Cottolin 70% Cotton / 30% Linen (Ne 8/2) - 200g | Ashford
Looking for a yarn that’s soft enough for tea towels yet crisp enough for table linens? Ashford’s Cottolin has you covered. Blending the comfort of cotton with the strength and texture of linen, it offers a versatile, reliable yarn that weaves like a dream and holds its shape beautifully, even after everyday use and washing.
There’s something magical about finding a yarn that feels just right in your hands and weaves up beautifully. When you’re after that perfect balance—structure for stability, softness for comfort—it all comes down to choosing the right fibre blend. With the right yarn, your everyday weaving projects become a joy from first pick to final piece.
Ashford’s Cottolin takes the guesswork out. With 70% cotton and 30% linen, it brings together the best of both worlds. You’ll get the strength and smoothness of cotton with the subtle sheen and crispness of linen—all in a yarn that’s easy to handle and consistent across the loom. The curated colour range makes it even more satisfying, helping you feel confident that what’s in your head can come to life in cloth.
Once woven, this yarn truly shines. Whether you’re creating kitchen towels, garments, or tableware, your fabric will hold its shape, feel beautifully balanced, and stand up to real life—machine washing, hot irons, and all. It’s a fibre that supports your creativity from first thread to finished piece, giving you results you can be proud of and enjoy for years.
Key Features & Benefits
- Balanced fibre blend: 70% cotton for softness, 30% linen for strength and crisp texture
- Versatile Ne 8/2 weight: Perfect for projects calling for 8/2 cotton—great for towels, table linens, and more
- Smooth weaving experience: Even twist and dependable tension, ideal for both beginner and experienced weavers
- Durable and washable: Machine washable, tumble dry safe, and handles hot irons without issue
- Rich, inspiring colours: Carefully curated palette with naturals, jewel tones, and soft brights
Great for warp and weft: Strong enough to hold warp tension, with just enough give for flexible design choices
1x Ashford Cottolin Yarn Cone – Ne 8/2 (200g)
- Fibre Content: 70% Cotton / 30% Linen
- Yarn Count: Ne 8/2
- Unit Weight: 200g cone
- Length per Unit: 1345m (1470yds)
- Metres per Kilo: 6725m
- Yards per Pound: 3342yds
- Suggested Sett: 18–24 epi
Care Instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry, hot iron safe
Yes, the cotton-linen blend creates a lightweight, breathable fabric that is perfect for summer scarves and wraps. It absorbs moisture well, keeping the wearer cool. Over time, the linen softens with washing, enhancing the comfort and drape of finished pieces.
The suggested sett for Ashford’s 8/2 Cottolin depends on the weave structure. For plain weave, 18–24 ends per inch (EPI) is recommended. For twill weaves, a denser sett of 24–30 EPI may be used to create a more structured fabric with better definition.
The 30% linen content adds crispness and durability to the yarn without making it overly stiff. While new linen fabrics may feel firm, they become increasingly softer with use and washing, making them comfortable for garments, towels, and household textiles.
Yes, Ashford’s 8/2 Cottolin is well-suited for rigid heddle looms. Using an appropriate heddle size, such as a 15 dent heddle, or by holding yarn double in a 10 dent heddle, allows for effective warp spacing. It is ideal for weaving towels, scarves, and lightweight table linens on a rigid heddle loom.
Cottolin is more absorbent than pure cotton because of its linen content, which helps it wick moisture efficiently. This makes it excellent for weaving dish towels, hand towels, and table linens that require quick drying and durability while maintaining a natural, rustic texture.
Yes, Cottolin is an easy-to-weave yarn that is great for beginners. It is strong, holds tension well, and does not break easily. While the linen content makes it slightly stiffer than 100% cotton, it is still manageable for those learning to weave or knit with plant fibers.
Cottolin is versatile and can be used for a wide range of projects, including handwoven dish towels, tea towels, table runners, napkins, lightweight clothing, and home textiles. Its durability and absorbency make it a popular choice for functional and decorative fabric items.
Ashford’s 8/2 Cottolin is the same weight as standard 8/2 cotton yarns, meaning it can be substituted directly in patterns. However, because of the linen content, it may feel slightly crisper initially and have more texture compared to pure cotton yarns.
A 12.5-dent heddle is recommended for a balanced plain weave using 8/2 Cottolin. For twill and more intricate patterns, a finer heddle (such as 15-dent) may be used to achieve a denser fabric with clear weave structure and pattern definition.
Yes, Cottolin is strong enough to be used as a warp yarn. The linen content enhances its durability, making it resistant to breaking under tension. It is an excellent choice for weaving towels, tablecloths, and other home textiles that require long-lasting strength and stability.