Planning transitional-weather projects can be tricky: you want a yarn that’s warm yet breathable, lightweight yet stitches up quickly so you can actually wear your new pieces before it gets too hot out… does such a magical yarn even exist?
Thanks to the fibre and color geniuses at iconic Japanese yarnmaker Noro, now it does – meet new Noro Tensan!
Tensan, the Japanese word for “silkworm,” honors the ancient origins of silk — a fiber treasured for its strength, sheen, and timeless luxury. Blended with fine wool, this luminous yarn brings together warmth, resilience, and a soft, lightweight feel. Dyed in Noro’s unmistakable palette, where earthy tones merge with radiant bursts of color, Tensan’s flowing shades and rustic textures reflect company founder Eisaku Noro’s philosophy of drawing inspiration from the natural world:
“I was born and grew up in a place where more great unspoiled nature is left than anywhere else in Japan, so the world of nature is always close. Whether I am aware of it or not, I am inspired by it in many ways. By mixing colors, we can give a more natural feel reminiscent of oceans, mountains, flowers, trees and so on. From ancient times, Japanese people have accepted, enjoyed and been charmed by the non-uniformity, unevenness, and occasionally the coarseness of nature. It may be the base of us, and not only the basic philosophy for Noro yarns.”
With an appealing thick-and-thin single-ply construction, Tensan works up at a heavy worsted gauge into fabrics that are light yet warm, ideal for projects from textured cardigans and elegant wraps to statement accessories and summery tops.
Yarn Details
- Worsted weight
- 68% silk, 32% wool
- 328 yards (300 meters) per 150-gram ball
- 16-20 stitches = 4″ on US#7 (4.5mm) to US#9 (5.mm) needles or US#7 (4.5mm) to US#I-9 (5.5mm) hook
- Hand wash, dry flat
- $52.50, in-store only
Our Pattern Picks
Juno
(Danielle says, “Why am I in love with this cardigan?”)
Sizes
Small (Medium, Large, 1X); finished bust circumference 37 (43, 49, 55)”
Yarn
4-5 balls Noro Tensan (68% silk, 32% wool; 328 yards/300 meters per 150-gram ball)
Gauge & Suggested Needles
16 stitches & 24 rows = 4” on US#8 (5mm) needles, in stockinette stitch after wet blocking. Use one size smaller needle (US#7/4.5mm) for ribbing.
Ayr
Sizes
Small (Medium, Large, 1X, 2X); finished bust circumference 37 (40, 44, 48, 52)”
Yarn
2-4 balls Noro Tensan (68% silk, 32% wool; 328 yards/300 meters per 150-gram ball)
Gauge & Suggested Needles
15 stitches & 23 rows = 4” on US#8 (5mm) needles, in stockinette stitch after wet blocking. Use one size smaller needle (US#7/4.5mm) for ribbing.
Lakes Cardigan
Sizes
XXS (XS) S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL) 4XL (5XL); finished bust circumference 38¼ (41¼) 44¼ (46¼) 49¼ (54¼) 57¼ (61¼) 63¼ (67¼)”, recommended positive ease approximately 10″.
Yarn
4 (4) 4 (4) 4 (4) 5 (5) 5 (6) balls Noro Tensan (68% silk, 32% wool; 328 yards/300 meters per 150-gram ball) held together with (optional)
6 (6) 6 (6) 6 (6) 8 (8) 8 (8) balls De Rerum Natura Bérénice (55% mohair, 25% silk, 20% Merino wool; 230 yards/210 meters per 25-gram ball)
Gauge & Suggested Needles
16 stitches & 24 rows = 4” on US#9 (5.5mm) needles, in stockinette stitch after wet blocking. Use one size smaller needle (US#8/5mm) for ribbing.
Evolving Bella
(Kel says: I neeeeeed this for the beach!)
Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7) (8, 9, 10) (11, 12, 13); finished bust circumference 33 (35.25, 37.25, 39.25) (41.25, 43.25, 45.25) (47.25, 49.25, 51) (53, 57, 61)”.
Yarn
MC (long sleeves): 5 (5, 5, 5) (5, 5, 6) (6, 6, 7) (7, 7, 9) balls Noro Tensan (68% silk, 32% wool; 328 yards/300 meters per 150-gram ball).
CC: 2 (2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 3) balls De Rerum Natura Alice (75% Merino wool, 25% linen); 236 yards/216 meters per 50-gram ball).
Gauge & Suggested Hooks
16 stitches & 10 rows = 4” on US#G-6 (4mm) hook, in pattern stitch after wet blocking.
Shifting Shells
Size
One size; 8½ x 68″
Yarn
2 balls Noro Tensan (68% silk, 32% wool; 328 yards/300 meters per 150-gram ball)
Suggested Hook
US#G-6 (4mm)
