How to knit recycled cashmere Nm 2/13 on a 7-8 gauge machine

Recycled cashmere Nm 2/13 is a versatile yarn for creating lightweight, refined garments, ideal for mid-season wear or elegant knitwear. Used as a single ply on a 7-8 gauge machine, it delivers optimal results, but requires specific care to ensure smooth processing and a high-quality finished product.

Unlike "new" cashmere, recycled cashmere comes from a process of selecting and regenerating old knit garments.
The fabric is shredded and returned to fiber form, then spun again. In this process, the fiber becomes shorter than the original, leading to some differences:

• the yarn is slightly weaker,
• it is more sensitive to excessive tension,
• it requires more attention during the knitting process.

These characteristics are not a limitation, but rather an aspect to be aware of to work optimally and enhance a material that combines sustainability and artisanal quality.

To get the most out of recycled Nm 2/13 as a single ply on a 7-8 gauge, it is important to follow some best practices:

1. Carefully adjust the tension
   Avoid pulling the yarn too much: excessive tension can cause breakage. It's best to start with a softer tension and make swatches to find the right balance.
2. Go slower
   The machine should operate at a slightly slower pace than when using new yarns. This reduces the risk of breakage and allows the yarn to flow better.
3. Make test swatches
   Before starting production of a garment, it is always recommended to make a sample to evaluate the hand, drape, and yield after treatment.
4. Check complex stitches
   If you are making ribs, cables, or textured stitches, pay attention because they require more yarn resistance. In these cases, it is advisable to further lower the machine speed.

Once the garment is knitted, the true value of recycled cashmere emerges with the final treatment: washing and fulling. At this stage, the fiber opens, the yarn gains volume, and the garment becomes softer and more velvety.
The advice is to use lukewarm water, delicate detergents, and a not-too-aggressive treatment, to best enhance the quality of the yarn.

Despite the attention required, recycled cashmere Nm 2/13 on a 7-8 gauge offers great satisfaction:

• it allows you to create lightweight and soft knitwear,
• it has a reduced environmental impact,
• it retains the value and refinement of cashmere,
• it offers excellent value for money.

Knowing its strengths and technical specificities is the secret to obtaining garments that combine craftsmanship, sustainability, and comfort.

Try our recycled cashmere Nm 2/13 and create unique garments with all the quality of Hircus yarns, click here.