The lofty fibre blend traps insulating air, making Purrino especially appealing for comfortable winter layers and accessories.
New Zealand-made possum merino · DK / NZ 8 ply
Remarkable warmth without a heavy garment
Purrino brings together the natural loft of New Zealand brushtail possum and the softness of fine 18-micron merino. The result is a light, cosy DK yarn that gradually develops a beautiful halo and gives everyday knitwear a distinctly luxurious finish.
- 20% NZ brushtail possum and 80% fine merino for warmth, softness and airy loft.
- A generous 140 metres in each 40g ball helps create warm fabric with less weight.
- Natural mélange colour gains depth from the light and dark tones within possum fibre.
- Made in New Zealand and available in 15 versatile shades.
40g · 140m · 4mm
20% PossumNew Zealand brushtail
80% MerinoFine 18-micron wool
140m / 40gLight, efficient metreage
22 sts × 30 rowsPer 10cm on 4mm
Possum loft and fine-merino softness in one beautifully balanced yarn
Purrino is not simply another solid-colour merino DK. Fine possum fibres work towards the surface as the fabric is handled and worn, building soft bloom, visual depth and excellent insulation without making the finished piece feel unnecessarily dense.
A subtle halo develops through wear and gentle washing, giving the fabric the inviting finish possum-merino knitwear is known for.
Natural variations within the possum fibre soften and enrich dyed shades rather than creating a perfectly flat block of colour.
Expect bloom—not a crisp, flat surface: Purrino starts soft and becomes more haloed with wear. It is wonderful for cosy garments and accessories; very tiny stitch details may look softer as the bloom develops.
The fabric you are buying
Light in the hand, cosy on the body
At 140 metres per 40g, Purrino gives you the length of a DK yarn without the same finished weight as many conventional 50g balls. That makes it a strong choice when you want genuine warmth but dislike bulky, heavy knitwear.
- Comfortable for layered jumpers and cardigans
- Luxurious around the neck in scarves, cowls and shawls
- Warm without excessive bulk in hats, mitts and gloves
- Beautiful in plain knitting, ribs, restrained texture and simple crochet
Premium yarn for the pieces you will reach for every winter
Jumpers & cardigans
Warm, light layers with a refined soft surface—especially appealing when a conventional wool garment feels too heavy.
Scarves & cowls
Showcase the blend's warmth and softness where they matter most, with simple stitches that let the halo take centre stage.
Hats & beanies
A lofty DK fabric provides welcome warmth without requiring an overly thick or stiff hat.
Mitts & gloves
Create light, warm handwear with a comfortable feel and an elegant mélange finish.
Shawls & wraps
The excellent metreage supports generous accessories that feel warm and enveloping without becoming cumbersome.
Vests & slipovers
Ideal for core warmth and easy layering when sleeves would add more bulk than you want.
Special gifts
New Zealand-made natural fibres give even a simple ribbed hat or classic scarf a premium, thoughtful character.
Crochet wearables
Use a DK pattern and swatch for drape; the halo can soften dense crochet and lend it a more textile-like finish.
Fifteen mélange shades—from soft neutrals to glowing colour
Choose by the two-digit shade code and name in the product selector. Online photographs and screens vary, while the natural possum blend gives each colour subtle tonal movement.
20 Pale FawnSoft natural neutral
21 LatteWarm everyday neutral
22 CopperRich earthy warmth
23 ChocolateDeep classic brown
24 GreyVersatile cool neutral
25 CharcoalDark modern neutral
26 Pale PinkLight delicate blush
27 RaspberryJewel-toned berry
28 Pale BlueSoft airy blue
29 AirforceWearable muted blue
30 GrassFresh natural green
31 ForestDeep evergreen shade
32 BlushWarm rosy neutral
33 Light TealFresh blue-green
34 FlameWarm statement colour
Planning a garment? Order the full quantity together and select matching dye lots where possible. Natural fibres and dye batches vary, so keeping the ball bands is important.
Four habits that make the most of Purrino's natural bloom
Swatch generously
Make a larger-than-minimum swatch so you can judge softness, drape, gauge and the developing halo accurately.
Wash the swatch
Measure after a gentle hand wash and flat dry. The finished fabric—not the fresh-off-the-needles fabric—is your best guide.
Handle changes gently
The bloom can make repeated unpicking slower than with a smooth yarn, so check stitch counts and shaping as you go.
Blend when needed
If two balls show visible tonal differences, alternate them every few rows so the change becomes gradual and intentional.
Convert your pattern's metreage into 40g balls
Each ball contains 140 metres. Divide the pattern metreage for your size by 140, round up to a whole ball, then allow for swatching and any length or fit changes.
| Balls | Total weight | Total metreage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ball | 40g | 140m |
| 2 balls | 80g | 280m |
| 3 balls | 120g | 420m |
| 4 balls | 160g | 560m |
| 5 balls | 200g | 700m |
| 6 balls | 240g | 840m |
| 8 balls | 320g | 1,120m |
| 10 balls | 400g | 1,400m |
Use the pattern, not a generic garment chart: garment size, fit, length, stitch pattern, crochet density and gauge can change yarn use dramatically.
Gauge before guesswork
Start with 4mm needles, then let your pattern decide
The listed standard tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10cm using 4mm knitting needles. Your hands, needle material and stitch pattern may create a different fabric, so change needle size until the washed swatch matches the pattern.
