Can you knit with Wool in summer?

This might sound crazy…

but one of the BEST fibers you can knit with during the summer…

…is wool.

Specifically MERINO wool.

But how is that possible, you ask?

Isn’t wool supposed to keep you warm?

Yes, {{ subscriber.first_name | fellow knitter }} it’s great for that, but the same properties that make wool ideal for the cold ALSO help keep you cool.

Let me explain.

😎 How Wool keeps you cool

We’ve already discussed why wool is a great for sweaters.

Just like a on sheep, the wool fibers act like a tiny micro-climate surrounding your skin.

The structure of the fibers allow its core to absorb moisture, while the scales on the outside help that moisture to bead up and run off.

This wicking property acts like a mini-air conditioner, keeping you both dry and cool.

And the high crimp of Merino wool also means it does not spin uniformly.

This creates tons of tiny air pockets between the fibers, allowing wool to absorb twice as much moisture as cotton.

But Merino has another trick up its fleece…

🪄 The Magic of Microns

Microns are the thickness of fibers, and the smaller their count the thinner they can be spun. It also is a contributing factor in how soft the yarn will feel.

Luckily Merino is pretty darn small in the micron area.

That means that you can spin it very thin and it will also feel nice and soft against the skin.

These two factors are important for warm weather knits, because while Merino is good at keeping you cool, a thick sweater is still going to be hot.

Instead, you’re going to want a light weight Merino if you plan to knit with wool this summer.

Lightweight Merino Wool Yarns We Love

Here’s some of our favorite lightweight Merino wool yarns you might want to check out:

Galileo by Knit Picks

Sport Weight (CYC #2) | 50% Superwash Merino Wool / 50% Viscose from Bamboo (131yds / 50g)

This merino and bamboo blend has a soft sheen that makes your stitches look fancy without trying too hard. Soft enough for sensitive skin, pretty enough to justify the splurge.
Get it here
Twill Fingering by KnitPicks

Fingering Weight (CYC #1) | 100% Fine Superwash Merino Wool (183yds / 50g)

Twill is everything you’d want in a yarn: it’s bouncy, versatile, and luxuriously soft—it blocks beautifully too! Twill’s lovely sheen and next-to-skin softness combined with its machine-washable convenience make it the stash essential you’ll reach for again and again.
Get it here
Valley Superwash DK by Valley Yarns

DK weight (CYC #3) | 100% Superwash Merino Wool (137yds / 50g)

Don’t let the “DK” fool you — this yarn pulls its weight in stitch definition and softness. Made from 100% extra fine Italian Merino, it’s smooth, squishy, and machine-washable (yes, really). With 137 yards per skein, it’s a dream for baby knits, lightweight sweaters, and crisp colorwork. The 3-ply twist makes cables pop and keeps your stitches tidy, whether you're knitting or crocheting. Teal green not your color? There’s a whole rainbow waiting — plus an undyed base if you're feeling bold enough to dye your own.
Get it at Amazon
Simplicity DK by HiKoo

DK weight (CYC #3) | 55% Superwash Merino Wool/ 28% Acrylic / 17% Nylon(117yds / 50g)

This clever little DK blend (Merino, acrylic, and nylon) is soft, breathable, and doesn’t throw a tantrum in the washing machine. It’s the kind of yarn that plays nice when the heat is on — perfect for warm-weather sweaters, baby gifts, or that “I swear it’s not too hot to knit” tank top. It’s got bounce, it’s got drape, and it won’t leave you sweating just looking at it. Bonus: the colors are basically begging to be turned into stripes.
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Harvest Fingering by Urth Yarns

Fingering weight (CYC #1) | 100% Extrafine Merino (435yds / 100g)

Urth Yarn's Harvest Fingering is offered in an assortment of beautiful colors, each yarn in this collection is named after the origin of its color, the roots, fruits and nuts we use! Like everything else in nature, the dyeing process for these stunning threads always end up in ways that surprise us in the most beautiful manner with each yarn portraying a unique, eye-catching color.
Get it here