Knitting with VAYA

VAYA (a review)

If you’ve ever struggled to find a yarn you can wear all year, VAYA might just be the answer. It’s soft, light, and adaptable — cool enough for summer evenings, warm enough for autumn mornings. The cotton keeps it breathable, the merino adds gentle warmth, and the yak gives it that “just a bit special” feeling. Honestly, I can’t think of a season it wouldn’t work in.

My First Impressions

VAYA by Lang Yarns is a masterclass in seasonal versatility. The cotton base offers breathable comfort, the merino brings gentle warmth, and the yak adds an unmistakable touch of luxury. From the first touch, you notice the soft yet distinct hand-feel — familiar from cotton, elevated by the subtle warmth and loft of its animal fibres.

Quick Specs

• Composition: 74% Cotton, 16% Extrafine Merino Wool, 10% Yak

• Length / Weight: 200 m / 50 g

• Recommended Needles: DK weight (3.5–4 mm suggested)

• Tension: Varies by project; excellent stitch definition

• Tested Projects: Sweater, summer wrap, autumn cardigan

• Care: Machine wash at 30°C (wool detergent, no fabric softener)

Knitting Experience

VAYA comes with one golden rule: work with two balls at once, alternating every few rows. This ensures the yarn’s natural colour variations blend beautifully, creating a sophisticated, professional-looking finish. Ignoring this step leads to noticeable unevenness, so it’s well worth the small extra effort. On the needles, the yarn flows smoothly, the cotton giving definition while the merino and yak soften every stitch.

Wearing and Performance

VAYA truly spans the seasons. Lightweight wraps keep you comfortable on summer evenings, cardigans bridge crisp autumn mornings to warm afternoons, and fine layers provide warmth in mild winter weather. The yak fibre’s temperature-regulating qualities shine, ensuring comfort in both cool and warm conditions.

Where VAYA Excels

• Transitional garments that work year-round

• Luxury accessories with daily-wear practicality

• Professional wardrobe pieces adaptable to changing office temperatures

• Projects showcasing subtle colour variation

Yarn Characteristics

• Cotton: Breathable, stable base with clear stitch definition

• Merino Wool: Gentle warmth, moisture-wicking

• Yak Fibre: Luxurious softness, thermal adaptability

• Colour Variation: Best results with two-ball alternating technique

Care & Practicality

Despite its exotic composition, VAYA is machine washable at 30°C, making it surprisingly easy to care for. Colours stay rich, the fabric keeps its drape, and the softness remains intact after repeated laundering.

Value for Money

Containing yak fibre — usually reserved for high-end yarns — VAYA offers a rare chance to work with an exotic material at an accessible price point. The blend’s adaptability across seasons means you’ll reach for VAYA garments often, increasing their real-world value.

Final Verdict

VAYA is proof that transitional yarns can be luxurious without being delicate. Its blend of cotton, merino, and yak offers softness, adaptability, and beauty in every stitch. Whether you’re making wraps, cardigans, or everyday luxury layers, this yarn bridges seasons with elegance and ease.