Fine possum fibre builds a soft halo and helps create a cosy fabric without the weight of a much thicker yarn.
Versatile possum-merino 4 ply with extra resilience
Feather-light warmth for fine garments, shawls, gloves—and beautiful socks
Purrino 4 Ply blends New Zealand brushtail possum and soft merino with 25% nylon for a yarn that is warm, light and better equipped for everyday wear. Knit refined socks, gloves, shawls and lightweight garments with a subtle mélange colour and a softly blooming finish.
- 20% NZ possum, 55% merino and 25% nylon balance warmth, softness and durability.
- 240 metres per 40g ball delivers exceptional length without a heavy finished project.
- Two suggested fabric styles: dense 2.5mm sock fabric or lighter 3.25mm garment fabric.
- Ten rich mélange shades give simple stitches natural depth and character.
40g · 240m · 4 ply
20% PossumNew Zealand brushtail
55% MerinoSoft natural warmth
25% NylonAdded resilience
240m / 40gFine, efficient metreage
Three fibres, each doing a different job
Purrino 4 Ply is designed to feel indulgent without being impractical. Possum adds lofty warmth and bloom, merino brings softness and comfort, while nylon reinforces the blend for socks and other pieces that face regular rubbing.
Merino gives the blend its inviting woolly handle and makes fine-gauge garments and accessories a pleasure to wear.
The 25% nylon content makes this a much better sock candidate than a delicate, unreinforced pure-wool 4 ply.
Still a luxury hand-wash sock yarn: nylon improves durability, but Purrino is not advertised as superwash. Treat finished socks gently and follow the ball-band care instructions.
One yarn, two useful fabrics
Firm for socks or lighter for garments
The supplier provides separate needle guidance because the same yarn can create very different results. Use the finer starting size for abrasion-resistant sock fabric and the larger starting size for a softer, more flexible garment fabric.
- 2.5mm for socks: aim for the denser 34–35 stitch range
- 3.25mm for garments: aim for the lighter 28–30 stitch range
- Always follow the chosen pattern's exact gauge
- Wash and dry the swatch before measuring
A versatile luxury 4 ply—not simply a sock yarn
Lightweight jumpers
Create fine layers that deliver surprising warmth without the weight or thickness of a conventional winter garment.
Shawls & wraps
The excellent metreage makes Purrino particularly appealing for generous accessories that remain light in the hand.
Cardigans & vests
Ideal when you want a polished fabric, gentle drape and comfortable warmth for layering through changing seasons.
Socks
Warm, refined socks with nylon reinforcement and a soft halo. Follow a fingering-weight pattern and its metreage carefully.
Gloves & fingerless mitts
A fine gauge supports neat fingers and cuffs, while possum loft brings welcome warmth without cumbersome bulk.
Scarves & cowls
Enjoy the blend close to the skin in simple lace, ribbing or stocking stitch that lets the mélange colour shine.
Fine hats & beanies
Use a doubled brim or close-fitting pattern for a light, warm hat with an elegant surface rather than a chunky look.
Crochet accessories
Choose a fingering-weight pattern and swatch for drape; denser crochet may require more yarn than knitting.
Ten rich mélange shades, numbered 50–59
Use the two-digit shade code and name in the product selector. Natural fibres, dye lots, photography and screens all affect colour, so the images are a guide rather than a guarantee of an identical ball.
50 MustardWarm golden statement
51 GreyClassic cool neutral
52 TealDeep blue-green
53 BerryRich red-purple
54 Mauve GreySoft sophisticated neutral
55 AutumnEarthy seasonal depth
56 GreenFresh natural green
57 OliveMuted botanical neutral
58 WineDeep elegant red
59 RaspberryVibrant berry colour
For pairs and garments: buy the full quantity together, match dye lots where possible and keep every ball band until the project is finished.
Will one 40g ball make a pair?
