High Desert Worsted

High Desert Worsted is 100% American wool, grown, spun and dyed in the US, with 217 yards (198 meters) in each 100-gram skein. Knit Picks created it out of a love for American wool and the local fiber community.

It has a rustic, honest character: warm, a little toothy, and full of body. Stitches look clear and slightly textured, and the fabric holds its shape well. The colors have names like Quail, Willow, Forge and Stargazing, suggesting landscapes and open skies.

It suits knitters who want a sturdy, warm wool with a sense of place, and who like supporting domestic wool production.

Best for

• Classic worsted sweaters and cardigans
• Warm hats, mittens and cowls
• Textured and cabled patterns
• Blankets and throws

Working with it

Use US 6–9 needles for 4.5–5 stitches per inch. Rustic wool has natural grip, which makes it easy to manage and good for colorwork and cables. It may feel a little firm in the skein, but wool like this usually softens after washing. Swatch and wash before measuring, since the fabric usually blooms and evens out once wet. A 100-gram skein gives plenty of yardage for a hat with some left over. Our natural fiber guide explains how different wools behave, and the yarn estimator will help you plan quantities.

Care

The catalog doesn't give care instructions. For untreated wool, hand wash in cool water with a wool wash, avoid agitation, press out the water and dry flat.