Noro Saiun gradient yarn, 70 % wool 30 % polyamide, 150 g

Noro Saiun – gradient yarn in wool and polyamide

Noro Saiun is a knitting yarn with a long colour gradient, made from 70 % wool and 30 % polyamide. You can knit jumpers, cardigans, socks, hats or shawls with it without having to join in new yarn for a colour change: the gradient is already built into the strand. The polyamide makes the fabric firmer and more hard-wearing, while the wool provides warmth. One ball weighs 150 g and, according to the manufacturer, holds 492 yds, which is approx. 450 m. That makes it easy to estimate the yarn requirements for larger projects.

According to Noro, Saiun belongs to the yarns with a colour structure similar to Noro Ito, which the manufacturer calls its "big brother". Choose your colour from the options.

What to use Saiun for

On needles of 3.5–4.5 mm, Saiun knits up loosely to medium-firm. That suits jumpers, cardigans and shawls where the texture and colour gradient are meant to show. The manufacturer also mentions socks and winter hats, where the polyamide adds strength. You can also crochet with the yarn; Noro gives a tension of 12 treble stitches over 10 cm.

Working with Saiun

What matters is the tension given in your pattern; the figure on the ball band is only a guide. With gradient yarn, the colour pattern depends on where in the gradient you start a ball. If you want the colour sequence to look the same on, say, two sleeves or on the front and back, start each piece at the same point in the colour gradient. Care for your knitting according to the Noro symbols: do not machine wash, do not tumble dry, dry flat in the shade.

Noro Saiun product details

• Brand: Noro, Saiun series (manufacturer's no. K-SAIUN)
• Composition: 70 % wool, 30 % polyamide
• Ball weight: 150 g
• Length: approx. 450 m (492 yds)
• Yarn weight: between light and aran, according to Noro
• Recommended needle size: 3.5–4.5 mm
• Tension over 10 × 10 cm: 20–22 stitches × 28–30 rows
• Crochet tension: 12 treble stitches over 10 cm
• Origin: Japan
• Care according to Noro: do not machine wash, do not bleach, do not iron, do not tumble dry, dry flat in the shade, dry clean only with petroleum solvent

You will also need: knitting needles or crochet hook in the size given in your pattern (Noro recommends 3.5–4.5 mm)