Superfine merino feels inviting for hats, scarves, cowls and garments, subject to each wearer's personal wool sensitivity.
100% hand-dyed superfine merino · DK / NZ 8 ply
Everyday DK made extraordinary by hand-dyed colour
Broadway Hand-Dyed Merino DK pairs the familiar versatility of 8 ply with the softness of superfine superwash merino and the depth of small-batch colour. Each generous 100g skein holds approximately 205 metres for garments, accessories, baby knits and crochet that feel as special as they look.
- 100% superfine superwash merino for soft, warm and comfortable fabric.
- Hand-dyed semi-solid and variegated colour gives every project individual character.
- 205 metres per 100g skein in a useful DK / New Zealand 8 ply weight.
- 21–24 stitch gauge range supports garments with structure or softer drape.
100g · 205m · 4mm
100% MerinoSuperfine and superwash
DK / 8 PlyVersatile garment weight
205m / 100gHand-dyed skein
21–24 stsPer 10cm / 4in
A practical yarn weight with colour that makes simple stitches sing
DK is the comfortable middle ground: substantial enough for warm, satisfying progress but light enough for wearable layers. Broadway adds a hand-dyed palette that turns stocking stitch, garter stitch and uncomplicated crochet into a rich surface full of movement.
Semi-solid and variegated shades create tonal shifts that flat solid colour cannot reproduce—even in the simplest pattern.
The superwash treatment supports easier care while preserving merino's warmth, softness and comfortable handle.
Pure merino DK—not sock yarn: this yarn contains 100% merino and no reinforcing nylon. It is ideal for garments and accessories; choose a dedicated merino-nylon sock yarn for regular socks and high-friction wear.
Every skein is individual
Let hand-dyed variation become part of the design
Shade depth and colour placement can change from one skein to another—even within the same dye batch. That variation is the source of the yarn's character, but larger projects benefit from a little planning.
- Buy the full project quantity together where possible
- Compare every skein in natural light before winding
- Alternate two skeins every few rows to blend variation
- Treat online photographs as a guide to the colourway
From one-skein accessories to memorable hand-dyed garments
Jumpers & cardigans
A wearable DK weight for warm layers, relaxed silhouettes, classic stocking stitch and understated texture.
Hats & headbands
Often a one-skein project and an excellent way to showcase saturated colour, ribs, simple cables and texture.
Scarves & cowls
Superfine merino brings next-to-skin softness while hand-dyed variation keeps long stretches of stitching interesting.
Mittens & handwarmers
Soft, warm accessories with colour movement across palms, cuffs and textured stitch patterns.
Baby & child knits
Softness and superwash care can suit little garments and blankets when wool works for the recipient.
Shawls & wraps
Use a single shade for tonal depth or combine colours for stripes, borders and modern graphic sections.
Crochet projects
Make garments, cowls, hats, blankets and motifs after swatching for the intended density and drape.
Cables & colourwork
Tonal shades can complement texture, while contrasting colours create expressive yokes, motifs and accessories.
Ten rich shades selected from Broadway's Merino DK collection
Choose using the three-digit colour code and name. The photographs show each colourway's general character rather than promising an identical skein.
301 Pinot NoirHand-dyed tonal shade
307 StormHand-dyed tonal shade
309 Autumn LeafHand-dyed tonal shade
310 Sea HazeHand-dyed tonal shade
316 Hidden SanctuaryHand-dyed tonal shade
319 Autumn SpiceHand-dyed tonal shade
322 Sea of GreenHand-dyed tonal shade
325 Turkish PlumHand-dyed tonal shade
327 Olive GardenHand-dyed tonal shade
328 Starry NightHand-dyed tonal shade
Hand-dyed colour note: shade depth and placement vary within and between dye batches, while screens display colour differently. Buy enough for the entire project together and alternate skeins for a beautifully integrated result.
Three simple habits prevent abrupt colour changes
Plan the full quantity
Use the pattern's metreage for your size and include enough for swatching, length changes and your preferred safety margin.
Compare before winding
Lay every skein together in natural light. Decide whether to blend them evenly or arrange them as a deliberate progression.
Alternate two skeins
Change skeins every few rows or rounds so natural variation flows through the fabric instead of forming a hard boundary.
Supplied as a skein: wind the yarn into a ball or cake before knitting or crocheting. Keep the label so the shade, batch and care details stay with your project.
