The Ultimate Yarn Review of Purl Soho Good Wool
Note: This post was not sponsored or paid for. All thoughts & opinions are my own. The yarn photographed was purchased by me. I earn a small commission from purchases made at Purl Soho using my affiliate link, but there is no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Kirsten Joel Designs!
As a mom to three kiddos under 5, finding high-quality yarns that meet the demands of my everyday life and budget takes a lot of my focus. I’m always reading yarn reviews, looking for the perfect wool, cotton, linen, and other fibers for my knitting and crochet pattern designs.
Because I know how energy-intensive this work is and how little extra time you already have, I write these thorough yarn reviews for you. So that you can purchase yarn online with confidence, and that you can cast on one of my designs and know that while it was styled for today, it was designed for everyday wear - each construction detail and yarn choice are made with you in mind.
Let me be your trusted advisor by sharing honest & thorough yarn reviews so you’ll be confident when you try a new yarn. Because you deserve to enjoy it from cast on to bind off. Oh, and you’ll love wearing it, too.
My vision is to create knitting and crochet patterns that fit seamlessly into your everyday life. Never feel over- or under-dressed again when you wear a KJD pattern. Be confident that the pattern instructions will be clear and well-fitting.
With each pattern released, you’ll find a corresponding review of the yarn specified in the pattern so you can cast on with confidence.
Why I Looked to Purl Soho for the Semilla Cardigan
Purl Soho has been on an incredible journey. I remember visiting their yarn shop in Soho, NY a decade+ ago where I enjoyed looking at all of the yarn they carried. At the time, they still sold other brands and just a handful of their own yarn lines. Line Weight was one of the first Purl Soho yarns I purchased, and it is still a favorite.
Since then, they have launched several yarn lines, each with a clear goal: to bring you exceptional yarns that enhance your making practice.
A thorough review of purl soho good wool
Purl Soho Good Wool is sourced from the Andes in Peru, supporting fair trade and local herding practices. The sheep that provide the fleece for Good Wool are treated with kindness - they are able to graze in large open areas, protected at night, and sheared with care. Good Wool is also OEKO-TEX certified (which means that it is free of any harmful chemicals), making Good Wool a sustainable and easy choice.
The Details
100% Andean Highland wool
sport weight
383 yards
100 grams
43 colors (vintage rose used for the Semilla Cardigan)
$15.50/skein
Initial impressions of Purl Soho Good Wool
Purl Soho Good Wool comes in a wide range of colors, from muted earth tones (think Walking Stick and Olive Oil) to vibrant brights (like Wild Guava and Tree Frog). It has a gentle, woolly smell that isn't off-putting, but if you’re sensitive to sheepy scents, you can wash your finished project in a scented wool wash. While not as soft as a merino wool, it still feels relatively soft in the hand and is suitable for next-to-skin wear.
At approximately $16/skein (though Purl Soho often offers it at a 25% discount), it is a medium-priced yarn, but I argue that the quality for the price is unmatched. The original Semilla Cardigan was designed with Brooklyn Tweed Loft at around $21/skein, and I would argue that I prefer my Good Wool sample. If you’re looking for a similar fiber content at a more budget-friendly price point, Knit Picks Palette comes to mind, but it is a much finer weight, between lace and fingering.
Skein Winding
While you could wind Good Wool by hand, the 383 yards per skein could make this a longer-than-usual process. I would recommend using a yarn swift if you have one, and the skein fits nicely around a standard swift.
Swatching & Design Process
Good Wool looks inviting in garter stitch, refined in textured stitches, and elevated in Stockinette, and gives lace stitch patterns an heirloom quality. It is suitable for cable knitting and would look especially cozy if the yarn is held double.
Purl Soho Good wool is a balanced mix of a worsted-spun wool with a woolen-spun spirit. This enables it to be knit up at various gauges ranging from fingering-weight to DK-weight. I prefer it at a sport-weight and feel that is the yarn’s sweet spot. Open enough to create a relaxed drape, but tight enough for crisp stitch definition and long-term wear.
The yarn has a great bounce - stitches spring back and the fabric holds its shape. Yes, it even stood up to my toddlers tugging on my arm. So far, I have not seen any pills, though I have treated the sample very carefully until its release. I’ll report back after a few more months of wear.
Blocking & Care Instructions
The initially rustic feel softens beautifully after wet-blocking and is not itchy. I’ve worn my Semilla Cardigan all day with just a layering tank, and it feels soft and sturdy.
Wear & Tear
Purl Soho Good Wool is resilient against everyday wear and tear, making it a smart choice for projects that see heavy use - like sweaters, blankets, and winter accessories. The 100% Andean wool lends a natural durability to the fiber, thanks to the hardy sheep breeds in Peru, resists pilling, and maintains its shape.
Ready to try Purl Soho Good Wool?
Why I Recommend Purl Soho Good Wool
After several swatches and the Semilla Cardigan, I’m definitely a fan of Purl Soho Good Wool. The quality of the yarn has earned it’s solid reputation - it’s versatile and reliable, which we certainly like here at KJD. It has become one of my favorite everyday wools for thoughtful, long-lasting knits. I’ve even knit one of the Purl Soho Prism Blanket kits featuring 5 shades of Good Wool. I have also knitted a cardigan for my daughter and have another sweater WIP for my 8-month-old.
If you’re looking for a sustainable, versatile wool yarn that delivers beautiful results without breaking the bank, grab a few skeins of Good Wool - you won’t regret it.
