Yarn Bases and Care
All Sassy Black Yarns bases are chosen with real projects and real wear in mind — soft enough to enjoy working with, sturdy enough to use and love, and flexible for both knitters and crocheters.
Most colorways are dyed in small batches of six or fewer skeins in my studio in Manchester, CT. I work with a mix of superwash merino, Peruvian Highland wool, and baby alpaca so you can choose the base that fits your project, climate, and fiber preferences.
Bases at a Glance
| Weight | Base | Yardage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fingering / Sock 437 yds / 100g |
70% Superwash Merino / 30% Nylon | 437 yds / 100g | Socks, shawls, everyday accessories, light sweaters. Classic sock yarn — soft, springy, durable. Shows off speckles beautifully. A great first SBY base. |
| 100% Baby Alpaca | 437 yds / 100g | Shawls, cowls, scarves, next-to-skin pieces. Soft, drapey luxury. No nylon, so not recommended for hard-wearing socks. | |
| 100% Peruvian Highland Wool (Zebra) | 437 yds / 100g | Statement accessories, colorwork, bold texture. Built-in marled/striped effect before dye is even added. Non-superwash, more structure — great for colorwork. | |
|
Sport 328 yds / 100g |
100% Peruvian Highland Wool | 328 yds / 100g | Lightweight sweaters, colorwork, hats, mitts. A lovely in-between — lighter than DK, more body than fingering. Non-superwash. |
|
DK 245 yds / 100g |
70% Superwash Merino / 30% Nylon | 245 yds / 100g | Sweaters, cardigans, shawls, kids' knits. Soft, durable workhorse. Easier care thanks to superwash + nylon. |
| 100% Peruvian Highland Wool | 245 yds / 100g | Garments, textured patterns, colorwork yokes. More tooth and structure — classic woolly sweater feel. Non-superwash. | |
|
Worsted 218 yds / 100g |
100% Baby Alpaca | 218 yds / 100g | Cowls, scarves, shawls, wraps. Soft, luxurious warmth with lots of drape and halo. |
| 100% Peruvian Highland Wool | 218 yds / 100g | Classic sweaters, hats, mittens, blankets. Traditional wool feel, great stitch definition, excellent in cables and colorwork. Non-superwash. | |
|
Minis 87 yds / 20g |
70% Superwash Merino / 30% Nylon | 87 yds / 20g | Heels, toes, cuffs, stripes, colorwork accents, borders, edgings, and building fades without committing to full skeins. |
Care Instructions
Superwash Bases (Merino/Nylon blends)
- Hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool wash for longest life
- If machine washing, use a delicate or wool cycle, cool water, and a mesh bag
- Lay flat to dry — avoid the dryer to preserve color and fabric
Non-Superwash Wool & Alpaca (Peruvian Highland, Baby Alpaca)
- Hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool wash
- Do not agitate aggressively (to avoid felting)
- Gently squeeze out water; do not wring
- Lay flat to dry, reshaping the piece as it dries
Always check the product label for exact instructions — the above is a general guide.
A Note About Hand-Dyed Color
Because all SBY yarn is hand-dyed in small batches, you can expect:
- Slight variation between skeins
- More complexity and uniqueness in speckled and variegated colorways
- Dye-lot differences over time
For projects using multiple skeins of the same colorway: alternate skeins every few rows (knit) or rounds (crochet), and check you're happy with the fabric and pooling before you fully commit.
Not Sure Which Base to Choose?
If you know what you want to make but aren't sure which base is best, you can:
- Check the Yarn Details on any product page
- Visit the Sweater Quantities & Dyed to Order page for planning larger projects
- Send me a note and tell me: what you want to make, knit/crochet/both, and how you like your finished fabric to feel (light, drapey, sturdy, cozy, etc.)
I'm always happy to help you match a Sassy Black Yarns base (and colorway) to your next project. 💜