It depends on the foot size, leg height, stitch pattern and gauge. One ball gives a generous 240 metres, which may suit some small or short sock patterns, but larger feet, longer legs, cables and matching colour placement can require a second ball.
Read the pattern metres
Use the total metreage for the intended size rather than assuming every pair is a one-ball project.
Allow for matching
Plain mélange colour reduces pattern matching, but identical leg length and swatching still need a little reserve.
Choose a firm gauge
Sock fabric should be close and supportive. Loose fabric wears faster even when a yarn contains reinforcing nylon.
Protect high-wear areas
Use a durable heel construction and shoes that fit comfortably so friction is not concentrated in one place.
Convert pattern metreage into 40g balls
Divide the pattern's required metreage by 240, round up to a whole ball, then allow for your swatch and any changes to size, length or stitch pattern.
| Balls | Total weight | Total metreage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ball | 40g | 240m |
| 2 balls | 80g | 480m |
| 3 balls | 120g | 720m |
| 4 balls | 160g | 960m |
| 5 balls | 200g | 1,200m |
| 6 balls | 240g | 1,440m |
| 8 balls | 320g | 1,920m |
| 10 balls | 400g | 2,400m |
Purrino 4 Ply or Purrino 8 Ply DK?
| Feature | Purrino 4 Ply | Purrino 8 Ply DK |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre blend | 20% possum, 55% merino, 25% nylon | 20% possum, 80% fine merino |
| Ball size | 40g / 240m | 40g / 140m |
| Starting needles | 2.5mm socks; 3.25mm garments | 4mm |
| Fabric | Fine, light and adaptable from firm to drapey | More substantial DK fabric with greater visual loft |
| Durability | Nylon reinforcement for socks and regular wear | No nylon; best for garments and accessories |
| Choose it for | Socks, fine garments, gloves, shawls and light accessories | Jumpers, cardigans, hats, scarves, cowls and warm layers |
Swatch for the intended job
Gauge determines whether the fabric behaves like a sock or a garment
For socks, 2.5mm is the supplier's starting point, with a listed range of 34–35 stitches and 44–46 rows over 10cm. For garments, begin around 3.25mm, with a listed range of 28–30 stitches and 36–40 rows.
Your pattern is the final authority. Make a generous swatch, wash it gently, dry it flat and measure only when completely dry. Adjust needle size until both gauge and fabric feel are right.
For crochet: begin with the hook suggested by your chosen 4 ply pattern. Swatch carefully because dense crochet can use significantly more yarn than knitted fabric.
Purrino Possum Merino 4 Ply at a glance
| Brand / range | Countrywide Yarns Purrino 4 Ply, also known as Purrino Sock 4 Ply |
|---|---|
| Yarn weight | 4 ply / fingering / sock weight |
| Fibre content | 20% New Zealand brushtail possum, 55% merino wool, 25% nylon |
| Ball weight | 40g |
| Length | 240m per ball |
| Sock needle starting point | 2.5mm, adjusted to achieve pattern gauge |
| Garment needle starting point | 3.25mm, adjusted to achieve pattern gauge |
| Sock gauge range | 34–35 stitches × 44–46 rows = 10cm |
| Garment gauge range | 28–30 stitches × 36–40 rows = 10cm |
| Colour character | Subtle mélange shades with natural tonal depth |
| Care | Gentle hand wash; reshape and dry flat. Follow the physical ball-band instructions. |
| Current Direct Sewing range | 10 shades, numbered 50–59 |
Hand wash—even though the yarn contains nylon
Use cool water and a small amount of wool-friendly wash, following the physical ball band as the final authority.
Gentle handling protects the fine natural fibres, soft halo and shape of your finished work.
Press out moisture without twisting, then lift carefully so socks and garments are not stretched while wet.
Lay the item to its intended dimensions away from direct heat and allow it to dry completely.
Patterns, needles and advice when you need it
Find a 4 ply pattern
Choose a fingering / 4 ply design, then confirm its gauge and total metreage for your intended size.