How many 100g / 205m skeins might you need?
These are broad starting estimates, not substitutes for a pattern. Check the metreage for your size—fit, length, sleeves, texture, crochet density, swatching and modifications all affect usage.
| Project | Typical starting estimate | Plan extra when… |
|---|---|---|
| Hat, headband or small mitts | Often 1 skein | You are making a folded brim, large size, dense stitch or matching set |
| Cowl | 1–2 skeins | The design is tall, doubled, heavily textured or wraps twice |
| Scarf | 2–4 skeins | You want generous width, extra length, fringe or dense crochet |
| Baby garment | 2–4 skeins | The piece has long sleeves, a hood, larger sizing or textured stitches |
| Child jumper or cardigan | 3–6 skeins | The size, length, fit, hood, cables or colourwork increase metreage |
| Adult jumper or cardigan | 5–10+ skeins | The garment is larger, oversized, long, hooded, cabled or crocheted |
| Baby blanket | 5–9+ skeins | The blanket is large, densely worked, heavily textured or has a deep border |
| Throw | 10–20+ skeins | Finished dimensions, crochet, stitch density and colour layout require more |
Hand-Dyed Merino DK, Luna or standard Merino DK?
| Feature | Hand-Dyed Merino DK | Luna | Standard Merino DK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | DK / NZ 8 ply | DK / NZ 8 ply | DK / NZ 8 ply |
| Fibre | 100% superfine superwash merino | 100% superfine superwash merino | 100% superfine superwash merino |
| Pack size | 100g / 205m skein | 100g / 220m skein | 50g / 105m ball |
| Colour style | Rich hand-dyed semi-solids and variegated shades | Premium tonal / two-tone nature-inspired shades | Broad solid-colour palette |
| Best quality | Expressive colour with a substantial DK fabric | Extra metreage and softly layered tonal colour | Simple colour matching and everyday solid DK knitting |
| Choose it for | Statement garments, hats, cowls, scarves, wraps and crochet | Soft garments and accessories with painterly tonal colour | Solid garments, baby knits, colourwork and general DK projects |
Swatch for the fabric you want
Use 4mm as the starting point—not an unbreakable rule
The supplier lists 21–24 stitches per 10cm and recommends 4mm needles. Your hands, needle material and stitch pattern may create a different result, so adjust needle size until the pattern gauge and fabric are right.
For garments, make a generous swatch and wash it exactly as the finished item will be washed. Measure only after it has dried flat: superwash merino can relax, and the washed fabric is the one you will actually wear.
Substituting yarn: compare fibre, metreage and washed gauge—not only the words “DK” or “8 ply”. Hand-dyed superwash merino can behave differently from the original yarn.
Broadway Hand-Dyed Merino DK at a glance
| Brand | Broadway Yarns |
|---|---|
| Yarn range | Hand Dyed Merino DK |
| Yarn weight | DK / New Zealand 8 ply |
| Fibre content | 100% superfine superwash merino wool |
| Skein weight | 100g |
| Length | Approximately 205m |
| Knitting gauge | 21–24 stitches per 10cm / 4in |
| Recommended needles | 4mm, or the size required to achieve pattern gauge |
| Presentation | Hand-dyed skein; wind before use |
| Best for | Garments, hats, scarves, cowls, mitts, baby and child knits, wraps, blankets and crochet |
| Care | Cold gentle machine or hand wash; dry flat. Follow the yarn label and project pattern. |
| Colour character | Hand-dyed semi-solid and variegated shades; each skein varies |
Wash gently, support the wet fabric and dry flat
Use a cold gentle machine cycle or hand wash with a mild wool-friendly detergent, following the physical yarn label.
Wash deeply saturated hand-dyed projects separately at first in case a small amount of residual dye is released.
Lift the project carefully and avoid wringing, stretching or leaving it hanging under the weight of absorbed water.
Lay the item to its intended dimensions away from direct heat and allow it to dry completely before wearing or storing.
Patterns, needles and Broadway alternatives
Find an 8 ply pattern
Start with DK / 8 ply patterns, then confirm the required washed gauge and metreage for your size.
Browse Knitting Patterns →Choose your needles
Begin with 4mm knitting needles and adjust after swatching to achieve the pattern's gauge and desired fabric.
Browse Knitting Needles →Compare Broadway yarns
Choose Luna for more metreage and tonal colour or standard Merino DK for an extensive solid-colour palette.
