Knitting with YAK

YAK (a review)

You know that feeling when you touch a yarn and immediately think, oh, this is going to be lovely? That’s exactly what happened when I met YAK. It’s soft in that “I could wear this all day” way, with just enough weight to feel cosy without being heavy. The merino brings the bounce, the yak brings the warmth, and together they make for a knitting experience that’s pure comfort.

First Impressions

When I first picked up YAK from Lang Yarns, the combination of 70% extrafine merino and 30% yak promised something special — and it delivered from the first touch. The yarn feels naturally soft and gentle, with a muted warmth in its natural colour palette. It’s one of those fibres that instantly tells you it will be kind to your skin, and it knits up into fabric that feels like a quiet luxury rather than something shouting for attention.

Quick Specs

• Composition: 70% Extrafine Merino, 30% Yak

• Length / Weight: 120 m / 50 g

• Construction: Worsted weight

• Recommended Needles: 4.5 mm

• Tension: 18 sts = 10 cm

• Tested Project: Classic cardigan in stocking stitch

• Needle Used: 4.5 mm

• Care: Hand wash, reshape, dry flat

Knitting Experience

For my first project, I made a simple stocking-stitch cardigan, letting the yarn speak for itself. On 4.5 mm needles, the stitches formed with crisp definition and a pleasing weight in hand. Despite its softness, YAK held its shape beautifully, and knitting for long stretches was a pleasure — no snagging, no splitting, just smooth progress. I especially appreciated the way the yak content lent a subtle bloom to the surface, softening the look without blurring the stitch pattern.

Care Instructions

This is a hand-wash yarn, and that’s entirely fitting for its noble fibre blend. A gentle soak in cool water with wool detergent will keep the softness intact and protect the yak fibres. Always reshape and dry flat — with the right care, pieces will hold both their shape and their luxurious feel for years.

Recommended Projects

I’d reach for YAK for:

• Next-to-skin garments, especially jumpers and cardigans

• Soft but substantial accessories like cowls and hats

• Pieces where warmth and lightness need to balance beautifully

• Understated luxury knits that work with natural tones

Value for Money

Given the fibre content and the quality of the spin, YAK sits firmly in the “affordable luxury” category. It isn’t for rough everyday wear or machine washing, but if you’re making something you’ll truly cherish, it’s worth every penny. The yardage is generous for a worsted weight, so projects work up quickly.

Final Verdict

YAK offers a perfect harmony of warmth, softness, and quiet sophistication. The merino provides structure and elasticity, the yak adds depth and velvety warmth, and together they make a yarn that’s as pleasant to work with as it is to wear. For refined projects that still feel everyday-approachable, this one is hard to beat.