Harrisville Designs Highland Cones (227g)
Some yarns look beautiful on the cone but don’t stand the test of time. Highland Cones by Harrisville Designs are different—they’re spun to become softer and stronger with every wash and wear, making them a dream for weavers and knitters creating everything from everyday favourites to heirloom treasures.
There’s nothing quite as disheartening as seeing your finished project lose its shape or pill after just a few wears, especially after you’ve poured so much care into every stitch. But what if your yarn could improve with time, not deteriorate?
That’s where Highland Cones by Harrisville Designs shine. These yarns are made to evolve, softening beautifully with each wash and wear. It’s comforting to know your work will not only hold up but improve, becoming even more special as it’s used and loved. Whether you're creating a treasured garment or a cherished home piece, Highland is made to last.
Picture the feel of a finished piece—dense, warm, gently softened, and full of character. That quiet satisfaction of “I made this” only deepens when you know it’s built to last.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Woollen spun texture: Light, lofty, and full of character for pieces that breathe and insulate naturally
- Deep, tweedy colour palette: Choose from 64 heathered shades with visual depth and charm
- Softer with each wash: Slightly toothy at first, this yarn rewards you with increasing softness over time
- Generous 227g cone: Perfect for larger projects, no need to constantly join new yarn
- Excellent for weaving and knitting: Ideal sett (8–10 e.p.i) and gauge range makes it versatile for both crafts
- Sustainably made in the USA: 100% virgin wool from a family-run mill with deep textile heritage
1 x 227g Highland Cone from Harrisville Designs
- Weight: Worsted
- Fibre: 100% Virgin Wool
- Spin: Woollen spun
- Needle Size: US 5–7
- Gauge: 4.5 sts per inch (18 sts = 10 cm)
- Yardage: Approx. 450 yards (411 metres) per 227g (½ lb) cone
- Recommended Sett: 8–10 e.p.i
No, this yarn is unwashed and contains spinning oils, which provide extra strength during weaving and processing. Washing the finished woven or knitted piece with a gentle cleanser will remove these oils, allowing the yarn to bloom and reveal its full texture.
After washing, the yarn transforms, blooming and softening significantly. The fibres relax, creating a loftier, fuller fabric with enhanced warmth and flexibility. This process also improves stitch definition in knitted items and adds depth to woven fabrics.
Yes, both versions are made from the same wool fibre and spun to the same specifications. However, the coned yarn is unwashed and contains spinning oils. Once the coned yarn is washed, the yarn blooms, softens and matches the skeined version in weight and feel.
If using coned yarn for knitting, wash it before working with it to remove the spinning oils. Skein your yarn into hanks, secure with ties and soak the yarn in hot water with a drop or two of dish soap or wool wash, then rinse thoroughly. Allow it to dry completely before winding it into a ball.
Yes, Harrisville Designs Highland yarn is designed for both weaving and knitting. Its durability makes it excellent for warp and weft in weaving, while its structure and loft create beautifully textured knitted garments, outerwear, and accessories.
An 8-10 ends per inch (epi) sett is recommended, depending on the weave structure and desired fabric density. A looser sett will create a softer, more drapey fabric, while a tighter sett enhances durability and structure.
This yarn is designed to improve with each wash and wear. The wool softens over time, making garments and woven fabrics more comfortable. Despite its softness, it retains excellent durability, resisting wear and tear while maintaining structure and resilience.
Yes, as a 100% virgin wool yarn, it takes dye exceptionally well. Acid dyes or natural dyes can be used to achieve vibrant or subtle color effects. Pre-washing is recommended before dyeing to remove spinning oils and ensure even dye absorption.
Recommended needle sizes range from 3.75-4.5 mm (US 5-7), depending on the desired fabric density. A tighter gauge will produce a structured fabric, while a looser gauge creates a softer, more flexible drape. The approximate gauge is 4.5 stitches per inch.
Harrisville Designs Highland yarn is a unique blend of fine Australian and hearty New Zealand wools, offering a balance of softness, durability, and structure. Compared to other worsted-weight wools, it has a distinctive lustre, loft, and resilience, making it ideal for both everyday wear and heirloom-quality projects.