Malabrigo Rios Zodiac 287 Capricorn

Capricorn is colour 287 of Malabrigo Rios and part of the Zodiac collection, twelve colours designed by Flor of the Malabrigo design team, each palette drawn from the traits associated with its sign.

Rios is Malabrigo's machine-washable worsted: a smooth four-ply superwash merino, kettle-dyed by hand in Uruguay. It keeps the softness Malabrigo is known for, while the plied construction gives crisp stitch definition and holds up to pilling. Because it goes in the washing machine, it's the yarn to reach for when a sweater, blanket or baby gift is going to be worn and washed often.

• Fiber: 100% superwash merino wool
• Weight: Worsted (4)
• Skein: 210 yds (192 m) / 100 g
• Needles: US 7–9 (4.5–5.5 mm)
• Gauge: 18–22 sts = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette
• Crochet hook: G–I (4.5–5.5 mm)
• Care: Machine wash gentle, cold; lay flat to dry; do not tumble dry

Good for: sweaters and cardigans, hats and cowls, blankets, baby and children's things, cables and colourwork.

Every skein is hand-dyed, so colour shifts a little from skein to skein and lot to lot. Buy enough for the whole project, and on larger pieces alternate two skeins every few rows.