Modal Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Knitting and Crocheting with Beechwood Fibre
When we talk about our yarn stashes, animal fibres often take center stage. But whether you are casting on a breathable tee for July, or planning ahead with drapey, lightweight layers for next winter, understanding plant-based and semi-synthetic fibres opens up a whole new world of garment design.
You likely already have cotton and linen in your rotation, but today we are diving deep into a textile powerhouse that deserves a permanent spot in your stash: Modal.
What Exactly is Modal?
Modal is a semi-synthetic fibre made from reconstituted cellulose, primarily derived from the pulp of beech trees.
It belongs to the rayon (or viscose) family, but it is a significant evolutionary step up from standard rayon. During production, modal goes through a modified, high-tension stretching and spinning process. This structural update aligns the fibres more tightly, making modal significantly stronger, more durable, and less prone to losing its shape when wet compared to traditional viscose.
Because it is derived from natural plant materials rather than petroleum-based plastics, it remains highly breathable and doesn't trap heat the way purely synthetic fibres like acrylic or polyester do.
Why Knit or Crochet with Modal?
Modal brings a very specific set of characteristics to a finished fabric. Here is what you can expect when you incorporate it into your makes:
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Unmatched Drape: Modal is famous for its heavy, fluid drape. It creates fabrics that skim and flow over the body rather than standing away from it.
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Next-to-Skin Softness: The surface of the fibre is incredibly smooth. For crafters or wearers with lanolin allergies or sensitivities to the "halo" of animal fibres, modal offers a silky, irritation-free alternative.
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High Absorbency: Modal is roughly 50% more absorbent than standard cotton. It wicks moisture away from the skin rapidly, making it excellent for temperature regulation - whether that means staying cool in a heated winter office or surviving a humid summer day.
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Colour Retention: Modal absorbs dye brilliantly and holds onto it. It is highly resistant to fading, even after repeated washes.
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Pill Resistance: The long, smooth fibres resist the friction that causes pilling, keeping your garments looking pristine for longer.
How Modal Behaves on the Needles
Working with modal requires a slight shift in mindset if you are used to the natural elasticity of wool.
Needle and Hook Choice Because modal is so smooth and silky, it has a lot of "slip." If you are a loose knitter, you may find that it slides right off metal needles. Switching to wooden or bamboo needles/hooks can provide the light grip needed to keep your tension perfectly even.
Stitch Selection Modal has very little memory or bounce. This means it is not the right choice for structured, highly highly-textured cables, or ribbed brims that need to snap back into place. Instead, use modal for projects that lean into its strengths: sweeping shawls, open lacework, drop-shoulder tees, and fluid, oversized cardigans.
Blocking and Care While modal is stronger than standard rayon, it can still feel heavy and fragile when fully saturated with water. Always wash modal garments in cool water with a gentle detergent. Never hang a modal piece to dry, as the weight of the water will stretch the garment out of proportion. Carefully support the weight of the wet fabric, gently squeeze out excess water in a towel, and lay it completely flat to block.
The Power of the Blend
Because 100% modal can lack structural memory and be quite expensive to produce, it is almost always blended. Cotton is its perfect partner.
When you blend modal with cotton, the cotton provides structural rigidity, a matte contrast, and a bit of "grab" to the yarn. The modal offsets the stiffness of the cotton, injecting it with fluid drape, a subtle sheen, and incredible softness.
Spotlight: Mulino by Storai
To let you experience the magic of this fibre firsthand, we have just stocked Mulino, an Italian-spun yarn that perfectly captures the brilliance of a modal blend.
Yarn Specs:
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Composition: 60% Modal, 40% Cotton
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Weight: Fingering / 2ply (467m per 100g)
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Price: £10 per 100g
Mulino offers just enough structure for crisp stitch definition, while ensuring your garments have an incredible, silky drape. Because of the high modal content, it won't feel stiff or heavy as you wear it, and the high twist ensures fantastic durability.
Whether you are stash-building for summer tops or planning a lightweight, year-round layering cardigan, Mulino delivers luxury at an accessible price point.
On our site here - while stock lasts.
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