Why DanDoh Linen is a game-changer for knitters
If you’ve ever knit with 100% linen yarn, you know it can be...a little tricky. Linen, for all its amazing qualities, tends to be stiff, crisp, and not exactly the most enjoyable fiber to work with on your needles. It’s hard to deny the beauty and comfort of a linen garment—no fiber keeps you cooler in warm weather—but knitting with traditional linen has always felt kind of like jogging: good for you, but maybe not the most fun.
So, I’ve never carried a 100% linen yarn at Crazy for Ewe. Until now.
DanDoh Linen has completely changed the game. It’s not just a better linen yarn—it’s a revolutionary new experience for knitters who love both the process and the finished product.
What makes DanDoh linen so special?
The secret to DanDoh Linen’s magic lies in its chainette construction. Instead all those fine strands being plied tightly into a stiff strand, they are knitted into a tiny tube—a construction that adds breathability, softness, and a surprising amount of bounce and flexibility.
The result? A 100% linen yarn that’s light, resilient, and truly pleasant to knit—and even better to wear.
Worsted weight for easy, rewarding knitting
Another thing that sets DanDoh Linen apart is its gauge. Most linen yarns are sport weight or finer, which makes knitting large projects feel slow and fiddly. But DanDoh Linen is worsted weight, meaning you can work up beautiful, breathable garments without spending months on tiny needles.
You get the elegance and coolness of linen without the endless stockinette slog. It’s the best of both worlds. And...even though DanDoh Linen is worsted weight, it's not thick or heavy.
The transformation happens after blocking
Like all linens, DanDoh Linen really shines after blocking. When you first knit with it, you’ll notice a bit of structure in the fabric—that's totally normal. After a good wet block, the fibers soften dramatically, and the drape becomes absolutely dreamy.
This transformation is a vital part of the experience, and it's exactly what Yumiko Alexander’s designs are built around.
Be sure to stay tuned for next week’s blog post and YouTube episode, where I’ll walk you through how to block DanDoh Linen properly for the best results. It makes all the difference!
Why linen is perfect for year-round wear
Linen is a miracle fiber when it comes to regulating body temperature. It keeps you cool in the summer, comfortable in transitional seasons, and it's perfect if:
- You live in a warmer climate
- You tend to run hot
- You have sensitivities to wool or other animal fibers
DanDoh Linen gives you that breathable comfort, with a look and feel that’s elevated and elegant. Linen and linen blends are super durable too, looking great year after year, wash after wash
Explore the DanDoh Trunk Show
We’re lucky to have a beautiful trunk show of Yumiko Alexander’s designs in the shop right now through mid May
Come see—and feel—the garments for yourself. The ones we have at the shop are :
- Agave – A breezy, boxy top with flutter sleeves and an asymmetrical lace panel
- Joinery – A cleverly constructed asymmetrical top
- Chic – The name says it all--relaxed, beautifully draping poncho you can wear several ways
On YouTube
This week on YouTube, I’ll be sharing a special pre-recorded interview with Yumiko Alexander. We’ll talk about her design process, her Japanese roots, the inspiration behind her beautiful fabrics—and why she chose to create DanDoh Linen the way she did.
You won't want to miss it!
If you are local, come by the shop to see the trunk show and discover why DanDoh Linen is the linen you’ll love to knit—and love to wear even more.
Warmly,
Ellen