DONEGAL WOOLEN SPUN
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Worsted / Aran
4.5-5.0mm
James likes ...

• Excellent for cable knits

• Spun from time honoured Irish craftsmanship

• Improves once washed

Knitting with DONEGAL WOOLEN SPUN

by
James McIntosh

DONEGAL WOOLEN SPUN (a review)

If you’ve ever wanted a yarn that feels like it belongs beside a roaring fire in a stone cottage, DONEGAL WOOLEN SPUN is it. It’s soft, warm, and just rustic enough to make your knitting feel connected to something bigger. The kind of yarn you can imagine your grandmother loving — but without the scratchiness she swore “would soften in the wash.” This is the cosy, characterful stuff of knitting dreams.

My First Impressions

DONEGAL WOOLEN SPUN from LANGYARNS is steeped in Irish heritage, spun using traditional woolen methods to produce a yarn with natural grip, warmth, and depth of character. The virgin merino base adds a softness that elevates the authentic feel, making it as wearable as it is culturally rich.

Quick Specs

Composition: 100% Virgin Merino Wool (Woolen Spun)
Length / Weight: 105 m / 50 g
Recommended Needles: 4.0–5.0 mm
Tension: 17 sts × 25 rows / 10 cm
Care: Hand wash only, lay flat to dry

Knitting Experience

On 4.5 mm needles, DONEGAL WOOLEN SPUN creates well-defined stitches that hold shape beautifully, even in complex cables. The woolen spun texture gives each stitch a slight halo and a tactile, almost “alive” feel in the hand. It’s a yarn that rewards patient, considered knitting, especially in heritage-inspired patterns.

Wearing and Performance

The finished Aran cardigan from my trial knit had a structured, almost architectural presence without feeling heavy. The fabric’s natural grip locks cables in place, while its warmth makes it ideal for outerwear and layering pieces. This is a yarn that invites careful handwashing — a small concession for such authenticity.

Where It Excels

  • Aran and Celtic cable sweaters

  • Fair Isle and stranded colour-work

  • Heritage garments with structure and presence

  • Accessories where shape retention matters

Yarn Highlights

  • Cultural authenticity: Woolen spun using time-honoured Irish techniques

  • Natural grip: Excellent for cables and textured patterns

  • Warmth without heaviness: Superior warmth-to-weight ratio

  • Character-rich: Subtle colour blends enhance heritage feel

Value for Money

For knitters seeking genuine heritage yarn, DONEGAL WOOLEN SPUN offers exceptional value. Each skein carries the weight of tradition and produces garments with presence, longevity, and story.

Final Verdict

DONEGAL WOOLEN SPUN is more than just a yarn — it’s a connection to Irish knitting heritage. Its woolen spun construction, authentic texture, and cultural resonance make it a perfect choice for makers who value depth, history, and craftsmanship in their work.