Ashford 100% Merino 4 Ply Superwash - 50g
You want a yarn that feels soft, handles beautifully, and holds up to daily life, especially for wearables and gifts. Ashford’s 100% Merino 4 Ply Superwash gives you that ideal balance: silky feel, excellent stitch definition, and easy-care convenience in one reliable, vibrant ball.
It’s frustrating when you fall in love with a yarn only to discover it pills after a few wears, or worse, felts in the wash. You want your handmade pieces to last, not sit in a drawer waiting for gentle treatment. Especially if they’re being gifted or worn often, fibre needs to be dependable.
That’s where this 4 ply superwash merino shines. The fine micron count makes it soft enough for baby clothes and shawls, while the higher-twist construction helps it resist pilling and maintain crisp stitch detail. And with machine washability, it’s as practical as it is beautiful. You don’t have to choose between softness, performance, or convenience; you get all three.
The real joy comes when you finish your project and feel confident it’s made to be used. Whether you’re knitting a wearable piece or weaving a gift, this yarn adds polish and longevity to your creations. It’s a small but meaningful upgrade that makes your work feel thoughtful, finished, and ready for everyday life.
To make your process even easier, we also offer a ball winding service, so your yarn is ready to cast on the moment it arrives.
Key Features & Benefits
- Machine washable – Superwash treatment makes care easy and stress-free
- Silky-soft feel – 100% fine merino that’s gentle enough for babywear
- Great stitch definition – Higher twist adds strength and visual clarity
- Versatile 4 ply weight – Ideal for garments, accessories, and lightweight blankets
- Durable & less prone to pilling – Holds up well to wear and washing
Beautiful colour range – Choose from 15 coordinating, easy-to-style shades
1 x 50g ball of Ashford Merino 4 Ply Superwash Yarn
- Fibre Content: 100% Superwash Merino Wool
- Yarn Weight: 4 ply / fingering
- Unit Weight: 50g ball
- Length per Unit: 200m / 218yds
- Recommended Needle Size: 2.75–3.25mm (US 2–3)
- Weaving Sett: 10–12.5 dpi
- Tension Gauge: 26–28 sts x 36 rows = 10cm
- Care Instructions: Gentle machine wash
This versatile yarn is ideal for a range of projects, including babywear, adult garments, accessories, shawls, and blankets. Its superwash treatment makes it easy to care for, making it a popular choice for everyday knits that require durability, softness, and warmth without the hassle of handwashing.
The unique high-twist construction of four finely spun singles plied together gives the yarn a sleek appearance with excellent stitch definition. This makes it particularly well-suited for cables, lace, and textured stitch patterns. The high twist also helps prevent pilling and increases the yarn’s resistance to abrasion.
Yes, as a superwash-treated yarn, it is machine washable, making it a practical choice for garments and accessories that require regular laundering. For best results, use a gentle cycle with mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers and reduce breathability.
The recommended needle size for this yarn is 2.75–3.25mm (US 2–3), which helps achieve the desired balance of stitch definition and fabric flexibility. Smaller needles can be used for more structured projects, while larger needles create a softer, drapier fabric.
Each 50g ball of this yarn contains approximately 200 meters (218 yards), offering a generous amount of yardage for lightweight garments and accessories. This makes it an efficient choice for shawls, scarves, and baby garments that require a soft but durable yarn.
The tension gauge for this yarn is 26–28 stitches and 36 rows per 10cm (4 inches) when knitted with recommended needle sizes. This gauge provides a fine, smooth fabric with excellent stitch clarity, making it ideal for detailed knitting patterns and lacework.
For best results, machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water, then lay flat to dry. Avoid tumble drying, as high heat can damage the fibres. Blocking finished items helps maintain shape and enhances the stitch definition of lace or textured patterns.
Yes, this yarn is suitable for weaving and is often used for scarves, wraps, and lightweight textiles. A recommended sett of 10–12.5 dpi (dents per inch) allows for a balanced weave structure that retains the natural elasticity of the wool while preventing excessive stretching.
The yarn is available in a palette of 15 coordinating and versatile colors, ranging from neutrals to vibrant hues. These colors are designed to complement each other, making it easy to create harmonious multi-color projects or gradient effects in shawls and accessories.
Yes, the high-twist construction makes it more resistant to pilling compared to lower-twist wool yarns. This helps maintain the crisp look of the fabric even after repeated washing and wearing. However, as with all wool, some surface fuzzing may occur over time with heavy use. A sweater razor can be used to restore garments.