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Moby alpaca merino cotton soffilo blend 50g ball
100% natural Soffilo made of 15% superfine Alpaca, 15% Merinos Wool and 70% Cotton in a blown structure, Made in Italy. 50g ball for 90m, soft, warm and lightweight with a 3D effect. Recommended needles 6-8mm or crochet hook 5-7mm.
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QUICK SPECS: Type: Soffilo (blown yarn) | Composition: 15% superfine Alpaca, 15% Merinos Wool, 70% Cotton | Weight: 50g | Length: 90m | Recommended needles: 6-8mm | Recommended crochet hook: 5-7mm | Origin: Made in Italy
Moby Soffilo Alpaca Merino Cotton: Made in Italy Blown Yarn
Moby yarn is a precious 100% natural Soffilo that blends superfine alpaca, merinos wool and cotton in a unique blown structure. Available on Tessiland with full transparency on the dye lot number directly on the product page, this 50g ball represents Made in Italy excellence for soft, warm and lightweight creations.
The blown-yarn technique gives Moby outstanding features: an inner core made of 15% superfine alpaca and 15% merinos wool is wrapped in an outer cage of 70% cotton, creating a yarn that is lofty yet incredibly light. This structure ensures superior thermal insulation, exceptional softness, and wear resistance thanks to its protective double layer. The cotton cage, expertly matched in a slightly lighter shade than the melange inner halo, gives your projects a captivating 3D effect that enhances every stitch. With 90 meters per ball and compatibility with 6-8mm needles or a 5-7mm crochet hook, Moby is perfect for sweaters, scarves, hats and winter accessories that need warmth without weight. The yarn’s non-splitting structure also makes it ideal for those trying Soffilo for the first time, ensuring neat, professional-looking results. Tessiland is the only e-commerce that shows you the available dye lot, and our team is always ready to help you ensure colour continuity across your projects.
Do you like Moby? Here’s what might be useful...
TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN: What are you really buying?
Moby yarn represents excellence in the natural Soffilo category thanks to its artisan blown structure and its exclusive blend of premium fibres. Let’s take a closer look at the technical features that make this yarn unique for high-quality winter makes.
1. What is a Soffilo and how the blown structure works
A Soffilo, or blown yarn, stands out from other yarns thanks to its double-layer architecture: a central core of premium fibres is literally “blown” inside an outer cage, creating a hollow structure that traps air.
With Moby, the outer cage is made from top-quality cotton (70% of the total composition), while the inner core contains the precious melange blend of 15% superfine alpaca and 15% merinos wool. This Made in Italy artisan technique delivers major benefits:
- Extreme lightness: the yarn’s loft comes from trapped air, not fibre weight
- Superior thermal insulation: the air held in the hollow structure works as a natural insulator
- Protected softness: the cotton cage shields the delicate inner fibres from wear and pilling
- Enhanced durability: the double layer improves longevity compared to traditional yarns of the same weight
The cotton cage is chosen in a shade slightly lighter than the melange inner halo, naturally creating that 3D effect that adds depth and texture to your work. This is especially noticeable in lace stitches or ribbing.
2. Natural fibre blend: alpaca, merinos and cotton
Moby’s three-part composition is designed to balance thermal comfort, softness and practicality:
Superfine Alpaca 15%
Superfine alpaca is among the most prized natural fibres in the world. With a diameter under 23 microns, it offers exceptional softness without the itchiness typical of some wools. Its properties include natural thermoregulation (warm in winter, cool in summer), hypoallergenic qualities, and remarkable strength. In the Moby blend, alpaca brings a silky hand feel and contributes to the overall lightness of the yarn.
Merinos Wool 15%
Merinos wool is renowned for its fineness (fine fibres that don’t itch) and its outstanding thermoregulating properties. It can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet to the touch, helping keep the body dry and comfortable. In Moby Soffilo, merinos works in synergy with alpaca to provide warmth without overheating and natural elasticity that helps garments hold their shape over time.
Cotton 70%
Top-quality cotton forms the outer cage of the Soffilo and is the dominant component. This plant fibre provides breathability, wear resistance and easier care. Cotton makes Moby more practical than 100% animal-fibre Soffili, allowing gentle washing with a lower risk of felting. Its tensile strength protects the more delicate inner fibres during both stitching and everyday wear.
3. Meterage, yield and value for money
With 90 meters per 50 grams, Moby offers meterage consistent with the Soffilo category, where loft doesn’t necessarily mean very long lengths. The yield of 1.8 meters per gram reflects the yarn’s blown nature: you’re buying mostly volume and air, not just fibre.
This meterage/weight ratio translates into real advantages:
- Lightweight yet lofty projects: a sweater made with Moby will weigh significantly less than one made with a traditional yarn of the same thickness
- Great stitch coverage: stitches worked with 6-8mm needles or a 5-7mm crochet hook look full and well-defined thanks to the yarn’s loft
- Project efficiency: the lightness lets you create warm garments with fewer balls than heavier traditional wools
Moby offers excellent value for money considering its superfine alpaca content (a premium fibre), artisan Made in Italy production and versatile performance. On Tessiland, you also get full transparency on the dye lot number directly on the product page—an exclusive service that helps you calculate your needs accurately and avoid colour continuity issues.
