Merino gives knitted socks and accessories warmth, breathability and a comfortable handle without unnecessary bulk.
Hand-dyed merino + nylon · sock / NZ 4 ply
Beautiful enough for a special project. Reinforced enough for real socks.
Broadway Hand-Dyed Sock Yarn balances the softness and warmth of superwash merino with 25% nylon for added resilience. Each 100g skein holds approximately 357 metres of expressive colour for socks, shawls, lightweight garments and fine crochet.
- 75% superwash merino provides softness, warmth and next-to-skin comfort.
- 25% nylon reinforcement helps heels, toes and hard-working fabric withstand abrasion.
- 357 metres per 100g skein is often enough for one adult pair of standard socks.
- Hand-dyed multicolour character makes each pair and every project individual.
100g · 357m · 2.25–3.25mm
75% MerinoSoft superwash wool
25% NylonAdded reinforcement
357m / 100gFingering / NZ 4 ply
27–32 stsPer 10cm / 4in
Merino makes socks comfortable. Nylon helps them last.
A good sock yarn needs more than softness. Feet create repeated friction inside shoes, especially at heels, soles and toes. Broadway combines fine superwash merino with a substantial nylon content so the fabric remains comfortable while gaining useful strength and shape retention.
The 25% nylon content improves resistance to abrasion and helps the knitted fabric recover from stretching during wear.
Fingering / 4 ply weight creates socks that fit comfortably inside shoes and also suits shawls, gloves and lightweight layers.
Durability is a partnership: nylon reinforcement helps, but no yarn is indestructible. A firm sock gauge, well-fitted shoes, trimmed toenails, gentle washing and prompt repairs all contribute to longer wear.
The satisfying one-skein project
One 100g skein will often make one adult pair
For many standard adult sock patterns, 357 metres is enough for a pair with regular cuffs. The exact answer depends on foot size, leg length, stitch pattern, gauge and how much yarn is used for swatching.
- Check the pattern's metreage for the intended size
- Choose a firm gauge within the pattern's range
- Weigh and divide the skein when equal yarn allocation matters
- Buy extra for large feet, tall cuffs, dense cables or contrast details
About matching: these are hand-dyed colourways, not engineered self-striping repeats. Expect beautifully related “sibling” socks rather than perfectly identical twins.
Use the soft, reinforced 4 ply base across an entire fine-gauge wardrobe
Socks
The natural first choice: fine enough for shoes, soft against the foot and reinforced for heels, soles and toes.
Shawls & wraps
Hand-dyed colour and 357 metres per skein suit lace, garter sections, textured shawlettes and generous multi-skein wraps.
Lightweight garments
Create fine jumpers, cardigans and layering pieces with colour depth and added resilience at cuffs and hems.
Gloves & mitts
The merino-nylon blend brings softness, warmth and practical reinforcement to fingers, palms and frequently worn cuffs.
Baby & child knits
Superwash care and a smooth fine gauge can suit small garments and accessories when wool works for the recipient.
Fine crochet
Use it for shawls, motifs, lightweight garments and accessories after swatching for the desired density and drape.
Colourwork
Pair a multicolour shade with 299 Natural Undyed, or combine colourways after checking contrast in a swatch.
Visible mending
Keep leftovers for reinforcing worn areas, decorative darning and coordinated repairs that extend a handmade item's life.
Seven hand-dyed stories plus a natural contrast
Choose by the three-digit shade code and name. Hand-dyed colour placement changes from skein to skein, so the photographs show each colourway's character rather than the exact skein you will receive.
200 Candy DelightHand-dyed multicolour shade
201 Summer DaysHand-dyed multicolour shade
202 Tango TimeHand-dyed multicolour shade
203 Autumn DaysHand-dyed multicolour shade
204 FiestaHand-dyed multicolour shade
205 Bittersweet ChocolateHand-dyed multicolour shade
206 Stormy NightHand-dyed multicolour shade
299 Natural UndyedNatural contrast and companion shade
Hand-dyed colour note: shade depth and placement can vary within and between dye batches, and screens display colour differently. Buy enough together and alternate skeins in multi-skein projects to distribute natural variation.
Let fit, gauge and finishing support the yarn
Swatch firmly
Socks need a denser fabric than a shawl. Start within the 2.25–3.25mm range and follow the sock pattern's gauge.
Measure the foot
Use a proven pattern and the wearer's actual measurements so the sock stretches comfortably without bunching or sliding.
Check high-wear areas
Inspect heels, soles and toes occasionally. Reinforce or darn a thin area before it becomes a larger hole.
