We’ve discussed the benefits of cotton yarn in the past.
It’s a great warm weather fiber, and has some unique properties that make it great for knitting.
But while cotton does not have the diversity that wool has, not all cotton is the same.
One such cotton stands out among the rest…
So, today we’re going to look at what makes Pima cotton so special.
What is Pima cotton?
There are two species of cotton which make their way into yarn and fabric today.
Upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, is by far the most common, making up around 95% of worldwide cotton production.
The other 5% is left to the higher quality fibers of Egyptian, Sea Island, and Pima cotton.
All of these are derived from the Gossypium barbadense plant, which has a longer staple fiber.
The longer fibers make them both softer AND stronger than regular cotton.
When spun into yarn, those long staples make for a smoother strand. We perceive this smoothness as being softer.
This is one reason why Pima is considered a luxury fiber.
A brief history of Pima
While Egyptian cotton is unsurprisingly Egyptian, Pima finds its roots in the American south.
Originally grown on the famed Sea Islands of South Carolina in the 1790’s, it was selectively bred to create a uniquely American varietal.
But it would take more than 100 years before the American Department of Agriculture worked with the Pima tribes of Arizona to cultivate this strain of cotton.
Today Pima only grows in mild, warm, and dry climates, making up about 3% of all US cotton production. It is also grown in Peru and Australia.
While cotton is one of the more affordable fibers in the world of textiles, Pima is a luxury product, often costing 3-4x its more common counterpart.
That’s what makes Pima yarns so nice to knit with.
Pima Cotton Yarns We Love
Here’s some of our favorite pima cotton yarns you might want to check out:
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Shine by Knit Picks
Sport & Worsted weight (CYC 2 & 4) | 60% Cotton / 40% Modal (75-110yds / 50g)
Modal natural beech wood fiber gives high-quality Pima cotton an elegant sheen and soft drape while minimizing pilling and stretching. Supremely comfortable for warm weather garments, and the easy care of machine washability fits right into your summer lifestyle. Excellent for showing off textured stitches and cables.
Get it here -
Pima Cotton by Lion Brand Yarn
Worsted weight (CYC 4) | 100% Pima Cotton (186yds / 100g)
Welcome this lusciously soft 100% pima cotton yarn to your needles! Its worsted weight (CYC 4) makes it an incredibly versatile all-seasons yarn: whip up summery tops, lacy wraps, and timeless sweaters; or create easy-care baby garments, gift sets, and blankets. The 18-color palette includes vibrant as well as sophisticated muted hues, so you can find something for everyone in this contemporary line.
Get it at Amazon -
Comfy by Knit Picks
Fingering to Aran weight (CYC 1-4) | 75% Pima Cotton / 25% Acrylic (109-218yds / 50g)
Soft, machine washable, and lightweight, Comfy is the ultimate solution for easy care and warm-weather knitting. The breathability and softness of natural Pima cotton allow for comfortable wearing, while the touch of acrylic microfiber adds just the right amount of elasticity. This blend has superior wearability and longevity, which you are sure to appreciate over the years. Excellent stitch definition, too!
Get it here -
Ultra Pima by Cascade Yarns
DK weight (CYC 3) | 100% Pima Cotton (220yds / 100g)
Cascade Ultra Pima yarn is ready for your Spring and Summer making! Perfect for most DK-weight patterns, this 100% Pima cotton yarn lends itself well to those of us who want to make all year round! The lightweight cotton base makes every piece you make breathable and wearable in even the hottest of months - talk about a win for us!
Get it here -
Wool + Cotton by Madeline Tosh
DK weight (CYC 3) | 50% Superwash Merino / 50% Pima Cotton (219yds / 100g)
Madelinetosh Wool + Cotton is about your new best friend for spring and summer knit projects! This blend of 50% Superwash Merino + 50% Pima Cotton is super soft and breathable! The color on this yarn is more muted than its superwash friends. The wool dyes, but the cotton does not. Creating a beautiful soft color with a vintage melange feel.
Get it here
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Conclusion
So there you have it.
We think pima is a lovely fiber to knit with, if you’re willing to spend a little extra to treat yourself.
But what do you think?
Have you knit with pima cotton?
What was your experience?
Hit reply and share your experience with us!
We’d love to hear your feedback. 😊