Extra-fine merino creates naturally warm, breathable fabric without the bulk of a chunky yarn.
DMC 100% Baby 4
Baby-soft merino comfort with everyday durability
DMC 100% Baby 4 combines extra-fine merino warmth with practical polyamide strength in a smooth, machine-washable yarn for baby and toddler knits, blankets, accessories and soft toys.
- 75% extra-fine merino wool for natural warmth and a soft hand.
- 25% polyamide adds resilience for frequently loved and washed makes.
- 120 metres per 50g ball with a versatile, plump fabric.
- Machine washable at 30C on a delicate cycle for practical family use.
75% MerinoExtra-fine natural warmth
25% PolyamideAdded strength and resilience
120m / 50gA useful plump baby yarn
4mmRecommended needles or hook
The name explained: "100% Baby 4" is DMC's official product name. It does not mean the yarn is 100% merino, and the number 4 should not be read as the NZ 4 ply weight category. For pattern matching, use the actual specifications: 120m per 50g, 4mm tools and a reference tension of 22 stitches per 10cm.
Softness, warmth and resilience in one ball
This blend is designed for projects that need to feel lovely while standing up to regular family life. Merino creates warmth and softness; polyamide helps the finished fabric hold up to wear and washing.
Polyamide supports durability and shape retention in garments, blankets and nursery accessories.
The smooth construction shows stockinette, rib, texture, cables, colourwork and crochet motifs cleanly.
For cherished everyday makes
Premium enough for a gift, practical enough to use
DMC balances beautiful fibres with convenient care, making this range a strong choice when you want something more refined than a basic baby acrylic without creating a hand-wash-only project.
- Baby and toddler cardigans, jumpers and vests
- Blankets, pram covers and nursery accessories
- Hats, booties, mittens and matching gift sets
- Soft toys and decorative crochet projects
Soft merino.
Practical strength.
Easy family care.
Practical strength.
Easy family care.
A polished all-rounder for handmade pieces that are meant to be worn, washed and enjoyed.
Choose from all 12 DMC Baby 4 colours
Soft neutrals, gentle nursery shades and useful deeper tones make it easy to build a coordinated palette. Every tile below uses the exact image assigned to that live Direct Sewing variant.
100Natural Cream
101Cream / Off White
102Beige
103Taupe
104Blush Pink
105Rose Pink
106Dusty Mauve
107Pale Eucalyptus
108Mist Grey
109Powder Blue
110Buttercup
111Navy / Deep Blue
Choose by both shade number and name. Screens and lighting reproduce colours differently, and separate dye lots can show small variations.
A versatile yarn for growing wardrobes and thoughtful gifts
Baby layers
Cardigans, jumpers, vests and leggings with comfortable warmth and dependable stitch definition.
Blankets
Build soft nursery blankets, pram covers and textured crochet pieces in coordinated shades.
Small accessories
Hats, booties and mittens are ideal for testing a colour or creating a quick handmade gift.
Soft toys
The smooth yarn and gentle palette suit knitted and crocheted toys for decorative or supervised use.
Match the yarn by its real specifications
Swatch before you trust the number on the name
A useful reference tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows per 10cm with 4mm needles. Start there, then use the tool size that gives your pattern's required gauge after the swatch has been washed and dried.
Pattern substitution: compare metreage, gauge and finished fabric rather than relying on the words "4 ply" in the current web address. At 120m per 50g and with 4mm tools, this behaves closer to a DK-style yarn than a fine fingering yarn.
22 x 28Reference stitches and rows per 10cm using 4mm needles. Always follow your chosen pattern and make a washed swatch.
Calculate balls from the pattern metreage
Each ball contains approximately 120 metres. The most dependable quantity is the total metreage stated by your pattern, plus a sensible allowance for swatching, matching, joins and personal tension.
Find the total metres
Use the size you are making, not the sample size shown in the photograph.
Divide by 120
For example, a pattern requiring 520m needs 4.34 balls before allowance.
Round up and add margin
In that example, buy at least 5 balls and consider one extra for dense texture or colour matching.
Dye-lot tip: order enough of one colour at the same time and check every ball before starting. If you must combine lots, alternate them for several rows to soften any visible transition.
Verified yarn details
DMC 100% Baby 4 specifications
| Official product name | DMC 100% Baby 4 Knitting & Crochet Yarn |
|---|---|
| DMC article | 8157-P |
| Fibre content | 75% extra-fine merino wool, 25% polyamide |
| Ball weight | 50g |
| Ball length | Approximately 120m |
| Recommended knitting needles | 4mm |
| Recommended crochet hook | 4mm |
| Reference tension | 22 stitches x 28 rows per 10cm |
| Care | Machine wash at 30C on a delicate cycle; follow the ball band |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 |
| Colours in this listing | 12 |
Simple care for frequently loved projects
Use a 30C delicate machine cycle and follow the care directions on the ball band.
Choose a mild detergent appropriate for wool and avoid harsh bleaching products.
Support the wet item, return it to the intended measurements and dry it flat.
Wash the gauge swatch as the finished piece will be washed before committing to size.
When DMC Baby 4 is the better fit
Choose DMC 100% Baby 4
When you want a merino-led, machine-washable yarn with added resilience, 120m per 50g and a DK-style 4mm gauge.
Choose a fine traditional 4 ply
When your pattern calls for finer fingering-weight fabric, much higher metreage per 50g and smaller needles. These are not direct substitutes without swatching and recalculating.
Before you add your colour
Is DMC 100% Baby 4 made from 100% merino wool?
No. "100% Baby 4" is DMC's product name. The fibre composition is 75% extra-fine merino wool and 25% polyamide.
Is this a standard NZ 4 ply or fingering yarn?
No. Its 120m per 50g, 4mm tool recommendation and 22 stitch reference tension are substantially plumper than a conventional fingering yarn. Match patterns by gauge and metreage.
Can I machine wash it?
Yes. DMC specifies a 30C delicate machine wash. Follow the ball band and test the planned care method on your swatch first.
Is the yarn only for babies?
No. The soft handle, practical care and calm palette also work for children's clothing, accessories, lightweight adult pieces, blankets and crochet projects.
How many balls should I order?
Divide the pattern's total metres for your size by 120, round up to a whole ball and add an allowance for swatching and your own tension. Buy enough from one dye lot where possible.
Are online colours exact?
The tiles use the live image for each variant, but screens and lighting differ. Use the shade number as the most dependable reference and allow for normal dye-lot variation.
What does OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 mean?
It means the yarn has been tested against the certification's limits for a broad range of substances. It is not a medical or allergy guarantee, and individual sensitivities can vary.
Make an everyday baby project feel extra special
Choose your shade above, check the pattern metreage and order enough from one dye lot for a soft, warm and practical merino-blend make.
Return to the Colour Card