it all day.
Kits with Merino + Mohair yarn combo
LOVE NOTE
This much-loved pattern from Tin Can Knits is pairs two of our studio favourites – Fade St 4ply and Abbey Lace from Townhouse Yarns. The result? A lightweight, luxurious knit with beautiful drape and a soft mohair halo. Fade St brings that gorgeous merino-silk sheen, while Abbey Lace adds warmth and a delicate glow. A stunning combo for a sweater that feels just as special as it looks.
With its romantic lace yoke and relaxed shape, Love Note is a modern classic that’s as fun to knit as it is to wear. Perfect for adventurous beginners or anyone after a quick, satisfying project with a touch of fluff.
BALLOON SWEATER
If you love a relaxed shape with just the right amount of drama, the Balloon Sweater ticks all the boxes. Those statement sleeves tapering into neat ribbed cuffs give it a real edge, while the top-down, seamless construction keeps things smooth and straightforward on the needles.
Short rows shape the neckline for a comfy fit, the body is knit in the round for that clean, polished look, and the sleeves are picked up and worked down – no fiddly seams, just simple, satisfying knitting. It’s the kind of sweater you’ll wear on repeat, and the minimal finishing means it’s off the needles and onto your shoulders in no time.
This pattern pairs Sandnes Garn Sunday and Tynn Silk Mohair held together, creating a soft, airy fabric with a beautiful halo