Browse Knitting Patterns →Choose your needles
Begin around 2.5mm for socks or 3.25mm for garments, adjusting after washing the swatch.
Browse Knitting Needles →Need help calculating?
Tell our team the pattern, size and metreage and we can help you choose a practical number of balls.
Contact Direct Sewing →Purrino Possum Merino 4 Ply FAQs
What is Purrino 4 Ply made from?
It contains 20% New Zealand brushtail possum, 55% merino wool and 25% nylon.
Does Purrino 4 Ply have to be used for socks?
No. Countrywide promotes sock patterns for it, but also specifically describes it as suitable for delicate garments. It makes beautiful shawls, wraps, gloves, mitts, scarves, cowls, hats and fine-gauge clothing.
Can I use Purrino 4 Ply for socks?
Yes. It contains 25% nylon for reinforcement and the supplier recommends a 2.5mm starting needle size for a firm sock fabric.
How much yarn is in one ball?
Each 40g ball contains 240 metres.
Will one ball make a pair of socks?
It may suit some small or short sock patterns, but larger feet, taller legs, dense texture or generous sizing may need two. Follow the pattern's metreage rather than assuming.
Why is nylon included?
Nylon adds strength and resilience, making the yarn better suited to socks and other projects exposed to regular rubbing.
Is it warm?
Yes. Possum and merino create excellent warmth-to-weight, so fine socks and garments can feel cosy without being bulky.
Does the yarn develop a halo?
Yes. Fine possum fibres bloom through the surface with wear and gentle washing, creating a soft, luxurious finish.
What needles should I use for socks?
Start around 2.5mm and adjust to achieve the sock pattern's gauge and a firm, supportive fabric.
What needles should I use for garments?
Start around 3.25mm and adjust after washing your swatch to match the pattern and desired fabric.
What are the listed gauge ranges?
The supplier lists 34–35 stitches and 44–46 rows for denser fabric, and 28–30 stitches and 36–40 rows for lighter fabric, measured over 10cm.
Can I crochet with it?
Yes. Use a 4 ply / fingering-weight pattern and adjust the hook after swatching for the intended gauge and drape.
Is Purrino 4 Ply superwash?
It is not advertised as superwash. The stated care is gentle hand wash, so do not assume machine washing is suitable.
Can it go in the tumble dryer?
Flat drying is the safer recommendation. Heat and tumbling can affect the natural fibres, shape and soft surface.
Is it soft enough for next-to-skin projects?
The possum-merino blend is designed to be soft and works well for many next-to-skin projects. Individual wool sensitivity varies, so test it for the intended wearer.
Will the nylon stop socks wearing out?
Nylon improves durability but cannot prevent all wear. Firm gauge, suitable construction, good shoe fit and gentle care all affect sock life.
Why does the colour look mélange?
The different fibres take colour with subtle variation, creating depth rather than a completely flat solid shade.
Will my ball exactly match the photograph?
Not necessarily. Natural fibre, dye lots, photography and screen settings create variation. Use the shade code and buy enough together for one project.
Should I alternate balls?
If balls show a visible tonal difference, alternating two balls every few rows helps blend the change through the fabric.
How many balls do I need for a garment?
Use the pattern's total metreage for your size, divide it by 240 and round up. Add enough for swatching and any changes to fit or length.
How should I wash finished socks or garments?
Hand wash gently, avoid rubbing and wringing, support the wet item, reshape and dry flat. Follow the physical ball band.
Is this the same blend as Purrino 8 Ply?
No. Purrino 4 Ply contains 25% nylon for reinforcement. Purrino 8 Ply is 20% possum and 80% fine merino with no nylon listed.
Choose your Purrino shade and make luxury practical
Whether your next project is a treasured pair of socks or a feather-light garment, Purrino combines warmth, softness, excellent metreage and everyday resilience in every 40g ball.
View the 10 Shades