ITO Tetsu - Silk and Stainless Steel Yarn
Sometimes your project requires something unexpected, something that combines movement, structure, and softness all in one. ITO Tetsu combines silk and stainless steel to create a yarn with memory and form, opening up creative possibilities you won’t find in traditional fibres.
You know that moment when your project needs a little something extra, but not louder colour or more texture, just a different kind of presence? That’s when the usual yarns start to feel limiting. You want materials that offer more, more shape, more structure, more expression.
ITO Tetsu answers that need with subtle elegance. It’s a fine yarn that pairs the softness of mulberry silk with the sculptural potential of stainless steel. The result is a yarn with “memory”; it retains its shape, adds body to the fabric, and allows for experimentation. Whether you’re adding structure to a scarf, creating dimensional folds, or exploring shape in weaving or knitwear, this yarn gives you tools to think beyond the flat plane.
The feeling of working with Tetsu is like discovering a quiet secret, delicate in the hand, but full of strength and possibility. Your finished pieces will reflect not only your creativity but also your curiosity. It’s a thoughtful, surprising material that lets your imagination play in ways you hadn’t considered before.
Can’t decide on a colour? Take a look at the Tetsu sample cards available for this yarn.
Key Features & Benefits
- Silk-soft texture – Fine mulberry silk gives a delicate handfeel and subtle sheen
- Built-in memory – Stainless steel twist allows fabric to be shaped and hold form
- Unique structure – Adds gentle sculptural dimension to weaving and knitting
- Experimental-friendly – Encourages play with folds, pleats, and texture
- Extremely fine yarn – Great for layering, mixing, or adding accents
Distinctive fibre blend – Balances softness with strength and form
1 x 15g cone of ITO Tetsu – Silk and Stainless Steel Yarn
- Fibre Content: 61% mulberry silk / 39% stainless steel
- Yarn Weight: Extremely fine (lace/specialty)
- Unit Weight: 15g cone
- Length: 246m / 286yds
- Metres per Kilo: 16,400m
- Yarn Delivery: Cone
ITO Tetsu is a unique blend of 61% mulberry silk and 39% stainless steel. The silk provides softness, shine, and fluidity, while the stainless steel filament adds structure and memory, allowing the fabric to retain shapes. This innovative combination makes it ideal for creating sculptural and artistic textiles.
The stainless steel filament gives the yarn a remarkable “memory,” allowing it to hold its shape once manipulated. This makes it excellent for creating three-dimensional effects, sculptural garments, and accessories with a unique, modern texture. Unlike rigid metallic threads, it remains flexible and wearable.
The recommended needle size is 4mm (US 7), which helps achieve a balanced gauge of 22 stitches per 10 cm (4 inches). However, needle size can vary depending on the desired fabric structure—using larger needles creates a more open, airy texture, while smaller needles result in a denser fabric.
Yes, ITO Tetsu is often combined with other ITO yarns to introduce unique textures and structural elements to knitted or woven pieces. Pairing it with a soft wool or silk yarn can enhance warmth, drape, and body while still preserving the yarn’s ability to hold shape.
This yarn is ideal for experimental and avant-garde designs where texture and structure are key. It works beautifully for sculptural accessories like wraps, collars, and artistic scarves. It’s also perfect for modern, architectural garments, experimental textile art, and innovative weaving projects.
Hand washing in cool water with a mild detergent is recommended to preserve the yarn’s delicate silk fibers and metallic content. Avoid wringing or excessive agitation. Lay flat to dry, shaping the piece as needed to retain its unique sculptural qualities. Do not iron or machine wash.
Despite its metallic content, ITO Tetsu remains soft and comfortable due to the high percentage of mulberry silk. The stainless steel filament is extremely fine and does not cause scratchiness or stiffness, making the yarn surprisingly wearable while still allowing for structured fabric effects.
Yes, ITO Tetsu is excellent for weaving and can be used to create unique textures, dimensional effects, and lightweight yet structured woven fabrics. It is particularly well-suited for art textiles, decorative fabrics, and fashion-forward woven pieces that benefit from its memory and sculptural properties.
Each 15g skein of ITO Tetsu contains approximately 246 metres (269 yards) of yarn. Its fine weight allows for a high yardage-to-weight ratio, making it a great choice for intricate and lightweight designs. A small amount of yarn can create dramatic and impactful results.
No special techniques are required, but handling with care is recommended to prevent tangling. Because of its structure, experimenting with tension and gauge can enhance its sculptural qualities. Combining it with other yarns or using blocking techniques can help achieve different textural effects.