More gorgeous tweed yarns (Part 2)
I’m back with the second part of our tweed yarn exploration, and I hope you enjoyed the first one! Maybe one of the yarns from last week caught your eye or even sparked a thought about something you’d love to cast on next. If not, I hope the yarn I chose for the Artist’s Sweater tutorial will inspire you to try something new. 😊
Last time, we were all about fine and DK-weight yarns, but today I want to show you some thicker options - more worsted picks, Aran, and even bulky. I’ve picked out a few that I think you’ll love, whether you’re into simple, refined projects or big, cozy statement pieces. Think of this as your personal tweed yarn guide.
While writing this Esenote, I received a comment in the YouTube community asking what to do with tweed yarn they already have. If you have skeins sitting in your stash, check their weight and yardage, then find a similar yarn from the list I’ve shared in these Esenotes. It’s a great way to find inspiration and make the most of the yarn you already own :)
6. Lang Donegal Tweed+ (Worsted).
Lang Donegal Tweed+ is a classic worsted-weight yarn made from 100% pure new wool and is beautifully speckled with subtle, vibrant flecks.
Each 50g skein gives you 105 meters (115 yards), working up on 4.5–5 mm needles (US 7–8). The texture strikes a balance - rustic yet comfortable to work with - and once washed, the yarn blooms into a softer, fuller fabric. But don’t expect extra softness from tweed yarn; its beauty lies in its rustic, natural feel.
The color palette reflects the beauty of nature: earthy tones with bright, energetic flecks that bring a unique touch to your knits. Even the pinks remind me of blooming wildflowers. To see how the colors look knitted up, scroll to the bottom of the page on Lang website, where they feature patterns. It’s a helpful trick when Ravelry doesn't quite have the examples I'm looking for.
Oh my gosh, look at this stunning sweater pattern:
It’s a beautifully simple drop shoulder sweater - slightly oversized, with a chic wide mock neck and a unique cable shoulder seam. If you’ve already knitted a drop shoulder sweater, this might be the perfect next challenge for you, my adventurous beginner! If that feels a bit advanced, no worries - start with my Drop in Dream sweater tutorial. It’s a great way to build your skills and get comfortable with this construction style.
7. Mayflower Easy Care Classic Tweed (Worsted).
Mayflower Easy Care Classic Tweed is a blend of 80% superwash wool, 14% polyacrylic, and 6% viscose giving it a great mix of softness and durability. The tweedy flecks add a lovely charm, effortlessly elevating even the simplest of knits.
Each 50g skein contains 106 meters (116 yards) and knits up at 22 stitches and 30 rows on 4 mm needles. It’s an ideal yarn for those fuss-free, everyday garments that can handle regular wear and washing while keeping their shape.
The color palette has a little bit of everything: soft, versatile neutrals, deep, classic shades, and a few bold pops of color to make your project truly eye-catching.
You can browse the full range on the official Mayflower website or at Rito Hobby (UK version). Just scroll to the bottom of the page to switch to your country’s site easily. It reminds me of the Hobbii website, with its wide selection of beautiful, budget-friendly yarns waiting to be discovered.
8. Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed (Aran).
We’re stepping into Aran-weight yarns, which means faster progress and no endless knitting weeks! Each 50g skein had 88 meters (96 yards), and the recommended needle size is 5 mm (US 8).
Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed is made from 100% wool and spun in the traditional Donegal style. I’ve looked through so many Ravelry projects, and every single one looks perfectly natural - exactly how a wool garment should.A little tip: while you’ll find plenty of tempting hat patterns, tweed yarn can feel a bit itchy on the forehead, so I wouldn’t recommend it for close-to-skin accessories.
Instead, explore patterns for practical garments like sweaters, cardigans, or accessories that sit away from bare skin. Also, at first, the tweed might feel slightly rough or uneven as you knit, but after washing, it relaxes and becomes much smoother.
Check out the gorgeous colors on Lovecrafts - they’re even offering 25% off right now. Perfect time to treat yourself!
9. Isager Aran Tweed yarn (Aran).
You know how sometimes a yarn just finds you? That’s exactly what happened when I came across Isager Aran Tweed. I was searching for new patterns for you and stumbled upon a cardigan knitted in the Sand color. It completely stole my heart, and I knew right then - this was the yarn I wanted to use for my next Aran-weight design - The Artist's Sweater.
You know what’s interesting about this yarn? I got a gauge of 16 stitches with 4.5 mm (US 7) needles (same as other knitters), which is smaller than the usual 5–5.5 mm (US 8–9) most Aran-weight yarns use - a bit unexpected!
It’s 100% wool, super rustic and natural, and comes with 160 meters (175 yards) in a 100g skein. Definitely one of those yarns that feels like it has real character.
Fun fact: the most popular color among knitters seems to be Confetti! If you’re looking for inspiration, check out the patterns and projects on Ravelry. There are so many stylish ideas, and the knitters photos are always a great source of motivation.
You can buy this yarn on Isager’s official website - I’m pretty sure they’ll restock after the holidays if it’s currently out of stock. Or, if you’re like me, just do a quick Google search, and you might find a local shop that carries it nearby!
I’m really excited to see how this yarn knits up into the Artist’s Sweater, and you’ll be the first to see the finished result! 😊
10. BC Garn Hamelton Tweed 2 GOTS (Bulky)
If you’re in the mood for something cozy and quick, let me tell you about Hamelton Tweed 2. It’s the kind of yarn that’s perfect when you’re itching for a project that works up fast but still looks impressive. I’ve already seen a few beginner-friendly sweater and slipover patterns on Ravelry made with this yarn, so definitely take a look if you’re curious.
Hamelton Tweed 2 has 60 meters of yarn in 50 grams skein, and with 6–8 mm needles (US 10–11), you’ll get a gauge of 12 stitches per 10 cm.
And if chunky isn’t quite your thing, there’s a lighter version called Hamelton Tweed 1, a thinner yarn with the same lovely tweedy look.
It's a blend of 90% organic wool and 10% viscose, which gives it a nice balance: the wool keeps it warm and rustic, while the viscose adds a slight sheen and softens the texture just enough. Also it’s GOTS-certified, so you’re not just knitting - you’re choosing something kind to the planet, too.
There are resellers all over the world or try the "This is Knit" store - they ship everywhere!
Well my friend, that wraps up our journey through tweed yarns, and it was such a pleasure to research them for us. There are so many beautiful options left behind the scenes, as I focused only on natural ones that can be purchased from anywhere in the world.
Even if none of these caught your eye right now, it’s great to know how tiny flecks can take a basic garment and turn it into something special.
I’ll see you very soon on January 7th, and I can’t wait to share an exciting new project we’ll be knitting together after The Artist’s Sweater. I’m preparing something truly amazing and hope I’ll be able to bring my vision to life.
I often share behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram and Facebook, so feel free - to join me there if you’re curious!
Don’t forget to check for my other email and see you next year!
Warm regards,
Julia Piro
Knitwear Designer & Esenotes Curator