DROPS Snow

DROPS Snow is a soft, thick and easy-to-work 100% wool yarn designed for knitters who love natural warmth, generous texture and projects that grow beautifully in the hands. This DROPS Snow yarn is a single-stranded, super bulky wool with a clear Nordic character: simple, honest, practical and full of creative possibility. Made in the EU from wool with raw material origin in South America, it brings together traditional fibre qualities and the accessible design approach DROPS / Garnstudio is known for across Europe.

The yarn has a rounded, substantial feel that makes it especially suitable for winter garments, chunky accessories and felted projects. Its structure gives stitches a bold, soft outline, so even simple stockinette, garter stitch, ribbing and basic cables become expressive. For makers who enjoy seeing progress quickly, DROPS Snow offers a satisfying rhythm: each row adds visible texture, volume and warmth.

Natural Fibre Quality with a Rustic, Nordic Feel

The wool fibres in DROPS Snow are untreated, meaning they have been washed but not chemically treated before dyeing. This preserves the natural behaviour of wool: warmth, elasticity, breathability and the ability to felt. It also gives the finished fabric a more authentic woolly character than highly processed yarns. The result is not a polished synthetic smoothness, but a living natural fibre with depth, body and warmth.

This makes DROPS Snow a beautiful choice for Europe’s colder seasons: outdoor accessories, cabin knits, winter pullovers, hats, cowls, mittens, cushions, baskets, slippers and felted home items. It is particularly loved for projects where structure matters. Felted slippers, bags and seat pads become dense and practical, while oversized scarves and simple sweaters gain a soft, insulating quality.

Because the yarn is 100% wool and not superwash treated, it should be handled with respect. It is warm, breathable and responsive, but also sensitive to heat, agitation and friction. That is exactly why it felts so well. For knitters who enjoy traditional wool craft, this behaviour is part of its charm.

Colours, Texture and Creative Versatility

DROPS Snow is available in several shade types, including uni colour solids, mix shades and print shades with playful irregular colour variation. This gives knitters a wide creative palette: calm naturals for Scandinavian-inspired garments, earthy tones for rustic accessories, soft pastels for gentle winter knits, and stronger colours for felted slippers, bags or decorative home projects. The manufacturer’s range includes many colour options, and the selection may expand or update over time with new colours and seasonal shades.

The yarn works especially well when the design lets the fibre speak. Choose simple silhouettes for a contemporary Nordic look, or use it for tactile handmade gifts where warmth and substance matter. A hat can be finished quickly; a pair of felted slippers becomes a practical everyday luxury; a cushion or basket can bring a handmade wool texture into the home.

A Yarn for Felting, Warmth and Timeless Making

DROPS Snow is an excellent yarn for felting because it is pure, untreated wool and not superwash treated. Felting transforms the knitted or crocheted fabric into a denser, warmer and more durable textile. This opens a different world of projects: slippers, mittens, bags, bowls, hot pads and decorative pieces. As with all felting, results depend on gauge, washing machine, temperature, agitation and project size, so a test swatch is recommended before felting a finished item.

In garments, DROPS Snow creates warmth and comfort with a rustic wool feel. Some knitters find it pleasantly soft for thick wool; others with very sensitive skin may prefer using it for accessories, outer layers or felted items rather than next-to-skin garments. This is normal for natural wool and should be considered when choosing a project.

For makers who value natural materials, visible craftsmanship and practical beauty, DROPS Snow offers a timeless foundation. It is a yarn for slow winter evenings, handmade gifts, Nordic interiors and creative experiments in felting. Thick, warm and expressive, it invites you to make pieces that feel grounded, useful and personal.

Create warm, lasting wool projects with DROPS Snow while your favourite colours are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DROPS Snow the same yarn as DROPS Eskimo?

Yes. DROPS Snow is the new name for DROPS Eskimo, according to the manufacturer. When comparing older patterns or project notes, references to DROPS Eskimo usually refer to the same yarn quality now sold as DROPS Snow. Always check the gauge and yarn group if using an older pattern.

What is DROPS Snow best used for?

DROPS Snow is best suited for warm, chunky knits and felted projects. Popular uses include winter sweaters, cardigans, hats, cowls, mittens, slippers, bags, baskets, cushions and home accessories. Because it is super bulky, it is also a good choice for quick projects and handmade gifts.

Is DROPS Snow good for felting?

Yes. DROPS Snow is one of the classic DROPS yarns for felting because it is 100% untreated wool and is not superwash treated. Untreated wool fibres can bind together with heat, moisture and movement, creating a denser felted fabric. For best results, knit or crochet a test swatch first, as felting can vary depending on washing machine, water temperature, spin speed, gauge and project size.

Does DROPS Snow pill?

Like many soft, loosely structured wool yarns, DROPS Snow may pill in areas exposed to friction, such as sleeves, cuffs, underarms and sides of garments. Knitters discussing the yarn often mention pilling as a point to consider, especially for sweaters and high-wear garments. This is not unusual for natural wool. A fabric comb or gentle wool shaver can refresh the surface. For items that rub constantly, felted accessories or outerwear-style projects may be more practical than close-fitting everyday sweaters.

