Known for their vivid colours and unique hue combinations, mostly found in the natural world and the shades surrounding us, Noro yarns are as close to art as possible in the industry. Eisaku Noro, the man behind the brand, is an artist who draws inspiration mainly from nature. Long before other businesses had mission statements, he chose the slogan “Noro—The World of Nature” as the perfect words to capture his vision.
Whether in terms of the colour varieties reminiscing on oceans, mountains, and flowers or the heavy reliance on natural fabrics, each Noro yarn selection is true to the brand’s vision, mission, and natural heritage.
The Brand’s Story
source: freepik.com
Noro Yarns, founded by Eisaku Noro in the heart of Japan’s textile-rich Ichinomiya region, has built its reputation on producing premium, eco-conscious yarns. Even though Eisaku Noro has passed, his passion for combining nature’s beauty with artistry continues to drive the company.
The brand sources high-quality, ethically obtained fibres, including Polwarth wool from Australian organic farms and kid mohair from South Africa. These materials are chosen not only for their superior texture but also for their environmentally friendly origins. Noro embraces a low-impact approach during production, avoiding over-processing to retain the fibres’ natural characteristics. Unique dyeing methods, performed at cooler temperatures using non-toxic dyes, result in vibrant, signature colourways for which the company is known.
A commitment to sustainability permeates every aspect of the business. From the hand-crafted nature of its products to eco-conscious packaging and waste management, Noro strives to minimise its environmental footprint.
Today, the brand continues to inspire knitters and crocheters around the world. Every skein is a tribute to Eisaku Noro’s vision, combining colour, texture, and a deep respect for nature into yarns that are as beautiful as they are sustainable.
The Noro Product Range
If you search for Noro in a specialty knitting shop, whether online or in-store, you will find not only a wide yarn range but also intricate design leaflets, pattern books, and a magazine; all these are catered to the different needs of knitters of various skill levels and knitting projects worldwide.
Yarns
Kureyon
- 100% Wool
- 50g per 110 yds, 14-16 sts per 4″ knit, 9 sts per 4″ single crochet
A timeless classic, Noro’s Kureyon yarn celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018. Because of its rustic appeal and vivid colours, Kureyon is preferred for knitting or crocheting outerwear clothing and engaging in felting (fulling) projects. This Noro yarn epitomises innovation and tradition with its lengthy history and loyal fan base. It portrays the vibrant hues and strong brushstrokes of an artist’s palette and is named after the Japanese word for “crayon.” Each 50-gram skein of Kureyon yarn is made entirely of wool and yields 110 yards of unadulterated creativity. Accept the tradition of NORO’s recognisable story and let your creativity run wild with Kureyon, where every creation is an unfinished masterpiece.
Silk Garden
- 45% Silk, 45% Mohair, 10% Wool
- 50g per 110 yds, 16-20 sts per 4″ knit, 11 sts per 4″single crochet
In 2016, the Silk Garden celebrated its 25th anniversary. With good reason, this lovely yarn has a fervent cult following. Ravelry has used it in about 50,000 projects as of the latest count, and it comes in dozens of amazing colourways! According to its inventor, Mr. Eisaku Noro, “I envisioned a yarn that blossomed out of a garden of silk and silk/mohair fabric.” We couldn’t be more in agreement.
Silk Garden Solo
- 45% Silk, 45% Mohair, 10% Wool
- 50g per 110 yds, 16-20 sts per 4″ knit, 11 sts per 4″ single crochet
Using the same silk/mohair foundation as Silk Garden and Silk Garden Lite, Silk Garden Solo is a monochromatic, super-saturated tonal single-ply that goes well with any of the stunning Silk Garden shades.
Silk Garden Sock
- 40% Wool, 25% Silk, 25% Nylon (polyamide), 10% Mohair
- 100g per 328 yds, 23-26 sts per 4″knit, 16 sts per 4″ single crochet
The yarn known as “Silk Garden Sock” has a DK weight of 40% wool, 25% silk, 25% nylon, and 10% mohair. This well-liked, multipurpose yarn is a great option for knitting and crocheting projects including hats, sweaters, and socks!
Akari
- 26% Silk, 21% Cotton, 15% Viscose, 14% Mohair, 12% Wool, 12% Polyamide
- 200g per 528 yds, 16-20 sts per 4″ knit, 11 sts per 4″ single crochet
The Medium Weight of Noro Akari yarn is an opulent blend of fibres that exudes cosiness and warmth. Named after the Japanese term meaning “light,” Akari yarn’s magnificent blend of 26% silk, 21% cotton, 15% viscose, 14% mohair, 12% wool, and 12% polyamide lights your creative adventure. With 528 yards of creative potential per big 200-gram skein of Akari yarn, you may create cosy sweaters, chic shawls, and elegant accessories.
Akari Solo yarn’s rich texture and vivid colours guarantee that every project is a beauty, whether you’re knitting cables or colourwork. Enjoy Noro’s Akari yarn’s elegance and allow your imagination to run wild. Accept the lightness and warmth of this beautiful combination as you produce works that are as enticing and bright as the Japanese idea of Akari itself.
Haruito
- 40% Silk, 40% Cotton, 20% Polyamide
- 150g per 410 yds, 18-20 sts per 4″ knit, 11 sts per 4″ single crochet
There are two components to the word Haruito [はるいと]: Ito means “yarn for spring” and Haru means “spring” in Japanese. Spring reminds us of the season when everything begins to bloom and vibrant flowers awe us. The yarn’s smooth, silky nature makes it ideal for direct skin application; it solely contains silk, cotton, and nylon instead of wool. When the evenings turn colder, it’s perfect for summer jackets, scarves, and sweaters that you can wrap around yourself. Additionally, it’s a great option for a plush baby blanket.