I’m sharing my review of King Cole Summer 4Ply yarn today, along with a collection of patterns using this yarn, and a giveaway for your chance to win a skein along with an ergonomic crochet hook. Read on for details!
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King Cole Summer 4Ply Yarn Review
As a King Cole Brand Ambassador, I get the chance to try out lots of yarn. One of my new favorites is King Cole Summer 4Ply.
I recently designed the Piraguas Shawl, a simple triangular shawl pattern, using just one skein of Summer 4Ply. (By the way, Summer 4Ply is available from your local yarn shop or online at LoveCrafts or Wool Warehouse UK.) I really enjoyed working with Summer 4Ply on this project, but before I get into my review, let me share some yarn facts.
King Cole Summer 4Ply is available in 3.5 ounce (100 gram) center-pull skeins. Currently, there are nine different colorways. The fiber content is 55% bamboo, 37% cotton, and 8% PBT (also known as polyester for my fellow North Americans). Each skein includes a generous 492 yards (450 meters) of yarn. The colorways are long color repeats that are self-striping. As the name suggests, Summer 4Ply is a 4 ply yarn (in UK terms). According to Laughing Hens, UK 4 ply weight yarns can fall anywhere between what in the US we would call super fine (#1, sock or fingering) weight yarns and fine (#2, sport or baby) weight yarns. I would categorize Summer 4Ply firmly in the sock yarn (#1/super fine) weight category. Summer 4Ply projects can be machine washed at up to 40 degrees Celsius/104 degrees Fahrenheit. I would recommend washing on a cold, delicate cycle (such as woolens). Summer 4Ply projects should be dried flat, not machine dried.
The yarn has a delightful and gentle texture. I was able to crochet the Piraguas Shawl surprisingly quickly for such a thin yarn because the fiber combination allows Summer 4Ply to glide quickly through your hands. It isn’t sticky in the way that some cotton-blend yarns can be. It is easy to work with and not fussy or splitty.
You can use Summer 4Ply for all the types of patterns you would make with sock yarns: socks, shawls, scarves, garments, etc. Many sock yarns are primarily wool, but because Summer 4Ply is mostly made with airy cotton and bamboo fibers, these projects would be ideal for wearing in warmer weather.
King Cole Summer 4Ply Pattern Roundup
If you’re looking for projects to make with Summer 4Ply, I’ve pulled together several I found online to get you started.
- Piraguas Shawl by Underground Crafter (that’s me): Free, one-skein, crochet pattern
- Stepping Out Summer Scarf by Stitches n Scraps: Free, one-skein, crochet pattern
- Elana Summer Top with Side Tie by Pat Menchini: Premium, 3-4 skeins, knitting
- The Summer Bralette by Komal Raj: Premium, 2 skeins, crochet
There are also four King Cole Summer 4Ply pattern leaflets that you can buy online.
- 5662 includes two knitting patterns for a triangular shawl with coordinating socks
- 5663 includes three crochet patterns for a coordinating triangular shawl, scarf, and hat
- 5664 includes two knitting patterns for short-sleeved tops
- 5849 includes two knitting patterns for tops in children’s sizes
Check your local yarn shop for more King Cole pattern leaflets. You can use any King Cole 4Ply pattern with Summer 4Ply yarn.
Giveaway
After reading my review of King Cole Summer 4Ply, you are probably ready to get your hands on this yarn! You can buy it now from your local yarn shop or online at LoveCrafts or Wool Warehouse UK, or enter the giveaway below by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, July 31, 2022 for your chance to win one skein of King Cole Summer 4Ply yarn in 4575 Tutti Fruity, a Prym Ergonomic crochet hook in size US E-4/3.5 mm, and Knitty City measuring tape. This is just the yarn and hook you’ll need to make the Piraguas Shawl.
While the skein of yarn was provided by King Cole, the giveaway is organized by Underground Crafter. Enter using any of the options on the Rafflecopter widget below. One winner will be chosen from the entries at random to win the prizes described above. Winner will be contacted approximately 1 week after the entries close. Winner will have 3 days to claim the prize. If winner does not respond within 3 days, prize will be awarded to an alternate. By entering this giveaway, you are agreeing to share your contact information with Rafflecopter and/or Underground Crafter. You can read the Rafflecopter Privacy Policy here and the Underground Crafter Privacy Policy here to understand how this information is used. This giveaway is open worldwide, except where prohibited by law. Good luck!
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