View Broadway Luna →View Broadway Merino DK →
Broadway Hand-Dyed Merino DK FAQs
What is Broadway Hand-Dyed Merino DK?
It is a hand-dyed DK / NZ 8 ply yarn made from 100% superfine superwash merino wool, with approximately 205 metres in each 100g skein.
Is this the Broadway sock yarn?
No. This is pure merino DK / 8 ply with 205 metres per 100g. Broadway Hand-Dyed Sock Yarn is a finer merino-nylon blend designed for socks.
Is it DK or 8 ply?
It is DK weight, commonly called 8 ply in New Zealand. The pattern's required gauge remains more reliable than the weight name alone.
What fibre is it made from?
It is 100% superfine superwash merino wool. It does not contain nylon.
How much yarn is in one skein?
Each 100g skein contains approximately 205 metres.
Does the skein need winding?
Yes. Wind it into a ball or cake before knitting or crocheting, and keep the label with the project.
What needles should I use?
Broadway recommends 4mm knitting needles. Adjust needle size when necessary to achieve the pattern's washed gauge and desired fabric.
What is the listed gauge?
The supplier lists 21–24 stitches per 10cm / 4 inches. Wash and dry a garment swatch before relying on your measurement.
Is the yarn machine washable?
It is made from superwash merino. We recommend cold gentle machine or hand washing and drying flat, while following the physical label and project pattern.
Can it go in a tumble dryer?
Drying flat is recommended. Heat and tumbling can affect shape, colour and the soft surface of fine merino.
Is it soft enough for next-to-skin wear?
Superfine merino is known for a soft handle and works well for many next-to-skin projects. Individual wool sensitivity varies, so test it for the intended wearer.
Is it suitable for jumpers and cardigans?
Yes. Its wearable DK weight, soft merino fibre and hand-dyed colour are particularly well suited to garments.
Can I use it for baby projects?
Its softness and superwash fibre can suit baby garments and blankets when wool works for the recipient. Follow safe pattern and laundering guidance.
Is it suitable for hats, cowls and scarves?
Yes. These projects showcase hand-dyed colour beautifully and make excellent use of its warmth and next-to-skin softness.
Can I crochet with it?
Yes. Use the hook size required by your chosen DK pattern and swatch until the fabric has the intended gauge and drape.
Can I knit socks with it?
It may suit slipper-style or light-wear designs, but it contains no reinforcing nylon. Choose a dedicated sock yarn for socks worn regularly inside shoes.
Will the yarn pill?
Soft merino can fuzz or pill where fabric rubs. Gentle washing and selecting the yarn for appropriate garments and accessories help preserve the surface.
Why might my skein differ from the photograph?
Hand-dyed colour naturally varies and screens reproduce colour differently. The image represents the colourway rather than an exact skein.
Should I alternate skeins?
Yes for most multi-skein projects. Alternate two skeins every few rows or rounds so natural colour variation blends through the fabric.
Should I buy the whole project quantity together?
Yes. Use the pattern's metreage, add a swatching or modification allowance and buy all the skeins together where possible.
Could strong colours release dye?
Some hand-dyed yarn can release a small amount of residual dye during early washes. Use cold water and wash saturated colours separately at first.
Does hand-dyed colour work with cables and texture?
Yes, especially with tonal shades. Strongly variegated colour can compete with complex stitches, so swatch to check that both remain visible.
Can I use it for colourwork?
Yes. Compare shades in natural light and swatch them together to make sure there is enough value contrast for the motif.
How many skeins do I need?
Follow the pattern's metreage for your size and add enough for swatching or changes. The planning table above provides broad starting estimates only.
Can I substitute it for another DK yarn?
Often, but compare fibre, metreage and washed gauge. Hand-dyed superwash merino may drape and relax differently from the pattern's original yarn.
What is the difference between this yarn and Broadway Luna?
Both are hand-dyed 100% superfine superwash merino DK yarns. This range contains 205m per 100g in semi-solid and variegated shades; Luna contains 220m per 100g with a softly layered tonal / two-tone palette.
Choose a shade that makes even the simplest DK pattern feel special
With superfine merino softness, practical superwash fibre and colour that changes gently through every skein, Broadway Hand-Dyed Merino DK turns familiar projects into one-of-a-kind pieces.