Schoppel
Self-striping sock yarns from Germany – over 70 years of craftsmanship, perfected.
What makes Schoppel special
Schoppel is a German yarn company from Bavaria that has been producing high-quality hand knitting yarns for over 70 years. What makes the brand famous is an invention: the Zauberball – a Sock Yarn where the colors automatically change while knitting.
That sounds simple. But behind it lies complex craftsmanship. The color sequences must be calculated so that they actually harmonize when knitting a sock – over several stitch and row counts. Schoppel has perfected this. Today, the Zauberball is one of the best-known Sock Yarns in Germany.
The assortment at BONIFAKTUR includes the Zauberball Edition 3.0 in pure Merino, the intense self-striping Zauberball Crazy and Crazy Boys with Polyamide for socks, and with Senior & Seniorita an elegant Merino alternative for those who prefer a more classic style. All yarns are processed according to German standards – Made in Germany with quality you can rely on.
An overview of Schoppel yarns
Schoppel SENIOR & SENIORITA
The more classic side of Schoppel – pure Merino Wool without any polyamide content. Therefore, not durable for Socks, but perfect for Shawls, accessories, baby items, and fine Sweaters. The Yarn is wonderfully soft and reveals delicate texture. Senior stands for depth and classic elegance, Seniorita for lightness and joy of life. Hand Wash recommended.
Schoppel ZAUBERBALL® EDITION 3.0
The pure Merino version of the Zauberball – without Polyamide, but in sport weight. Edition 3.0 is thicker than the classic Zauberball variants and is suitable for sweaters, jackets, hats, and accessories where the self-striping color gradients stand out in a larger format. 28 colorways with poetic names. Superwash treated and machine washable. Not Sock Yarn (no Polyamide content).
Schoppel ZAUBERBALL® CRAZY
The bold version of the Zauberball: with shorter, faster color changes. Zauberball Crazy appears more lively and intense – for everyone who wants to make a loud and cheerful statement when knitting Socks. The polyamide content makes the Yarn durable enough for Socks. Superwash-treated and machine washable at 40°C.
Schoppel CRAZY BOYS
The compact version of the Schoppel self-striping yarn: 50g balls with 200 meters, ideal for socks and small accessories. Crazy Boys features short, lively color changes and adds movement to every project. The 10 colorways are named after first names – from Konrad to Christian – and each ball is unique thanks to the special twisting process. Superwash treated and machine washable.
Which Schoppel yarn for which project?
For socks with self-striping effect and Durability: Zauberball Crazy or Crazy Boys – both contain Polyamide and are suitable for socks. For sweaters, jackets, and larger projects with self-striping: Zauberball Edition 3.0 (Sport Weight, 100% Merino). For shawls and accessories without Polyamide content: Senior & Seniorita (Light Fingering, not superwash).
Care Tips
Zauberball Crazy, Crazy Boys, and Zauberball Edition 3.0 are superwash and machine washable at 40°C on the wool cycle. Do Not Tumble Dry; flat drying is ideal.
Senior & Seniorita is not superwash – Hand Wash in lukewarm water is recommended to optimally preserve the Softness and structure of pure Merino.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a self-striping yarn?
A self-striping yarn is a yarn that automatically creates stripes or color changes while knitting – without you having to change the thread. The colors are dyed into the yarn at calculated intervals, so they appear in harmonious patterns when knitting socks or other projects. Schoppel's Zauberball is the classic example of this technique.
What is the difference between the Zauberball variants?
Zauberball Edition 3.0 is 100% Merino in Sport weight – thicker, without Polyamide, ideal for sweaters and accessories. Zauberball Crazy is Fingering weight with 25% Polyamide – thinner, suitable for socks, with fast color changes. Crazy Boys is also Fingering with Polyamide, but comes in 50g balls and features especially lively color patterns.
Why aren't Senior & Seniorita superwash?
Because it is 100% pure Merino – without the polyamide content found in other Schoppel yarns. This purity makes the yarn even softer and more elegant, but requires Hand Wash. Senior & Seniorita is perfect for projects like shawls and accessories, where softness is more important than maximum wash resistance.
Are Schoppel yarns durable for socks?
Yes – but only for yarns with a polyamide content: Zauberball Crazy and Crazy Boys. The 25% polyamide gives socks the necessary durability. Senior & Seniorita and Zauberball Edition 3.0, on the other hand, are 100% Merino without reinforcement – ideal for shawls, sweaters, and accessories, but not suitable for socks.
Schoppel – the original from Bavaria?
Yes. Schoppel is a German family business with over 70 years of history in yarn manufacturing. The Zauberball is the invention that made Schoppel world-famous – a true piece of German yarn craftsmanship.
Discover all Schoppel yarns
Zauberball Edition 3.0, Zauberball Crazy, Crazy Boys & Senior & Seniorita. Made in Germany, for over 70 years.
To the Schoppel range