4. Working techniques: crochet, straight needles and circular needles
Moby’s non-splitting structure makes it especially suitable for both crochet and knitting, with a few considerations for each technique.
Crochet (5-7mm)
Crochet is ideal for showcasing Moby’s loft. Stitches like half double crochet, double crochet and shell stitch create rich, three-dimensional textures. The yarn’s soft nature keeps each stitch well-defined without stiffness. For shawls, blankets or oversized cardigans, a 5-6mm hook gives a soft drape, while 7mm creates a more airy, lightweight look.
Technical tip: keep your tension consistent but not too tight to let the yarn express its natural volume.
Knitting with straight needles (6-8mm)
With 6-7mm knitting needles you’ll get a compact, warm fabric—perfect for sweaters and winter accessories. An 8mm needle creates a more open, lightweight knit, ideal for transitional-season wraps. Classic stitches like garter stitch, fisherman’s rib or moss stitch enhance the yarn’s 3D character. Moby’s softness helps it glide smoothly over the needle tips, making it enjoyable even for beginners.
Knitting with circular needles
Circular needles are excellent for seamless projects such as top-down sweaters or hats. Moby’s lightness is especially appreciated when the weight of the work sits on the needles: even an L-size sweater stays manageable. For hats and cowls worked in the round, a 6-7mm size ensures comfortable stretch and fit.
5. Visual impact and melange shades
One of Moby’s standout features is the 3D effect created by the smart colour pairing between the outer cage and the inner halo. The cotton cage is produced in a shade slightly lighter than the melange core, creating a play of light and shadow that adds remarkable depth to your work.
How the melange effect works
The melange shades in the inner core (alpaca-merinos blend) show natural nuances that can vary from ball to ball—typical of premium animal fibres. This means every project made with Moby will have its own unique character, with tonal variations that add charm rather than being flaws.
Results in different stitches
- Smooth fabrics (knit/purl): the 3D effect is more subtle, with the lighter cotton cage creating bright highlights
- Textured stitches (cables, ribs): the yarn’s natural loft is amplified, and raised sections catch more light
- Lace stitches: open areas let you fully appreciate the contrast between the outer cage and inner halo
- Pattern stitches: combinations like moss stitch or seed stitch create surfaces full of visual movement
Dye lots and colour continuity
On Tessiland, you’ll find the dye lot number directly on the product page—an exclusive service that lets you buy balls from the same lot for projects that require consistent colour. For Moby’s melange shades, while tones are naturally variable, staying within the same lot ensures consistency in the base tone and the intensity of the nuances. Our customer care team is always available to advise you on quantities and check availability of specific lots.
Care: how to keep your garments looking great over time
Moby yarn, thanks to its natural alpaca, merinos and cotton composition, needs gentle care to preserve softness, loft and colour over time. Follow these tips to keep your pieces like new:
- Hand wash in cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C): fill a basin with cold water, add a gentle wool-specific or neutral detergent, submerge the garment and soak for 10-15 minutes without rubbing
- Avoid twisting and wringing: after washing, press gently to remove excess water without twisting the fibres, which could lose their blown structure
- Dry flat away from heat sources: lay the garment flat on a clean towel, gently reshape to original measurements, and change the towel when it becomes damp
- Never tumble dry: mechanical heat would irreversibly damage the Soffilo structure and could felt the alpaca and merinos fibres
- Proper storage: store garments folded (never hung) in dry, airy places, optionally with natural lavender sachets to protect from moths
- No ironing: if needed, steam gently from a distance without direct contact to remove small creases
- Managing pilling: any surface pills (natural in the first wears of alpaca-containing yarns) can be removed carefully with a fabric shaver or small scissors, without pulling
- Wash less often: thanks to the natural antibacterial properties of wool and alpaca, garments can be aired between wears instead of being washed frequently
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✨ TESSILAND STUDIOFrequently Asked Questions
Why is Moby yarn considered a superior-quality Soffilo?
Moby is a 100% Made in Italy Soffilo crafted with an artisan blowing technique that combines premium fibres: 15% superfine alpaca (one of the softest, warmest natural fibres), 15% merinos wool (for thermoregulation and elasticity) and 70% top-quality cotton (for durability and practicality). The outer cotton cage protects the precious inner blend, ensuring longer-lasting performance and consistent softness over time. The 3D effect created by slightly different tones between the cage and the core makes it visually unique as well.
What are the advantages of a blown structure compared to a traditional yarn?
Moby’s blown structure offers key advantages: extreme lightness (loft comes from trapped air, not weight), superior thermal insulation (air in the hollow structure works as a natural insulator), protected softness (the cotton cage helps prevent wear on the delicate inner fibres), and enhanced durability thanks to the double layer. A sweater made with Moby will weigh much less than a traditional one of the same thickness, while still keeping warmth and volume.
