Noro Yarns

When knitters and crocheters think of Noro, they think first of brilliant, amazing color! These unique and unusual yarns combine blends of luxury fibers-- including merino, cashmere, silk, and others-- and long color repeats that create one-of-a-kind projects.

NORO

This company is based in the Aichi province of Japan and was founded over thirty years ago by designer Eisaku Noro. Noro yarns are created with unique processes, in which production by hand is used as much as possible, saving energy and protecting the natural qualities of the fibers. The company is also known for their focus on low-chemical processes. One could say that Noro was one of the first ecologically-conscious yarns available in the handcrafting market.

Noro's training as a painter and fine artist is evident in his inspired and incomparable color combinations. As you work through a skein of Noro yarn, you will find vibrant hues which are surprising, unexpected, and fun. These yarns truly speak to our inner child, whose color choices are unfettered and imaginative. Kureyon, the company's original hand-knitting yarn, gets its name from the Japanese pronunciation of the word "crayon."

Working with a Noro yarn provides a truly unique creative experience. The rustic quality of the yarns will give the simplest project a beautiful texture. Watching the color sequence unfold makes even a plain garter stitch scarf an engaging project. Modular knitting or crochet, or entrelac projects, are especially fun in Noro yarns. Because each hue in the skein appears in long repeats, these patterns will isolate the colors. For example, you can create a log-cabin blanket square with different colors without cutting your yarn and changing skeins! Alternating two colorways expands the already expansive possibilities. Their popular Kureyon and Silk Garden yarns have recently been introduced in a fingering weight, which we love for one-skein scarf and shawl projects.

Many acclaimed designers -- including Jane Ellison, Jenny Watson, and others -- have found inspiration in Noro yarns. You'll find plenty of fabulous designs using these unique yarns to give you that creative spark. Many of these patterns are suitable for a beginning knitter or crocheter, since they incorporate simple shapes to show off the fabulous colors.