FAQ
Getting Started
What is self-striping yarn?
Self-striping yarn is specially dyed to create repeating colour changes as you knit. Instead of changing yarn colours manually, the yarn does the work for you, creating beautiful stripes throughout your project.
Our self-striping sock yarn is dyed so that each stripe flows into the next, making it easy to create unique socks without the extra ends and colour changes.
I'm new to self-striping yarn. Where should I start?
Answer
What is a sock set?
A sock set includes one larger skein of self-striping yarn paired with a coordinating mini skein.
Our typical sock sets include an 85g striped skein and a 30g mini skein. The larger skein creates the main body of the sock, while the mini skein is perfect for contrasting cuffs, heels, toes, or adding extra colour details to your project.
How much yarn do I need to knit a pair of socks?
Most adult-sized socks can be completed with one 100g skein of sock yarn. Our sock sets weigh 115g and are designed to provide enough yarn for a pair of adult socks.
The amount of yarn needed can vary depending on your pattern, needle size, stitch pattern, and sock size. Larger sizes or longer cuffs and legs may require additional yarn.
Do I need a special pattern?
The simple answer is no. You can knit any sock pattern using self-striping yarn but keep in min the size of the stripes will change if the stitch count changes, most commonly in the heel/instep of sock construction.
I often recommend starting with a simple pattern known as "vanilla socks".
I also highly recommend the book No Fear Sock Knitting by Denise DeSantis, it is a great resource for new sock knitters.
Yarn & Products
What yarn bases do you offer?
We offer a selection of carefully chosen yarn bases designed for different projects and preferences.
Our most popular sock yarn is an 80% superwash merino wool and 20% nylon blend. This base combines the softness of merino wool with the durability needed for everyday socks.
We also offer specialty bases, including blends with cashmere, sparkle, and other unique fibres. Each yarn base has been selected for its softness, durability, and ability to showcase our hand-dyed colourways.
Are your yarns superwash?
Yes, our merino wool yarn bases are superwash treated, making them easier to care for and suitable for everyday projects.
While superwash yarns can generally be machine washed, we recommend following the care instructions provided with your yarn and treating hand-dyed yarn gently to preserve its colour and softness.
Will my yarn look exactly like the photos?
We make every effort to accurately photograph our yarn colours; however, colours may vary slightly depending on your monitor, device settings, and lighting conditions.
Because each skein is individually hand dyed, there may also be subtle variations between skeins. These small differences are part of the beauty and uniqueness of hand-dyed yarn.
Why are there lighter/darker areas in my self-striping yarn?
Our self-striping yarns are hand dyed using techniques that create rich, tonal colour. Because of this process, you may occasionally notice lighter/darker areas or slight variation where two colours meet.
This is completely normal and part of the character of hand-dyed yarn.
There is a knot in my skein. Is this normal?
Yes. Knots are considered normal within the yarn industry.
Most of our yarn is wound from large cones before dyeing. Occasionally a new cone must be joined, resulting in a knot.
Less than 5% of our skeins contain a knot, and it is rare for a skein to contain more than one. Any skeins with multiple knots or other significant imperfections will typically be listed as a second sold at a discounted price.
Yarn Care
How should I wash my finished project?
We recommend gently hand washing your finished projects in cool water with a mild pH-neutral wool wash. Lay flat to dry.
Although many of our yarn bases are superwash, gentle washing will help maintain the softness, colour, and longevity of your handmade items.
Keep in mind soaps are generally alkaline and increase the pH of your wash water. Because protein fibers (like wool and alpaca) and acid dyes (used in hand dying) require an acidic environment to bond properly, shifting the pH upward causes the dye molecules to easily release, leading to color bleeding and color shifting.
Will hand-dyed yarn bleed?
Some colour release is normal with hand-dyed yarn, especially with highly saturated colours (think red/pinks, blues). We recommend washing your finished project separately the first few times.
To minimize colour transfer:
- Use cool water
- Avoid soaking for extended periods
- Use a wool-safe detergent
- Do not agitate your project while wet
Keep in mind most soaps are generally alkaline and increase the pH of your wash water. Because protein fibers (like wool and alpaca) and acid dyes (used in hand dying) require an acidic environment to bond properly, shifting the pH upward causes the dye molecules to easily release, leading to color bleeding and color shifting.
Ordering
What payment methods do you accept?
All payments are processed securely through Shopify Payments or PayPal.
We accept:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- PayPal
What currency will I be charged in?
The Cozy Knitter is based in Canada, but our website supports multiple currencies.
Customers can browse, pay for their order, and receive refunds in their local currency where available.
Will sold-out colourways be restocked?
While we have some fan favourite colourways that are restocked often many of our colourways are available for a limited time.
If you love a colourway, you are more than welcome to contact us and we may be able to work the colourway into an upcoming re-stock.
We also recommend joining our newsletter or following us on social media for restock announcements and new releases.
Shipping, Returns & Exchanges
We use all major carriers, and local courier partners. You’ll be asked to select a delivery method during checkout.
What is the shipping policy?
You can find our complete Shipping Policy here.
When will my order ship?
In-stock orders typically ship within 7–10 business days, often sooner.
During launches, sales, and holiday periods, processing times may be slightly longer due to the increased volume of orders. We always work to prepare your yarn carefully and get it on its way as quickly as possible.
Will I receive tracking information?
Yes. Tracking information will be emailed to you once your order has shipped.
Please note that tracking updates may take some time to appear after your package has been accepted by the carrier.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship all over the world.
We currently ship to:
- Canada
- United States
- European Union
- Norway
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
For complete shipping information, customs details, and delivery policies, please see our Shipping Policy.
Will I have to pay customs fees or import taxes?
This depends on where you live.
- European Union: Orders under €150 are shipped using a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service. VAT and applicable customs charges are collected during checkout.
- United States: Our yarn qualifies for duty-free entry under the CUSMA/USMCA trade agreement. Brokerage fees are already included in your shipping cost.
- Other international destinations: Orders are generally shipped Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU), which means any import duties, taxes, or customs fees charged by your country are your responsibility.
Please refer to our Shipping Policy for full details.
My package hasn't arrived. What should I do?
Please check your tracking information first, as it often provides the most up-to-date delivery status.
International shipments may be delayed by customs processing, which can add anywhere from a few days to several weeks to delivery times.
If your package appears to be lost, please contact the shipping carrier first. We are always happy to help with tracking information or carrier inquiries whenever possible.
Can I return my order?
Yes, eligible items may be returned within 10 days of delivery.
Please see our Return Policy for complete details.
Do you offer exchanges?
At this time, we do not offer exchanges.
If you ordered the wrong item or changed your mind, eligible purchases may be returned in accordance with our Return Policy.
About The Cozy Knitter
Where is The Cozy Knitter located?
The Cozy Knitter is a Canadian hand-dyed yarn company based in the Durham Region of Ontario.
Every skein is dyed by hand in small batches, with care taken to create unique colourways that knitters love to use for socks but have also been used for shawls, sweaters, and other handmade projects.
Who dyes the yarn?
The Cozy Knitter is a small independent yarn business dedicated to creating hand-dyed yarn for knitters who love colour, creativity, and the joy of handmade projects.
Each skein is dyed, prepared, and packaged with care by the owner Christina, before making its way to your project bag.