Save the leftovers
Keep a labelled length of yarn for future repairs, contrast toes or heels, decorative mending and matching accessories.
What can you make from a 100g / 357m skein?
These estimates are broad planning guides. Always use the chosen pattern's metreage for the intended size and allow for swatching, modifications and your personal gauge.
| Project | Typical starting estimate | Plan extra when… |
|---|---|---|
| Baby booties or small child socks | Often less than 1 skein | You are making several pairs or a matching accessory |
| Standard adult socks | Often 1 skein | The foot is large, cuff is tall, gauge is dense or the pattern uses cables |
| Large or knee-high socks | 1–2+ skeins | Leg shaping, long cuffs, size and pattern texture increase metreage |
| Mitts or gloves | Often 1 skein | The design has long cuffs, full fingers, large sizing or colourwork |
| Shawlette | Often 1 skein | You want a larger wingspan, deep border, fringe or dense crochet |
| Generous shawl or scarf | 2–3+ skeins | The piece is wide, long, heavily textured, beaded or crocheted |
| Baby garment | 2–3+ skeins | The size, sleeves, hood, texture or matching pieces use more |
| Adult lightweight garment | 3–7+ skeins | The garment is larger, oversized, long, cabled or crocheted |
Broadway Hand-Dyed Sock, Malabrigo Ultimate Sock or Luna?
| Feature | Broadway Sock | Malabrigo Ultimate Sock | Broadway Luna |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Fingering / NZ 4 ply | Fingering / NZ 4 ply | DK / NZ 8 ply |
| Fibre | 75% superwash merino / 25% nylon | 75% superwash merino / 25% nylon | 100% superfine superwash merino |
| Length per 100g | 357m | 385m | 220m |
| Needle starting range | 2.25–3.25mm | 2.25–3.25mm | 4mm recommended |
| Colour character | Bold hand-dyed multicolours plus natural | Malabrigo's tonal and variegated palette | Nature-inspired tonal / two-tone colour |
| Choose it for | Socks, shawls, gloves and fine garments with expressive colour | Socks and fine projects needing slightly more metreage | DK garments and accessories where softness matters more than sock reinforcement |
Swatch for the project—not just the label
The same yarn can become a firm sock or a flowing shawl
The supplier gives a broad gauge range of 27–32 stitches per 10cm with 2.25–3.25mm needles. A sock usually needs firm, resilient fabric, while a shawl or lightweight garment may use a looser gauge for drape.
Make a generous swatch, wash it using the intended care method and measure it after drying flat. For fitted garments and socks, washed gauge and fabric behaviour matter more than the number printed on the needle.
Pattern substitution: compare fibre blend, metreage, gauge and finished fabric—not only “4 ply”. Sock yarns can vary significantly in length, twist and elasticity.
Broadway Hand-Dyed Sock Yarn at a glance
| Brand | Broadway Yarns |
|---|---|
| Yarn range | Hand Dyed Sock Yarn |
| Yarn weight | Fingering / New Zealand 4 ply |
| Fibre content | 75% superwash merino wool, 25% nylon |
| Skein weight | 100g |
| Length | Approximately 357m |
| Knitting gauge | 27–32 stitches per 10cm / 4in |
| Recommended needles | 2.25–3.25mm, or the size required to achieve pattern gauge |
| Presentation | Hand-dyed skein; wind before use |
| Best for | Socks, shawls, wraps, gloves, lightweight garments, baby knits, lace, colourwork and fine crochet |
| Care | Gentle machine washable; cold gentle cycle and drying flat recommended |
| Colour character | Hand-dyed multicolours plus a natural undyed shade; each skein varies |
Wash gently and let socks recover between wears
Use cold water, a gentle cycle and mild wool-friendly detergent. Follow the yarn label and the finished project's pattern.
Wash deeply coloured hand-dyed projects separately at first in case a small amount of residual dye is released.
Reshape the washed project and dry it flat away from direct heat. Avoid high heat and unnecessary tumbling.
Let socks rest between wears and mend thinning areas early. Keep labelled leftover yarn for an unobtrusive repair.
Patterns, fine needles and alternative yarn weights
Find a 4 ply pattern
Look for sock, fingering or NZ 4 ply patterns, then check gauge and metreage for the intended size.
Browse Knitting Patterns →Choose your needles
Start within the 2.25–3.25mm range using double-pointed needles, magic loop or your preferred small-circumference method.
Browse Knitting Needles →Compare premium alternatives
Choose Ultimate Sock for extra metreage or Luna when the project calls for a soft hand-dyed DK / 8 ply.
