Vientos is Malabrigo's bulky weight, released to mark their twentieth anniversary — the name means winds in Spanish, and the yarn was designed to defy them. It is 100% superwash merino in a two-ply construction, which gives it more structure and resilience than the single-ply Malabrigo ranges while keeping all the softness and colour depth the brand is known for. The two plies create a subtle textural interplay in the skein that catches the light differently from every angle, and which becomes particularly expressive in cables and textured stitch patterns.
At bulky weight it knits up quickly — genuinely quick, in the way that makes a project feel satisfying rather than interminable — and the superwash treatment means the finished piece can be machine washed on a cold delicate cycle, which matters considerably for anything worn in actual Yorkshire weather.
We stock five colourways: Zinnias (a vibrant magenta-pink), Pisces (a deep teal-blue), Indonesia (a rich jewel blue), Forest (a deep forest green), and Vicennial (a celebratory multi-tonal colourway marking Malabrigo's 20th anniversary). As with all hand-dyed yarns, subtle variation between skeins is expected — buy enough for your project in one go and alternate skeins as you work.
- Composition: 100% Superwash Merino Wool
- Weight: Bulky
- Construction: Two-ply
- Skein weight: 100g
- Yardage: 130 yards / 119 metres per skein
- Recommended needle size: 6–8mm (US 10–11)
- Hand-dyed in Uruguay
- 5 colourways available
Care: Hand wash in cold water with a gentle wool wash. May be machine washed cold on a delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vientos best suited to?
At bulky weight with 130 yards per skein, Vientos is particularly well suited to accessories — cowls, hats, mittens — and quick-knit garments where you want impact without months of commitment. Cables and textured stitch patterns show up beautifully in the two-ply structure. It also works well for chunky blanket squares and home accessories.
How many skeins do I need?
A hat typically takes 1–2 skeins. A cowl takes 2–3 skeins. A simple adult sweater in bulky weight will typically need 6–9 skeins depending on size. Always check your pattern for the specific yardage required.
Is it really machine washable?
Yes — the superwash treatment allows machine washing on a cold delicate cycle. Laying flat to dry is strongly recommended over tumble drying, which can cause felting even in superwash yarns at high heat.
What does two-ply mean and why does it matter?
A two-ply yarn is made from two individual strands of spun fibre twisted together. Compared to a single-ply yarn of the same weight, a two-ply is more durable, holds its shape better, and has a more consistent stitch definition. It is also less prone to splitting under the needle. For Vientos specifically, the two plies also create a subtle textural depth in the colour that single-ply skeins don't produce.
What is Vicennial?
Vicennial is a special colourway created by Malabrigo to mark their twentieth anniversary — vicennial means relating to a twenty-year period. It is a multi-tonal colourway characteristic of a celebratory limited release rather than a standard catalogue colour.