Is DROPS Snow itchy?

Opinions vary. Some knitters describe DROPS Snow as soft and pleasant for a thick wool yarn, while others with sensitive skin find it too woolly or scratchy for next-to-skin garments. This is a natural 100% wool yarn, not merino superwash or alpaca blend. If you are sensitive to wool, consider using it for hats with lining, scarves worn over clothing, slippers, bags, home accessories or felted projects.

Can I use DROPS Snow for baby items?

The yarn has Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, Class I certification according to the manufacturer, which is the highest class and suitable for baby articles in terms of harmful substance testing. However, because DROPS Snow is thick, untreated wool and may feel rustic against sensitive skin, project choice matters. For baby garments worn directly on skin, many knitters prefer softer baby-specific yarns. DROPS Snow can be better suited for outer layers, blankets used with supervision, decorative items or felted accessories.

Why does DROPS Snow stretch or grow in use?

Chunky single-stranded wool can relax with wear, especially in heavy garments. Public knitting discussions include concerns about DROPS Snow garments expanding after use. This can happen when a garment is knitted loosely, made oversized, or becomes heavy under its own weight. To reduce stretching, knit a proper swatch, consider a slightly firm gauge, dry flat after washing, and avoid hanging the finished garment.

Can DROPS Snow be machine washed?

No, not as normal garment care. The manufacturer recommends hand washing at a maximum of 30°C and drying flat. Machine washing can cause felting, shrinking or distortion. Machine washing may be used intentionally for felting projects, but not for ordinary care of garments you want to keep at their original size.

Why do colour shades sometimes look different online?

The manufacturer notes that colours can vary from screen to screen, and shades may vary slightly between dye lots. Knitters also commonly mention that online yarn colours may appear brighter, softer, warmer or cooler than expected. For larger projects, buy enough yarn from the same dye lot whenever possible. For colour-sensitive projects, compare skeins in daylight before starting.

Is DROPS Snow suitable for crochet?

Yes. Although the manufacturer lists recommended knitting needles, DROPS Snow can also be crocheted when the pattern gauge suits the yarn. It works well for baskets, cushions, slippers, bags and textured home projects. Crocheted fabric is often firmer than knitted fabric, which can be an advantage for items that need structure.

Can I substitute DROPS Snow with another yarn?

DROPS Snow belongs to Yarn Group E, 14 ply / super bulky. Yarns in the same DROPS yarn group may sometimes be used as alternatives if the pattern gauge can be matched. However, fibre content and structure change the final result. DROPS Snow is a single-stranded, feltable 100% wool yarn, so substituting with a non-felting or superwash yarn will not give the same felted effect.

Should I knit tightly or loosely with DROPS Snow?

For garments, a stable gauge is usually best because the yarn is thick and can relax with wear. For felting, looser stitches may felt more densely because the fibres have room to move and bind. Always follow the pattern instructions and swatch, especially if the finished size matters.

What do experienced knitters recommend before starting a large project?

Experienced knitters usually recommend three things: make a gauge swatch, test the fabric against your skin, and consider the final use of the item. For a sweater, check whether the wool feel suits you and whether the fabric is firm enough. For felting, test the washing process first. For colourwork or large garments, buy enough skeins from the same dye lot.

Product Details

• Manufacturer: DROPS / Garnstudio
• Product name: DROPS Snow
• Former name: DROPS Eskimo
• Country of origin / made in: EU
• Raw material origin: Wool from South America
• Material: 100% wool
• Yarn structure: Single-stranded wool yarn
• Yarn group: E, 9–11 stitches / 14 ply / super bulky
• Weight / length: 50 g = approx. 50 m
• Recommended needle size: 9 mm
• Knitting gauge / tension: 10 x 10 cm = 10 stitches x 14 rows
• Superwash: No
• Special features: Feltable, untreated wool fibres, thick and warm, suitable for winter garments and felting projects
• Certification: Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, Class I, certificate number 25.3.0099
• Colour types: Uni colour, mix and print shades

Washing and Care Instructions

DROPS Snow should be cared for gently to preserve the natural wool fibre and the shape of your handmade project.

Air the garment first whenever possible. Wool does not need frequent washing, and airing is often the most ecological and fibre-friendly way to refresh it.

When washing is needed, hand wash separately at a maximum of 30°C. Use a wool detergent without enzymes or optical brighteners. Keep the water temperature even throughout washing and rinsing, as sudden temperature changes can encourage felting or shrinking.

Do not soak the garment. Move it gently in the water without rubbing, scrubbing, twisting or squeezing. Rinse until the water runs clear.

Remove excess water carefully. Press the item between towels or use a very light spin only if the programme does not add water at the beginning. Do not wring the garment.

Dry flat in its correct shape. Lay the item on a towel or drying rack in a well-ventilated room. Do not hang, as the weight of wet wool can stretch the garment. Avoid direct sunlight and do not tumble dry.

For finishing, steam only with care. Do not iron the yarn directly. Use a damp cloth between the iron and the garment if light steaming is needed.

For felted projects, follow the specific felting instructions in your pattern and test felt a swatch first.

@Kudostu.