View Malabrigo Ultimate Sock →View Broadway Luna →
Broadway Hand-Dyed Sock Yarn FAQs
What is Broadway Hand-Dyed Sock Yarn?
It is a fingering / NZ 4 ply yarn made from 75% superwash merino wool and 25% nylon, with approximately 357 metres in each 100g hand-dyed skein.
Why is nylon added to sock yarn?
Nylon reinforces the merino and improves resistance to abrasion, especially at heels, soles and toes. It also supports shape retention during wear.
Is it 4 ply or fingering weight?
It is fingering weight, commonly called 4 ply in New Zealand. Pattern gauge is more reliable than the weight name alone.
How much yarn is in one skein?
Each 100g skein contains approximately 357 metres.
Will one skein make a pair of adult socks?
Often yes for a standard adult pair, but large sizes, tall cuffs, cables, dense gauge and swatching can require more. Check the pattern's metreage before starting.
Will my two socks match exactly?
Not necessarily. This is hand-dyed rather than engineered self-striping yarn, so colour placement may differ. Expect coordinated sibling socks rather than identical twins.
Does the skein need winding?
Yes. Wind it into a ball or cake before knitting or crocheting, and retain the label with the shade and care details.
What needles should I use?
The supplier recommends 2.25–3.25mm needles. Follow the pattern and adjust needle size until the washed gauge and fabric are correct.
What is the official gauge?
The supplier gives 27–32 stitches per 10cm / 4 inches. Socks usually use a firm fabric, while shawls may use a looser gauge for drape.
Can I use double-pointed needles?
Yes. Double-pointed needles, magic loop, two circulars and short circular needles can all work; use the method required by the pattern or most comfortable for you.
Is the yarn machine washable?
Yes, it is made with superwash merino and is described as gently machine washable. A cold gentle cycle and drying flat are recommended.
Can it go in the tumble dryer?
Drying flat is recommended. High heat and tumbling can affect fit, colour and the surface of fine merino.
Is it soft enough for next-to-skin wear?
The merino content gives it a soft handle suitable for many next-to-skin projects. Individual sensitivity to wool varies, so test it for the intended wearer.
Is this yarn only for socks?
No. It also suits shawls, wraps, gloves, lightweight garments, baby knits, lace, colourwork and fine crochet projects.
Can I crochet with it?
Yes. Use the hook size recommended by the pattern and swatch until the fabric has the intended gauge and drape.
Is it suitable for baby garments?
Its softness and superwash care may suit baby projects when wool works for the recipient. Select a safe pattern and follow its laundering instructions.
Will the yarn pill?
Soft merino can fuzz or pill where fabric rubs. The nylon adds reinforcement but does not make the yarn indestructible.
Why might my skein look different from the photograph?
Hand-dyed colour varies naturally and screens reproduce colour differently. Photographs represent the colourway rather than an exact skein.
Should I alternate skeins?
Yes for multi-skein garments, shawls and other larger projects. Alternating every few rows distributes natural colour variation through the fabric.
Should I alternate yarn for a one-skein pair of socks?
Usually there is no need. If equal yarn allocation matters, weigh and divide the skein into two balls, allowing for normal hand-dyed variation.
Could strong shades release dye?
Some residual dye may release during early washes. Use cold water and wash deeply coloured projects separately at first.
What is Natural Undyed useful for?
Shade 299 makes a versatile contrast for cuffs, heels, toes, stripes and colourwork, or a calm neutral project on its own.
Can I use this yarn for colourwork socks?
Yes. Swatch your chosen shades together, check value contrast and follow a pattern designed with appropriate stretch and fit.
Can I substitute it for another sock yarn?
Often, but compare fibre blend, total metreage, gauge and finished fabric. Fingering-weight sock yarns do not all have the same length or elasticity.
How can I make handmade socks last longer?
Use a firm pattern gauge, ensure the shoes fit properly, rotate pairs between wears, wash gently and mend thinning areas before a hole develops.
What should I do with leftover yarn?
Keep it labelled for future darning, contrast toes and heels, small accessories, colourwork, scrap-yarn projects and visible mending.
How much should I buy for a garment or shawl?
Use the pattern's metreage for your size and add allowance for swatching or changes. Buy the full quantity together for the best colour continuity.
Choose a skein for socks—and discover how many other projects it can become
Soft superwash merino, practical nylon reinforcement and expressive hand-dyed colour make this a fine-gauge yarn you will enjoy from the first stitch to the last wear.