Falling For Mako: Cotton For A Wool Girl

The comments and opinions in this post reflect my own personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences. – Erica

I’ve never been shy about telling people that I’m primarily a “wool girl,” although I’ve never deemed myself a “yarn snob.” I use acrylics or blends and definitely understand personal preference and why you might chose to use different fibers, weights, or types of yarns.

Now, having said all that, I’ve never met a cotton I truly fell in love with. I’ve used a lot of yarn, designed with many fibers, and dyed many more. What I tend to find is that cotton hurts my hands and wrists. I struggle to keep my gauge consistent in flat stockinette (working in the round is easier for me since you knit all stitches). Unless there’s good reason (like an allergy) to avoid a particular fiber I try and never say never. So when I saw this new yarn I may have wrinkled my nose when I saw “94% cotton” on the label, but I grabbed a ball anyway.

And then I made a swatch….

….And then I grabbed another 10 balls.

Mako Cotton

The yarn I’m referring to is a new one that is part of the LB Collection® called Mako Cotton. And for what might be the first time in my life, I’m in love with a cotton.

They say love is about finding the right one, yes?

This yarn has a somewhat loose chainette construction with a slight halo. Each 50 gram ball has 126 yards, which makes it on the light end of worsted weight (CYC#4/Medium).

I’m knitting up a cardigan (sorry, no pattern! I’m just doing my own thing) in a combination of 2×2 ribbing, stockinette, and garter stitches using US size 5 (3.75mm) and 6 (4mm) needles.

Although my stitches are nothing fancy, the fabric looks beautiful. I keep pausing to pet it and dream of wearing it, which does nothing for actually achieving said dream.

The conclusion? Lesson learned. I can love cotton. It’s just about finding the right one!

LB Collection® Mako Cotton is prized for its extra-long staple length, which produces the smoothest, strongest cotton fiber available. LB Collection’s Mako Cotton is spun into a chainette construction, which allows for air to pass through the yarn. This creates softer, more lightweight projects than traditional spun cotton yarns. A mere 50 grams of this CYC 4 yarn has over 125 yards (in comparison, mercerized cotton in a similar gauge has 93 yards/50 grams.) It also lends durability to the yarn and prevents shedding. Luxuriously soft to the touch, LB Collection’s Mako Cotton is perfect for lightweight summer tops, cozy après beach hoodies, and any kid or baby’s project. (They’ll never be able to complain that what you make them is too itchy again.) In a fun palette of classics and brights, Mako Cotton will be your go-to cotton for all your trans-seasonal projects. So go make something out of Mako Cotton!

SHOP FOR MAKO COTTON