— Why This Italian Yarn Is Called “The Cashmere of Merino”
If you’ve ever held a cone of Cashwool yarn, you know it doesn’t feel like most wool. It’s buttery soft, luminous without being shiny, and smooth enough to be mistaken for something far more expensive. Many makers describe it as “cashmere-like”—and for good reason.
But what exactly is Cashwool?
🌿 The Origin: A Name That Means What It Says
Cashwool is a proprietary yarn developed by Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia, one of the most prestigious spinning mills in Italy. First launched in the 1970s, it was designed to offer the softness and elegance of cashmere, using only extra fine Merino wool.
To earn the name Cashwool, the fibers are:
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Selected from superfine Merino sheep, mostly from Australia
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Spun using proprietary Italian technology for extra smoothness
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Finished with extreme care for softness and light reflection
The result is a yarn that combines the best of both worlds: the comfort of wool and the refinement of luxury.
🧶 What Makes Cashwool So Special?
Not all merino is equal. Cashwool is known for:
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Micron count below 19.5 – making it softer than most wools
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Unmatched drape – especially when knitted with multiple strands
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Low pilling – holds up better over time than many cashmere blends
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Vibrant dye absorption – colors appear rich and deep
It’s often used in high-end knitwear, including designer sweaters, scarves, and baby garments.
🧵 Why Makers Love It
Makers who discover Cashwool tend to become loyal fans. It:
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Blocks beautifully
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Feels wonderful next to skin
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Comes in subtle heathers and timeless neutrals
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Offers luxury without the fragility or price tag of cashmere
And because it’s spun for both machine and hand knitting, it's incredibly versatile.
✨ That Yarn’s Perspective: Cashwool as a Collector’s Find
At That Yarn, we treat Cashwool cones like collectible materials. Not every batch is the same—some are mill ends, some are discontinued dye lots, and some are surplus from high-end production runs.
But all of them share one thing in common:
They were spun with care and meant to last.
When you knit with Cashwool, you’re working with the legacy of Italian spinning excellence—and inviting that softness, depth, and light into your own handmade story.
