Patna Cotton yarn: 100% cotton worsted for every season
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You know that moment mid-July when you reach into your stash and realize everything you own is wool or acrylic? Your hands are sweating just holding the skein, let alone knitting with it. That's exactly the gap Patna Cotton fills. It's a straight-up 100% cotton yarn at a solid worsted weight, and it handles summer projects the way a good linen shirt handles a heatwave — just right.
Each ball gives you 170 metres at 100g, which is a respectable amount for the weight. A simple summer tee for an adult will typically use somewhere between 600-900m depending on your size and tension, so the 4-ball pack (680m total) gets you well into that territory for smaller sizes or gives you a solid foundation for a baby blanket without needing to mix packs. Speaking of baby projects — cotton is a go-to for anything going against newborn skin precisely because it contains no animal fibers and tends to sit much more gently on babies prone to irritation. If you've been hunting for something safe for a sensitive little one, this is a genuinely sound choice.
Cotton at worsted weight is also forgiving for beginners. It doesn't split aggressively under a hook or needle the way some loosely-spun wools do, and the slight natural sheen helps you actually see your stitches while you're learning. That said, if you want a finer cotton for lighter summer lace or delicate baby garments, our Camilla Cotton is a 100% mercerized cotton in a sport weight that gives you beautiful stitch definition. For a cotton-forward yarn that works at a DK pace with a bit of acrylic for structure and resilience, Alara is worth a look too. And if you specifically need a cotton yarn for a baby project with anti-bacterial properties, our Baby Cotton — spun from premium Giza cotton — was made for exactly that.
Patna Cotton comes in White and White 2 (two close but distinct neutral shades), making it a natural fit for dyeing projects, clean modern colorwork, or anything where you want the stitch pattern to do the talking. Four balls per pack, reliable weight, pure cotton fiber — it's a stash addition that earns its shelf space all year round.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Fiber Composition | 100% Cotton Pure plant fiber — breathable, no animal content, and gentle on sensitive or allergy-prone skin |
| Weight / Category | 4 Medium: Worsted, Afghan, Aran Classic worsted thickness — works up at a satisfying pace and holds shape well in finished garments and accessories |
| Yardage per Ball | 170m / 185.91 yds Enough for a good-sized hat or a couple of baby booties per ball; plan on 4+ balls for a small adult garment |
| Weight per Ball | 100g / 3.53oz Standard 100g ball size — easy to calculate how many balls you need against most patterns |
| Package Content | 4 balls per pack (400g / 680m total) Buying as a pack means you're getting matched dye lots straight away — no hunting for extras later |
| Recommended Needle Size | Not specified For worsted-weight cotton, a 4.5–5.5mm needle is a common starting point — always swatch first |
| Recommended Hook Size | Not specified For worsted cotton, a 5–6mm hook is a typical starting range — your tension may vary |
| Gauge | Not specified Always work a gauge swatch before starting any fitted project; cotton has less stretch than wool and won't "grow" to correct a tight gauge |
| Care Instructions | Not specified As a general guide for 100% cotton, a gentle machine wash on cool or hand wash is recommended — check your finished item's needs |
| Colorway / Variants | White / White 2 Two distinct neutral whites — worth noting if you plan to combine balls, as they may differ slightly in tone |
| Country of Origin | Not specified |
| Brand | Ice Yarns Our own label — quality we stand behind because we actually use it ourselves |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Patna Cotton do I need for a baby blanket?
A standard baby blanket (roughly 75x90cm / 30x35in) in worsted weight typically calls for somewhere between 600–900m of yarn depending on your stitch pattern and tension. Each ball of Patna Cotton gives you 170m, so you're looking at 4 to 6 balls for most baby blanket sizes — conveniently, the 4-ball pack (680m total) covers smaller blankets comfortably. For a chunkier stitch like seed stitch or a basketweave that eats more yardage, grab a second pack to be safe. Cotton doesn't have the elastic memory of wool, so your finished blanket will feel substantial and lay flat beautifully after blocking — a real plus for gifting.
Is 100% cotton yarn good for beginners?
Honestly, yes — with one small caveat. Cotton is inelastic, meaning it doesn't have the springy give that wool does, so your hands may tire a bit faster on long sessions until you build up your rhythm. On the upside, cotton stitches sit clearly on the needle, you can actually see what you're doing, and the yarn doesn't fuzz over mistakes the way mohair does. If you accidentally drop a stitch, it's right there waiting for you. Patna Cotton at worsted weight is on the thicker end of the cotton spectrum, which makes it especially manageable for beginners — you're not fiddling with a fine thread, and your progress is visible fast. Start with a dishcloth or a simple tote bag and you'll be comfortable with it quickly.
