DROPS Melody

Allow about 6–8 balls for a throw of roughly 100 × 130 cm. Bulky blankets of that size typically use 750–1,000 m, and each 50 g ball holds 140 m, so 750–1,000 m ÷ 140 m gives 6–8 balls. Garter stitch and textured patterns use more yarn, so round up for those.

Most knitters find it soft, as it is mainly superfine alpaca with merino. Brushed alpaca has a fuzzy halo, though, and that can tickle very sensitive necks. For a high-necked sweater, hold a swatch against your neck for a few minutes first, or choose a wider neckline.

Choose Melody for a chunky sweater on 8 mm needles and Brushed Alpaca Silk for a finer one with a silk sheen. Melody knits to 12 stitches per 10 cm with 140 m per 50 g. DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk knits to 17 stitches per 10 cm on 5 mm with 140 m per 25 g.

Yes, on an 8 mm hook. The halo fills in crochet stitches, giving a soft, light fabric for wraps, blankets and loose cardigans. Simple stitches such as half double crochet or moss stitch work best, as fancy stitches get lost in the fuzz. Swatch, since crochet uses more yarn than knitting.