For crochet, begin with the hook suggested by your DK pattern and adjust after swatching. A slightly more open fabric can show off Purrino's loft, while very dense crochet may feel firmer and use more yarn.
Substituting Purrino: compare the pattern gauge and total metreage as well as the “DK / 8 ply” label. Its light 40g put-up means ball-for-ball comparisons can be misleading.
Purrino Possum Merino 8 Ply at a glance
| Brand / range | Countrywide Yarns Purrino |
|---|---|
| Yarn weight | DK / New Zealand 8 ply |
| Fibre content | 20% New Zealand brushtail possum, 80% fine 18-micron merino wool |
| Ball weight | 40g |
| Length | 140m per ball |
| Recommended needles | 4mm, or the size required to achieve pattern gauge |
| Standard tension | 22 stitches × 30 rows = 10cm |
| Construction character | Light, lofty yarn with a soft halo that develops through wear and washing |
| Colour character | Mélange shades with natural tonal depth from possum fibre |
| Care | Gentle hand wash; reshape and dry flat. Follow the physical ball-band instructions. |
| Country of origin | Made in New Zealand |
| Current Direct Sewing range | 15 shades, numbered 20–34 |
Gentle washing protects softness, loft and shape
Use cool water and a small amount of wool-friendly wash, following the physical ball band as the final authority.
Do not rub, scrub or wring. Gentle handling helps protect the fine fibres and reduces unwanted felting or distortion.
Press out moisture without twisting, then lift the project carefully so wet fabric is not stretched out of shape.
Lay the item to its intended dimensions away from direct heat and store only when it is completely dry.
Patterns, needles and advice when you need it
Find an 8 ply pattern
Begin with a DK / 8 ply design, then confirm its required gauge and total metreage for your chosen size.
Browse Knitting Patterns →Choose your needles
Start around 4mm and change size when needed to match the pattern after washing and drying your swatch.
Browse Knitting Needles →Need help planning?
Tell our team what you want to make, the size and pattern metreage, and we can help you calculate a sensible quantity.
Contact Direct Sewing →Purrino Possum Merino FAQs
What is Purrino yarn made from?
Purrino contains 20% New Zealand brushtail possum fibre and 80% fine 18-micron merino wool.
Is Purrino DK or 8 ply?
It is DK weight, commonly called 8 ply in New Zealand. Always match the pattern's gauge rather than relying on the weight name alone.
How much yarn is in one ball?
Each 40g ball contains 140 metres.
Why is a Purrino ball only 40g?
The blend is light and lofty, so a 40g ball still provides 140 metres. Compare project requirements by metreage, not only by ball weight or ball count.
Where is Purrino made?
Purrino is made in New Zealand.
What needles should I use?
The recommended starting point is 4mm knitting needles. Change size as necessary to match your pattern's gauge after washing the swatch.
What is the listed gauge?
The standard tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm. Your exact result depends on your knitting, needles and stitch pattern.
Can I crochet with Purrino?
Yes. Choose a DK crochet pattern and swatch with the suggested hook, adjusting until the fabric has the intended gauge and drape.
Is Purrino warm?
Yes. The possum-merino blend is prized for excellent warmth-to-weight, giving you cosy fabric without the bulk of a very heavy yarn.
Does Purrino have a halo?
Yes. Fine possum fibres gradually bloom through the surface, creating a soft halo that becomes more apparent with wear and gentle washing.
Will the halo hide stitch patterns?
It can soften the edges of very fine details. Ribs, simple cables and broader textures still work well, but swatch first if crisp definition is central to the design.
Is it suitable for next-to-skin wear?
The fine merino and soft possum blend is comfortable for many people in scarves, cowls, hats and garments. Individual fibre sensitivity varies, so test it for the intended wearer.
Is Purrino good for sweaters and cardigans?
Yes. It is particularly attractive for warm, lightweight garments with a soft, premium finish.
Can I use it for hats, gloves and scarves?
Yes. Accessories are an excellent match for its warmth, lightness and gentle halo.
How many balls do I need?
Divide the pattern's total metreage for your size by 140 and round up. Add enough for swatching and any planned changes to length, fit or stitch pattern.
Should I buy an extra ball?
An extra ball is sensible for garments, matching accessories, swatching, length adjustments and future repairs—especially when the same dye lot may be difficult to replace later.
Why does the colour look mélange?
Natural light and dark tones within the possum fibre blend with the dyed merino, giving the colour depth and gentle variation rather than a perfectly flat finish.
Will my ball exactly match the photograph?
Not necessarily. Natural fibre, dye lots, photography and screens all create variation. Use the numbered shade name as your guide and buy enough together for one project.
Should I alternate balls?
If balls show a noticeable tonal difference, alternate two balls every few rows or rounds so the variation blends gradually through the project.
How should I wash Purrino?
Use a gentle hand wash, avoid rubbing or wringing, support the wet piece and dry it flat. Always follow the instructions on the physical ball band.
Can I machine wash or tumble dry it?
Gentle hand washing and flat drying are the recommended approach. Do not assume machine washing or tumble drying is suitable unless the physical ball band says so.
Is Purrino a superwash yarn?
The supplied specification does not describe Purrino as superwash. Treat it as a hand-wash yarn and follow the ball-band care instructions.
Choose your Purrino shade and make warmth feel lighter
From a beautifully simple scarf to a treasured winter cardigan, Purrino rewards your making time with fine-merino softness, possum loft and colours full of natural depth.
View the 15 Shades