Let one ball create tonal movement while you focus on the knitting or crochet itself.
DMC 100% Baby Aquarelle
Pure merino softness with colour already painted in
DMC 100% Baby Aquarelle is a fine superwash merino yarn with gentle tone-on-tone colour changes. Each stitch reveals a little more of the palette, creating softly marled, watercolour-like fabric without juggling several balls.
- 100% superwash merino wool for natural warmth, softness and lightness.
- Approximately 225m per 50g ball for fine 4 ply knitting and crochet.
- Subtle tonal colour changes create interest without bold, regular stripes.
- Machine washable at 40C on a delicate cycle for practical family care.
100% MerinoSuperwash natural wool
225m / 50gFine 4 ply metreage
2.5-3.5mmRecommended knitting needles
3mm HookRecommended for crochet
Not harsh stripes, but a gentle watercolour wash
Aquarelle shades move through related tones rather than switching abruptly between unrelated colours. The result depends on stitch count, project circumference, tension and construction, so every piece develops its own softly changing surface.
The high metreage suits lightweight layers, delicate accessories and detailed baby garments.
Warm yet light, naturally breathable and softened by a practical superwash treatment.
Beautiful beyond the nursery
Fine-gauge merino for babies, children and adults
The soft handle and delicate tonal effect are ideal for baby pieces, but this is not a baby-only yarn. Use it for lightweight adult accessories, fine cardigans, shawls and any pattern where subtle colour can replace complicated colourwork.
- Baby cardigans, jumpers, bonnets and booties
- Lightweight blankets and special newborn gifts
- Adult shawls, scarves, cowls and fine layers
- Simple stitches where the tonal colour can lead
One colourway.
Many soft tones.
No colour changes to manage.
Many soft tones.
No colour changes to manage.
Choose a straightforward pattern and let Aquarelle build the visual detail stitch by stitch.
Choose your DMC Aquarelle colourway
Direct Sewing currently stocks five tonal shades. Each tile uses the exact live image assigned to that variant, with a helpful colour name added beside DMC's shade number.
1330Driftwood
1340Rose
1370Blue
1380Seafoam
1390Light Grey
Use the shade number as your primary reference. Screens and lighting reproduce colours differently, and separate dye lots can show small variations.
Projects where Aquarelle shines
Simple baby garments
Stockinette, garter and straightforward shaping give the watercolour tones room to show.
Fine blankets
Create a lightweight keepsake with gentle colour movement and fewer colour joins.
Shawls and scarves
The generous metreage and fine fabric work well for lace, drape and wearable layers.
Accessories and gifts
Hats, booties, mittens and cowls make satisfying projects from a small number of balls.
Fit and colour both begin with a swatch
Check the fabric and the tonal repeat together
A useful reference tension is approximately 28 stitches and 36 rows per 10cm. Begin within DMC's 2.5mm to 3.5mm needle range, then use the size that gives your pattern's required gauge after washing.
Colour-effect tip: the same shade can pool, flash or blend differently when stitch count or circumference changes. Swatch at a scale similar to the final project so you can judge both gauge and colour distribution.
28 x 36Reference stitches and rows per 10cm. Your pattern's gauge always takes priority.
Calculate your quantity from pattern metreage
Because garment sizes and stitch patterns vary, the safest quantity comes from the total metreage stated for your exact size. Add an allowance for swatching, matching, joins and your personal tension.
Find the required metres
Use the total for the size you will make, including all pieces and finishing.
Divide by 225
A project requiring 820m uses 3.64 balls before any allowance.
Round up and add margin
For that example, buy at least 4 balls and consider a fifth for swatching or matching.
Dye-lot tip: buy enough of one colourway at the same time and check every ball before starting. If lots must be mixed, alternate balls for several rows to soften any visible transition.
Verified yarn details
DMC 100% Baby Aquarelle specifications
| Product | DMC 100% Baby Aquarelle |
|---|---|
| DMC article | 489A |
| Fibre content | 100% superwash merino wool |
| Yarn weight | Fine 4 ply / fingering |
| Ball weight | 50g |
| Ball length | Approximately 225m / 246yd |
| Recommended knitting needles | 2.5mm to 3.5mm |
| Recommended crochet hook | 3mm |
| Reference tension | Approximately 28 stitches x 36 rows per 10cm |
| Colour effect | Subtle tone-on-tone / watercolour-style colour change |
| Care | Machine wash at 40C on a delicate cycle; dry flat |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 |
| Live Direct Sewing colours | Five |
Easy-care merino still deserves a gentle cycle
Use a delicate or wool cycle with gentle spinning and wash dark colours separately.
Use a suitable wool detergent and avoid heat or products that can damage the fibre.
Support the wet item, reshape it to its intended measurements and air dry flat.
Place the item face down under a clean damp cloth and use low heat without pressing.
Before you choose a colourway
What is DMC Baby Aquarelle made from?
It is made from 100% superwash merino wool for natural softness, warmth, lightness and practical machine-washable care.
How much yarn is in each ball?
Each 50g ball contains approximately 225m, providing generous metreage for fine 4 ply knitting and crochet.
Does it create strong self-striping bands?
Not usually. DMC describes Aquarelle as a subtle tonal colour-change effect. Stitch count, circumference and tension determine whether the result looks softly marled, pooled or gently striped.
Is this a NZ 4 ply yarn?
Yes. Its 225m per 50g, fine gauge and 2.5mm to 3.5mm needle range align with conventional 4 ply / fingering patterns, subject to a gauge swatch.
Is it only for baby projects?
No. It is also well suited to fine adult cardigans, shawls, scarves, cowls and other lightweight knitting or crochet.
Can I machine wash it?
Yes. DMC specifies a delicate 40C wash and flat air drying. Follow the ball band and test your planned care method on the swatch.
How do I estimate the number of balls?
Divide the pattern's required metres for your size by 225, round up to a whole ball and add an allowance for swatching and your tension.
Are the colours exact on my screen?
The colour card uses Direct Sewing's live variant images, but screens and lighting vary. Use the DMC shade number as the most dependable reference.
Turn one tonal colourway into a beautifully individual project
Select your shade above, check your pattern metreage and order enough from one dye lot for a fine, soft merino make with colour already built into every ball.
Return to the Colour Card