DanDoh Cotton Air - so new and different!

I'm so excited to have DanDoh Cotton Air in the shop.  If you had told me I'd be excited about a lace weight 2-ply cotton that has to be hand wound, I would have said you were crazy. But here I am swooning about this yarn.  I reached out to DanDoh owner and designer, Yumiko Alexander to chat about Cotton Air. Not really an  is what she said

Q. What was your inspiration for a very fine yarn to carry double?

A. I wanted to create a fabric that was as light as possible with a moderate needle size. Compared to knitting with two strands of Cotton Air held together and single strand of sport weight yarn, the 2 strands of Cotton Air results in a lighter, more airy fabric at the same gauge. 

Also knitting with two strands has more possibilities to create unique textures and colors.

 Q. Did you have projects already in mind for Cotton Air?

A. We have been selling the yarn Cotton Fine for about 10 years, but production could not keep up, and it was discontinued. We plan to update patterns using Cotton Fine with Cotton Air, and also create new patterns.  

Q. What do you love about this yarn that has been missing from the market

A. We can't find such a light and thin cotton thread on the market.  The Cotton Air is thin, but can create a firm fabric.  Additionally, the Cotton Air has many possibilities to make different weights (by knitting multiple threads together), and colors by knitting different colors together.  

Q. What has been the response to the yarn so far?

A. It has been receiving great responses. It looks too fine, but it is easier to handle.  

So, what is Cotton Air?

Cotton Air is a lightly twisted 2-ply yarn made from 100% cotton. At just 50 grams, each skein offers a generous 465 yards—nearly double what you'd expect from a typical fingering weight yarn. But this isn't your average cotton yarn.

With a cool, dry hand and absolutely no bounce, Cotton Air is designed to be carried double or triple, allowing you full control over gauge and structure. Held double, the two 2-ply strands nestle into one another, creating a round, smooth yarn with beautiful stitch definition and a crisp texture.

Marling is Magic with Cotton Air

Because Cotton Air is so fine and even, as Yumiko says, it's perfect for holding multiple strand together to blend and create new colors.  Her beautiful new design, Reflection showcases this marling technique. 

Whether you're pairing neutrals or experimenting with bolder colorways, marling with Cotton Air is easy and rewarding. The uniform weight and soft hand of this yarn let you explore color blending without bulk or muddiness.

Freedom from the Gauge Police

Like all DanDoh yarns, Cotton Air is about freedom and expression. While it’s intended to be carried double to substitute for fingering weight yarn, that’s not a rule—it’s a suggestion.

Want something sheer and breezy? Try it single-stranded on a US6 or 8.  Need more structure? Triple it up. Gauge is flexible here.  As I always say, you'll have to swatch it and see. 

Perfect Projects for Cotton Air

Obviously, the Reflection sweater is perfect for this yarn, but there are already two sweaters and an accessory designed for Cotton Air. From left to right, Pearls, Wavelets, and Assembly.

Ready to try it?

Shop Cotton Air here and grab a few colors. Whether you’re holding it double for structure or marling for color play, this yarn gives you the freedom to make fabric that’s all your own.