It’s been a while since my last Swatch Talk post! My Swatch Talk series is where I take a closer look at a different yarn, knit up some swatches, and share my thoughts on how it behaves and give ideas for the types of projects I think it would work well in.
The last one I wrote was about Berroco Remix nearly a year ago. Speaking of Remix though, this spring Berroco introduced Remix Wool, and since I’ve had several people ask how it compares to the original, I thought it would be good to swatch it and see for myself and write-up a new installment of Swatch Talk!
It may be helpful to think of Remix Wool and Remix as siblings. They share certain similar traits, but also have their own unique identities. Let’s talk about some of these differences and similarities…
How is Remix Wool Different/Similar to Remix?
Differences:
- Fiber content: Remix Wool includes recycled wool, so the fabric will create a warmer garment/accessory than the original Remix (which has no wool in it at all).
- Available weights: Both lines include a worsted-weight yarn, but Remix Wool also has a DK, while Remix also comes in Light (sport-weight) and Chunky (bulky-weight).
- Put-up: Remix Wool currently comes in hanks that need winding before use while Remix is sold in pull skeins.
- Color palette: Remix has a wider palette including brighter, year-round colors, while Remix Wool’s palette has more earthy, classic sweater hues.
- Texture: Although both lines have a tweedy aesthetic, Remix Wool has a loftier, slightly thick-and-thin appearance that reminds me of some woolen-spun yarns.
Similarities:
- Eco-conscious: Like the original Remix, Remix Wool is made from reclaimed textiles that are turned back into fiber and spun into new yarn. The colors are created by blending already-colored recycled fibers rather than dyeing the yarn again, helping reduce water use.
- Gauge: The worsted versions share the same yardage and knit to very similar gauges (even on the same needle size).
- Overall look: Despite their slightly different textures, both yarns have the same rustic, tweedy aesthetic.
Let’s compare the swatches
I swatched both Remix Wool and Remix Wool DK to see how they knit up, how the fabric feels and what kind of gauge I would get.
Remix Wool
Although classified as a worsted-weight, I think both Remix Wool and the original Remix knit more like a Heavy Worsted or Aran. On a US 8 needle I got 16 stitches = 4″ with both yarns, so I’d feel comfortable substituting one for the other in many patterns (though I always recommend swatching first!).
As I mentioned above, compared to the original Remix, Remix Wool has a loftier fabric and a bit more thick-and-thin texture.
Remix Wool DK
It’s labeled as a DK-weight. I was wondering if it would actually knit up like a DK though, because it seemed a little thin (when looking at the strand before knitting with it). And with my previous experience with regular Remix, their “Remix Light” is classified as a DK as well but it definitely knits up more like a fingering or sport.
But on a US 6 needle Remix Wool DK gave me 20 stitches = 4″, slightly looser than the ball band gauge of 21-22 stitches. I often knit thick-and-thin yarns a bit loosely when working flat, so that makes sense to me. And so although the yarn looks thin, when knit up I do think it really is a DK-weight.
Overall, I think this yarn could work well for both DK and light worsted patterns, depending on the fabric you’re after.
My Main Takeaways
Cooler Weather Wear: Remix Wool worsted can be a good option if you like the tweedy, rustic look of regular Remix but want something that feels warmer for the Fall and Winter months (but can still work for existing Remix patterns).
Textured, Woolen-Spun Appearance & Feel: Remix Wool is a bit more textured and gives more of that woolen-spun look (as you can see below in the side-by-side comparison with regular Remix), and feels light and lofty.
DK-weight Option: Remix Wool DK I think is a nice weight that’s not available in regular Remix and I can imagine it being a nice choice for lots of different types of pieces (sweaters, vests, shawls, etc).
Hanks Help to Differentiate: I actually hope Berroco keeps Remix Wool in hanks. After so many years, many knitters associate “Remix” with being a wool-free yarn. Having a different put-up helps distinguish Remix Wool on the shelf and reinforces that it’s its own yarn rather than simply another colorway of Remix.
Pattern ideas for Remix Wool
If you’re thinking about trying out this yarn sometime, here are some patterns of mine that I think would work well for either Remix Wool or Remix Wool DK based on my swatching experience.
Remix Wool (worsted):
Remix Wool DK:
I hope this comparison gives you a better sense of how Remix Wool compares to the original Remix. If you decide to knit with it this fall or winter, I’d love to hear what you think and see what you make!