There are lots of things to love about cotton and other plant-based fibers—breathability, softness, and beautiful drape, to name a few. But as any knitter who’s spent time with cotton yarns knows, plant-based yarns have their quirks. Cotton doesn’t have the elasticity and recovery of wool. It can feel heavy in larger garments, and it doesn’t always behave the way you want it to once it’s off the needles.
That’s where chainette yarns come in.
Chainette construction has been around for a while in luxury wools and alpaca blends, but in recent years, yarn makers have brought this clever structure to plant-based fibers—and I am all about it. If you’ve ever struggled to knit cotton, been frustrated by droopy fabric, or wish your summer sweater had a little more bounce, chainette is your new best friend.
What Is a Chainette Yarn?
Instead of the fibers being twisted together Chainette yarns created with fine strands spun into a narrow knitted tube—like a tiny i-cord. This construction not only creates elasticity and bounce in the yarn, it traps air inside, giving the yarn loft. Chainette yarns help garments hold their shape, even when the yarn itself doesn’t have natural stretch.
For plant-based fibers like cotton, which lack elasticity, this is nothing short of magical.
Chainette Cotton yarns we love
Rowan Softyak DK
Softyak DK is a cotton yak blend that's smooth and soft. It’s bouncy, breathable, and super versatile. I like to call this the cotton that knits like wool. It’s a dream for larger garments, especially cabled sweaters, because it's light and has such lovely recovery. Works well even at a relaxed gauge.
Rowan Cotton Revive
Made with recycled cotton and nylon, Cotton Revive is lightweight, sophisticated, and smooth. It’s a fine chainette yarn that plays beautifully at gauges from 18 to 25 stitches per 4 inches. The finish is matte and refined, and the color palette is perfect for soft, wearable pieces.
Illimani Sabri II
This is the yarn we used for the Susan Shell, and it’s a fan favorite for a reason. A beautiful worsted weight cotton-alpaca blend with a smooth chainette construction, Sabri II offers subtle texture, incredible softness, and that elusive four-season wearability. It’s plant-based with just a touch of luxury.
Juniper Moon Cumulus
Cumulus might be the softest yarn in the shop. This heavy worsted cotton chainette yarn is an all-time favorite for baby blankets, quick-to-knit garments, and anything destined for someone with wool sensitivity. Despite being so soft, it’s also surprisingly durable and pill-resistant.
Why Chainette Matters
When you’re working with plant-based yarns, especially in garments, construction matters. A chainette structure helps solve common cotton challenges:
- Shape retention: no more stretched-out hems or sagging shoulders.
- Lighter fabric: the hollow construction reduces garment weight.
- Softer drape: ideal for relaxed summer sweaters and accessories.
And while chainette yarns might look a little different in the skein, the resulting fabric is smooth and lofty.
Coming Soon: DanDoh Linen
What chainette does for cotton goes tenfold for linen. Linen is glorious to wear, but notoriously challenging to knit, So DanDoh Linen. is just about perfect. If you love open, drapey fabrics with an ultra-modern look, you’re going to be obsessed with DanDoh yarn as well as the patterns. Designed by the brilliant Yumiko Alexander, this yarn is a light, chainette-constructed linen with incredible movement and softness. I’ll be sharing more about this yarn (and Yumiko’s stunning patterns!) in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
Whether you’re looking to knit a breezy summer top, a baby gift, or just something soft and satisfying for spring, plant-based chainette yarns are 100% worth exploring. Come feel them in person and find your new favorite.
Do you have experience with chainette yarns? Tell me in the comments what you think!
Warmly,
Ellen
Barbie sievert
April 15, 2025
I so appreciate you are now carrying the Dandoh linen and silk. The silk is my favorite and lately been hard to find.