CREALINO
DK
3.0-4.0mm
James likes ...

• Remarkably soft for linen

• Improves with washing

• Sophisticated lustre

Knitting with CREALINO

by
James McIntosh

CREALINO (a review)

Linen often comes with a reputation — stiff, unyielding, and only softening after weeks of wear. CREALINO by Lang Yarns turns that idea upside down. From the very first ball, the 100% linen felt unexpectedly soft in my hands, with none of the scratchy crispness I’d braced myself for. It was clear before I even cast on that this yarn had been carefully processed to feel comfortable immediately, while still promising to improve with washing.

Quick Specs

  • Composition: 100% Linen

  • Length / Weight: 165 m / 50 g

  • Recommended Needles: 3.5 mm

  • Tension: 21 sts = 10 cm

  • Tested Project: Fitted summer top

  • Needle Used: 3.5 mm

  • Care: Machine wash delicate at 30°C with softener, reshape and dry flat

Knitting Experience

For my first project, I cast on a fitted summer top using 3.5 mm wooden needles. The stitches flowed effortlessly, and the yarn’s consistency gave perfect, crisp definition from the start — no waiting for the fabric to relax. At 21 stitches per 10 cm, the tension was spot on, and the drape began to show even before blocking. This was linen without the learning curve.

Wearing and Care

The finished top felt cool and smooth against my skin on the very first wear. Unlike traditional linen, there was no “breaking-in” period — just immediate comfort and elegance. The real magic came with washing: following the yarn’s unusual advice to use fabric softener on a delicate cycle, the fabric became even softer while retaining its structure and stitch clarity.

Recommended Projects

  • Summer tops and dresses with a crisp yet fluid drape

  • Lightweight shawls and wraps with elegant movement

  • Home décor projects that develop a gentle sheen over time

  • Travel-friendly summer pieces that pack and wash well

Value for Money

With 165 metres per 50 g skein, the yardage is generous, making larger projects possible with fewer balls. That, combined with the yarn’s durability and its tendency to improve over time, makes it a smart choice for summer wardrobes and heirloom-quality accessories.

Final Verdict

CREALINO is pure linen perfected — soft from the start, beautiful to work with, and even better after washing. If you’ve avoided linen for fear of stiffness or tricky care, this yarn will change your mind. It’s a summer knitting staple that feels like a luxury and behaves like a reliable everyday yarn.