Knitting for Olive
Danish Yarns that show beauty and responsibility don’t have to be a contradiction. An honest guide to all five yarns, their qualities, and the question: Is it worth it?
What makes Knitting for Olive special
Knitting for Olive is a family-run yarn company from Copenhagen, founded by a mother-daughter duo who started with Knitting Patterns for baby clothes and within a few years became one of Scandinavia’s most well-known premium yarn producers. What sets KFO apart from other brands is not only the quality of the fibers but the consistent values behind it: every yarn is traceable back to the farm, mulesing-free, and certified according to the strictest available standards.
The Merino Wool comes from Patagonia, the Mohair from goats in South Africa, and the Silk is so-called “Cruelty-Free Silk” – the silkworms are allowed to transform into moths and emerge from the cocoon before the broken fibers are collected. The Cotton in the Cotton Merino is OCS-certified organic.
For us at Bonifaktur, Knitting for Olive is one of the yarns we wholeheartedly recommend. Not because they are perfect – but because they are honest.
Yarns at a Glance
Knitting for Olive Merino
The centerpiece of the range with over 90 Colors. Versatile for Sweaters, Shawls, Socks, and baby clothing. Temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking. Not superwash – Hand Wash recommended, but the Yarn develops a beautiful Bloom after the first wash.
Knitting for Olive Soft Silk Mohair
The accompanying yarn that gives other yarns a halo. Together with the KFO Merino, it creates a symbiosis of texture and Halo. The Silk is cruelty-free – collected from cocoons after the moths have hatched.
Knitting for Olive Heavy Merino
The sturdier option for sweaters, cardigans, and quicker projects. About 60 colors, all perfectly coordinated with SSM. Also not superwash – more durable in hand feel than the regular Merino, develops a beautiful Bloom after washing.
Knitting for Olive Pure Silk
A summer yarn made from pure cruelty-free Bourette Silk. Bourette is made from broken cocoons – the result is more matte and rustic than conventional silk, with a relaxed, casual finish. Perfect for tops, summer dresses, and shawls.
Knitting for Olive Cotton Merino
The perfect blend for year-round projects: The Cotton provides breathability and a cool hand feel, while the Merino wool offers elasticity and light warmth. Especially well suited for baby clothes, summer wardrobes, and everyday pieces.
Merino vs. Heavy Merino: Which Yarn for What?
The KFO Merino (Fingering, 250m/50g) is the right choice for finer projects: Shawls, Socks, lightweight sweaters, baby clothes. The Heavy Merino (Worsted, 125m/50g) is for faster projects and warmer pieces. Both are made from the same fiber, with identical care. When in doubt, choose the regular Merino – more versatile and with a larger color palette.
Care Tips
All KFO yarns: Hand Wash in lukewarm water, mild Wool Wash, do not wring, dry flat. Merino Wool is naturally odor-resistant – often airing out is enough.
Certifications
RWS = Animal welfare for Merino sheep (no mulesing, traceable supply chain). RMS = Animal welfare for mohair goats. OCS = certified organic Cotton. OEKO-TEX 100 = free from harmful substances in the finished product.
Knitting kits with Knitting for Olive
Fern Sweater – Knitting Pattern & Yarn Kit
ab €74,22
Waffle Sweater – Knitting Pattern & Yarn Kit
ab €95,80
Baby Bear Bonnet – Knitting Pattern & Yarn Kit
ab €18,55
Alex Hood – Knitting Pattern & Yarn Kit
ab €55,67
Fern Scarf – Knitting Pattern & Yarn Kit
ab €111,32
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knitting for Olive Merino itch-free?
For most people, yes. It is a fine, soft Merino Wool that can be worn directly on the skin. The yarn becomes even softer after the first wash.
Can I wash the KFO Merino in the washing machine?
No – KFO Merino is not superwash. Machine Wash causes felting. Hand Wash in lukewarm water is recommended. This gives the finished knitted piece a beautiful Bloom.
Which Needle Size for the KFO Merino?
KFO recommends 3mm. In practice, many knit with 2.75mm for a firmer stitch definition or with 3.25mm for a looser feel. A gauge swatch is really worthwhile here.
Can I knit Merino and Soft Silk Mohair together?
Yes – this is the most popular combination. The Merino provides structure, the SSM ensures warmth and the typical halo effect. On our color combinations page, you can see which colors harmonize together.
Is Cotton Merino also suitable for baby clothing?
Yes, especially good indeed. The Cotton Merino is OEKO-TEX 100 certified (free from harmful substances) and, due to the high cotton content, particularly gentle on sensitive baby skin.
What is special about the Pure Silk?
KFO Pure Silk is made from Bourette Silk – silk fibers from broken cocoons after the caterpillars have transformed into moths. The result is a matte, rustic silk yarn that is perfect for summer projects.
Does BONIFAKTUR deliver all KFO colors?
We carry the complete assortment of all five yarns and have most colors permanently in stock. Shipping from Germany, free for orders over €100.
Discover all Knitting for Olive Yarns
Merino, Soft Silk Mohair, Heavy Merino, Pure Silk, and Cotton Merino – all Colors available for immediate delivery.
To the KFO range