Mechita

Mechita is Malabrigo's fingering-weight single-ply in 100% superwash merino, with 420 yards in each 100 g skein. It's the lighter sister to Malabrigo's bulky Mecha.

It comes in Malabrigo's kettle-dyed colors, from soft neutrals to bright, saturated shades. Kettle dyeing gives the colors a painterly variation. The single ply is soft and smooth, with a gentle drape.

It's for knitters who want hand-dyed color in a washable fingering. A single skein is enough for many shawls, and it works for socks too. If you'd like the same Malabrigo palette in a heavier weight, try Rios.

Best for

• Socks and fingerless mitts
• Shawls and wraps
• Lightweight sweaters and tees
• Fade projects using several colorways

Working with it

The listed needles are US 1–2, at 6.5–7.5 stitches per inch. Single-ply yarns can be less hard-wearing than plied yarns, so for socks a firm gauge will help them last. Kettle-dyed skeins vary a little, so alternate skeins every few rows in larger projects. Superwash merino relaxes when wet, so always wash your swatch first. See our hand-dyed yarn guide for more. It works well for crochet too, giving a smooth, drapey fabric.

Care

It's superwash merino, so machine washing is generally fine. A cool, gentle cycle and drying flat is kindest to the single ply and the colors. Wash saturated colors separately the first time in case of excess dye.