Noro manufactures yarns in multiple fibres. Some yarn is pure wool, while others are a blend of fibres such as: silk; mohair; cotton; viscose; polyamide; wool; and alpaca.
Noro’s higher price point is reflective of the significant time, attention, and artistry it requires to produce. With small-batch production of its high-quality, hand-dyed fibres, Noro puts extreme care into the production of its unique and complex colour-shifting yarn.
Noro produces many different yarns in various blends, from 4 ply to 10 ply. Their 4 ply yarns include Sonata, Sonata Shima, and Yukata. Noro’s 8 ply yarn list includes: Kakigari; Kompeito; Natsumeki; Saiun; and Silk Garden in a few options (Sock, Sock Solo, and Tweed). Their 10 ply range is even more extensive: Akari; Akari Solo; Haruito; Haunui; Haunui Silk; Haunui Cotton; Ito; Kureyon; Madara; Malvinas; Rittou; Silk Garden; and Tasogare.
Known for its vivid hues and unique combinations of colours seen in the world around us, Noro interplays smoothness and coarseness to represent the beauty and nonconformity of nature.
Noro Ito is a 10 ply yarn, also known as Medium/Worsted/Aran weight.
The best knitting needle size for each project differs based on what specific yarn you’re using for that project and what “look” you’re going for (eg. lacey and airy vs tight and chunky). However, there are some general guidelines to consider. For one of Noro’s 10 ply yarns, 5mm is a great middle ground option.
Sweaters that are designed to fit the body benefit from a 4mm needle and an 8 ply yarn, while bulkier fashion sweaters might suit a 12 ply with a 7mm needle. Scarves and hats can be made with any ply. A good starting point is 8 ply (4mm), but the thicker you’d like either, the larger needle you’ll need. Blankets are much the same, and things like baby blankets would work best in 4 ply (~3mm). Socks are typically made from 2-4 ply yarn so a 3mm would work quite well.
We recommend using sites like Ravelry where you can find many great (and free) patterns. Noro also regularly releases pattern magazines with new and interesting ways to showcase their wonderful colours, available in store and on their website!
As with any project made with natural fibres, how you care for your Noro yarn will determine its longevity. It achieves softness with each careful wash and the colours remain vibrant, but it may pill over time in high friction areas, so take that into consideration.
