James likes ...

• Self-Striping Magic

• German Quality

• Playful & Collectable colours

Opal Sock Wool at McIntosh

by
James McIntosh

Opal Sock Wool - Colour, Comfort & Creativity

If you’ve ever knitted socks before, chances are you’ve heard of Opal sock yarn. Famous for its vibrant self-striping colourways and reliable German quality, Opal has been bringing joy to knitters around the world for decades. At McIntosh, we’re proud to stock all of the Opal sock yarn collections available in the UK – and yes, we ship worldwide too.

Why knit with Opal?

Opal is more than just sock wool – it’s a heritage brand that changed how we think about self-patterning yarn. A single 100g ball is enough to knit a full pair of adult socks, with stripes and patterns magically appearing as you knit. No tricky colourwork required, just pure knitting pleasure.

  • Durable & practical: Blended with 75% virgin wool and 25% polyamide, Opal socks are soft yet long-lasting.
  • Machine washable: Easy care means you can wear your handmade socks every day.
  • Self-striping magic: Let the yarn do the work – stripes, speckles, and patterns appear straight off your needles.

Opal classics & favourites

From the legendary Rainforest collections (which help support rainforest conservation projects) to fun seasonal releases, Opal continues to innovate. Their bold, colourful stripes have become iconic, making Opal yarn a staple in any sock knitter’s stash.

Why buy Opal from McIntosh?

We don’t just carry a few shades – at McIntosh you’ll find the full catalogue of Opal yarns available in the UK. That means every colourway, every collection, and every limited edition, all in one place. With our 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating, speedy service, and worldwide shipping, we make it easy for you to cast on your next pair of socks.

One stitch at a time

There’s something truly mindful about knitting socks with Opal. Watching the colours flow stitch by stitch is calming and joyful – the perfect example of what we call Knititation here at McIntosh. A stitch becomes a breath, and soon you’ve got a cosy pair of socks to keep or gift.