Description Urth Yarns 16 Fingering is named for what makes it special: its extrafine 16-micron merino wool base. This exceptionally soft, smooth yarn offers beautiful stitch definition and a gentle hand, making it ideal for projects worn close to the skin. Hand dyed in Turkey, each 50-gram skein delivers rich, nuanced color with just enough variation to keep your knitting or crochet visually engaging without overwhelming the pattern. The balanced fingering-weight construction works equally well for socks, shawls, mitts, hats, and lightweight sweaters. Whether you’re knitting something delicate or building a project with long, rhythmic repeats, 16 Fingering offers a calm, polished making experience—and results you’ll want to wear often. 16 Fingering Details Fiber: 100% Extrafine Superwash Merino (16 micron) Weight: Fingering Yardage: 220 yards / 200 meters Skein Weight: 50 grams Needles: US 1–4 (2.25–3.5 mm) Gauge: 28–32 sts per 4″ / 10 cm Hook: B-1 to E-4 (2.25–3.5 mm) Origin: Hand dyed in Turkey What Does “16” Mean? The “16” in Urth Yarns 16 Fingering and 16 Worsted refers to the micron count of the merino wool used to make the yarn. A micron measures the diameter of a single wool fiber. The lower the micron number, the finer and softer the fiber. Typical merino: ~19–21 microns Fine merino: ~18 microns Ultrafine merino: 16 microns That puts Urth’s 16 Series in the top tier of merino softness. Why 16-Micron Merino Feels Different Wool fibers at 16 microns are: Noticeably softer against the skin Less likely to feel prickly or irritating More flexible, allowing the yarn to drape beautifully This makes the 16 Series especially well suited for: Socks and shawls Garments worn close to the neck or wrists Lightweight sweaters and layering pieces If someone usually “can’t do wool,” this is often the exception. Why This Yarn Costs More Producing 16-micron merino costs more at every stage: Rarer fiber: Fewer sheep produce wool this fine Careful sourcing: Only select fleeces qualify Gentler processing: Fine fibers require slower, more precise handling Hand dyeing: Color is applied with care to preserve softness and structure On top of that, Urth Yarns commits to ethical production and environmental impact through Trees for the Future, supporting sustainable farming and global reforestation with every purchase. You’re not just paying for softness—you’re paying for fiber quality, responsible sourcing, and thoughtful production.