Is Moby suitable for beginners or does it require experience?
Moby is perfect for beginners too thanks to its non-splitting structure, which makes it easy to work with: the yarn glides smoothly on needles and crochet hooks without fraying or separating. Its natural softness keeps stitches well-defined, helping beginners achieve neat, professional-looking results. We recommend starting with simple stitches (stockinette, garter, double crochet) to get used to the yarn’s loft, then exploring more textured patterns.
With a 50g / 90m ball, how many do I need for a sweater?
Requirements vary depending on size, pattern and personal tension. For a women’s size M sweater in stockinette with 7mm needles, you’ll typically need 10-12 balls. For more accurate planning, we recommend making a 10x10cm swatch with your chosen needles, calculating yarn usage, and multiplying it by the garment’s total surface area. On Tessiland, we show the dye lot number available: buy all the balls you need from the same lot to ensure colour consistency, and our team can help you estimate quantities.
How do I get the maximum 3D effect with Moby?
Moby’s 3D effect comes from the cotton cage being lighter than the melange inner halo. To enhance it: choose textured stitches like cables, ribs or moss stitch to create light-and-shadow contrasts; avoid overly tight tension that would flatten the natural loft; use lace stitches that let you see the contrast between the outer cage and inner core; alternate areas with different stitches (e.g., knit and purl textures) to create dynamic surfaces. Natural light highlights this effect beautifully.
Can I machine wash garments made with Moby?
We do not recommend machine washing, even on delicate cycles. The alpaca and merinos content requires hand washing in cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C) with wool-specific detergents. Mechanical agitation may damage the blown structure and cause felting of the animal fibres. Hand washing preserves softness, loft and shape over time. Remember: wool and alpaca have natural antibacterial properties, so garments can often be aired between wears, reducing how often you need to wash them.
Which needles or crochet hooks do you recommend for Moby?
For knitting needles: 6-8mm depending on the effect you want. 6-7mm needles create a compact, warm fabric (ideal for winter sweaters), while 8mm needles make a more open, lighter knit (perfect for wraps). For crochet: 5-7mm. A 5-6mm hook gives a soft yet defined drape, while 7mm creates more airy effects. Circular needles are great for seamless projects, taking advantage of Moby’s lightness. Always make a 10x10cm swatch to ensure your tension and tool size deliver the result you want.
Can Moby cause allergies or feel itchy on the skin?
Moby contains superfine alpaca (under 23 microns) and merinos wool, both very fine fibres that generally do not itch like coarser wools. The 70% cotton outer cage also creates a protective barrier that further reduces direct skin contact with the animal fibres. However, people with a specific sensitivity to lanolin or documented allergies to wool/alpaca should test the yarn on a small skin area before making wearable projects. Most users find Moby extremely comfortable even against bare skin.
How do I manage the tonal variations typical of melange shades?
The melange shades in the inner core (alpaca-merinos) show natural nuances that vary slightly from ball to ball, which is typical of premium animal fibres and not a defect. On Tessiland, you’ll find the dye lot number on the product page: buying balls from the same lot helps keep the base tone consistent. For large projects, alternate balls every 2 rows/rounds to distribute any minimal variation evenly. This technique, often called striping, is recommended even with solid-colour yarns for smoother results. Our team can check availability of specific lots.
Is Moby suitable for summer projects or only for winter?
Moby is mainly a winter yarn thanks to the alpaca and merinos content, which provides excellent thermal insulation. However, the thermoregulating properties of these natural fibres and the breathability of cotton (70%) make it suitable for transitional seasons. With a 7mm crochet hook or 8mm needles you can create light shawls, wraps or cardigans for cool spring/autumn evenings. Its ability to absorb moisture without feeling wet makes Moby comfortable even with temperature swings. For peak summer, we recommend 100% cotton or linen yarns.
How can I be sure I’m buying balls from the same dye lot?
Tessiland is the only e-commerce that shows the dye lot number directly on Moby’s product page. This exclusive service lets you check before purchasing that all your balls come from the same dye bath, ensuring perfect colour consistency for your project. If the displayed lot runs out while you’re working, our customer care team with real people (not bots) can help you find solutions, check incoming lots, or advise you on managing any minimal tonal differences. Always calculate your total needs and buy all balls at once.
Which projects are ideal for showcasing Moby’s features?
Moby shines in lofty yet lightweight winter projects: oversized sweaters (lightness avoids the “heavy” feel typical of traditional wools), scarves and cowls (soft and warm without bulk), hats and beanies (natural loft creates well-defined shapes), cardigans (elegant drape thanks to the soft structure), blankets and throws (warmth without excessive weight), and lace shawls (open stitches highlight the 3D effect). The yarn’s non-splitting nature also makes beginner-friendly projects like garter-stitch scarves or simple hats worked in the round a pleasure. Avoid projects that require extremely crisp stitch definition (e.g., very intricate lace), where finer yarns are better suited.
