Yarns for Brother knitting machine: Choosing the Right Yarn

Yarns for Brother knitting machine: Choosing the Right Yarn

When working with home knitting machines such as Brother or similar models, choosing the right yarn is essential for achieving a great result. Below, we’ll explain which yarns to use, how to use them properly, and why making the right choice truly matters.

🎯 Which Yarn to Choose

1. Yarn Count (Thickness)

Brother machines (like KH-840, KH-910, KH-260) come in different gauges:

• Standard gauge (4.5 mm) → Fine yarns: Nm 2/30, Nm 2/28, Nm 2/20, Nm 1/15 (cashmere, wool, blends) – often used double or triple. Nm 2/13, Nm 2/16 can be used single-ply.

• Bulky gauge (9 mm) → Thicker yarns: Nm 2/10, Nm 2/8, Nm 3/7, Nm 1/4 – can be used single-ply.

• Fine gauge (3.6 mm or less) → Very thin yarns: Nm 2/48, Nm 2/60 – used with low tension or multiple strands.

2. Yarn Types

🧵 Recycled and Regenerated Cashmere

Recycled cashmere is one of the gems of Hircus Filati. This high-quality yarn is made from post-consumer garments, regenerated in Tuscany. It’s soft to the touch, elegant in appearance, and above all, ethical and sustainable.

Recommended counts for Brother Standard Gauge (4.5 mm):

• Nm 2/28 or Nm 2/30, used double or triple
  Perfect for lightweight sweaters, scarves, accessories, and baby knitwear.

• Nm 2/13, 2/14, or 2/15, used single-ply
  These are full-bodied yarns, ideal for a soft yet compact hand feel.

🐑 Extra Fine Merino Wool

Superfine merino is chosen for its softness and yarn consistency. It’s elastic, warm, and glides smoothly through Brother carriages—making it ideal even for beginners.

Suggested counts:

• Nm 2/30 or Nm 2/28, used double
  Ideal for winter garments, sweaters, cardigans, and wool underwear.

🦙 Baby Alpaca

Baby alpaca is an extraordinarily soft, lightweight, and insulating natural fiber. It’s perfect for creating warm garments without weight, and it works well on Brother machines if the yarn is smooth.

Recommended count:

• Nm 2/28, used double or combined (e.g., alpaca + silk)
  Great for oversized sweaters, large scarves, and capes.

• Nm 2/16, used single-ply
  Also excellent for warm oversized garments.

🐛 Pure or Blended Silk

Silk—whether pure or blended with wool or cashmere—adds shine, lightness, and an elegant touch to your knits. Hircus offers natural silk yarns that glide well on Brother machines if properly tensioned and balanced.

Use it for summer projects or refined, lightweight garments.
Tip: Pair it with wool or alpaca for a balanced and smooth result.

✅ Why Choose Natural Yarns for Your Brother Machine

• They run more smoothly through the carriage when properly prepared

• They provide high-quality, breathable, and durable results

• They’re sustainable and skin-friendly—perfect even for babies and intimate wear

• They allow you to fully unleash the potential of your Brother knitting machine

🔧 Practical Tips

• Always prepare the yarn with paraffin or run it through a consistent tension guide

• Make a test swatch to check tension, hand, and final appearance

• Use cones or spools for a smooth and continuous yarn feed

Knitting with natural yarns on a Brother machine means combining the precision of technology with the beauty of nature’s finest fibers. With Hircus Filati’s 100% natural, carefully selected yarns made in Italy, every project becomes a unique, durable, and elegant garment.

Happy knitting! 🧶