ITO Tetsu (Silk + Stainless Steel Yarn)

ITO Tetsu (Silk + Stainless Steel Yarn)Yarn Notes Yarn Specs The Brand This very special yarn a fine lace weight thread made from 61% silk and 39% stainless steel, where a very thin metal filament is twisted together with mulberry silk. That metal core gives the yarn something completely unique: memory. Fabric made with Tetsu can be shaped, moulded and will hold its form almost like a very soft wire running through your knitting. This opens up a completely different way of thinking about

• Yarn Notes
• Yarn Specs
• The Brand

• This very special yarn a fine lace-weight thread made from 61% silk and 39% stainless steel, where a very thin metal filament is twisted together with mulberry silk.

  That metal core gives the yarn something completely unique: memory.

  Fabric made with Tetsu can be shaped, moulded and will hold its form - almost like a very soft wire running through your knitting. 

  This opens up a completely different way of thinking about knitting. You can create structure where you wouldn’t normally get it - sculptural edges, collars that stand away from the body, lace that holds its shape.

  Because of the stainless steel content, Tetsu has almost no elasticity and a slightly firm handle compared to traditional yarns. It’s not designed for cosy garments worn next to the skin —-it’s a technique yarn for adding structure, definition and edge.

  It’s most often used held alongside another yarn, where it quietly alters the behaviour of the fabric rather than dominating it visually.

  The silk softens the overall feel and adds a subtle sheen, while the metal does the work behind the scenes.

  Very much in line with ITO’s approach, this is a yarn that invites experimentation. 

  Hold Tetsu with Kinu to add structure to a clean silk fabric, or combine it with Shimo to give a softer woollen fabric a bit of architectural edge. We love it used alone for collars in patterns like Gake.
  
  Also, check out these patterns for more ideas.
  
  Tetsu fine as a warp yarn for weavers, but it is a bit tricky. If you are just starting weaving with it, use as a weft yarn first.

  4-5 cones will make a whole knitted garment!

  [This yarn is very similar to Silk Stainless Steel (a-20) by Habu, which we used to stock, but have replaced with Tetsu due to availability. The quality is still just as high, and Tetsu contains 39% Steel instead of 31%.]

• Ingredients: 61% Silk, 39% Stainless Steel

  Length: 246m (269 yd)

  Weight: 15g

  Gauge: Laceweight when held alone. Great used held alongside other yarns too. Minimal elasticity due to metal content.

• ITO Yarns brings together fine, distinctive yarns from small, high end mills in Japan, blending a rich textile heritage with a beautifully modern, design-led aesthetic.

  Known for their refined textures, elegant colour palettes and unusual fibre combinations, ITO yarns are perfect for knitters and makers who love creating fabric with depth, drape and character.

  One of our fav aspects of ITO Yarns is how beautifully the different bases work together. Hold a yarn double or combined with another yarn to create unique texture, softness and visual interest with the best of all worlds. Super exciting for adventurous knitters and anyone who loves to experiment.

  From the softest silk mohair ever (Sensai) and crisp plant-based blends to softly structured wool and silk yarns, ITO yarns offer a whole world of inspiring possibilities.

  At Tribe Yarns, we love ITO for its high-end, thoughtful construction, fresh contemporary feel and uncompromising luxurious finish. The best of Japanese yarns for knitting, crochet and weaving.

  ITO translates simply as “yarn” in Japanese. The brand combines traditional Japanese sensibility with innovation, resulting in yarns that feel both timeless and strikingly modern.

  We love the fact that the colour palette is subtle, sophisticated and beautifully nuanced, with shades that sit effortlessly together. But with mandatory pops for some edginess that never goes out of fashion, ITO don't change up their colours every single season like some brands - their colours are designed to keep your creations stylish forever.

  Our curated ITO Yarns collection at Tribe includes some of the most exciting yarns for contemporary garment knitting, textured accessories and artistic weaving. If you’re looking for yarns with a refined hand-feel, a unique fabric outcome and a distinctly modern edge, ITO is your man.

  Explore the collection and find your perfect ITO pairing!