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Metallica shaded wool blend with glossy insert 50g ball
50% mulesing-free virgin wool and 50% acrylic ball with a luminous shaded effect, 50g for 110m. Create modern, glossy textures with needles 5-7 or crochet 4-6.
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QUICK SPECS: Composition: 50% Mulesing-Free Virgin Wool, 50% Acrylic | Weight: 50g | Length: 110m | Needles: 5-7 | Crochet: 4-6 | Effect: Luminous Shaded
Metallica Shaded Wool Blend: Luminous Yarn with Lurex-Effect for One-of-a-Kind Projects
Metallica by Tessiland is an innovative yarn that combines 50% mulesing-free virgin wool and 50% acrylic in a 50g, 110m ball. Featuring tonal shades and a glossy insert that creates a lurex-like luminous effect, this yarn delivers exclusive sparkle without compromising comfort. Perfect for sweaters, cardigans, dresses and accessories, both in crochet and knitting.
The Metallica yarn is a real revolution in blended yarns: the twist of pure virgin wool with a printed, glossy acrylic microfibre creates a striking visual effect. The built-in colour shading naturally forms a modern, contemporary texture, making every project unique even with simple, airy stitches. Unlike traditional lurex, Metallica offers the benefits of an even, comfortable fibre, eliminating the typical issues of scratchiness and unevenness. Its balanced blend delivers warmth from virgin wool and everyday practicality from acrylic, while the glossy insert adds that exclusive luminosity that makes every piece stand out. With 110 metres per 50g ball, Metallica offers excellent yield and works smoothly with needles 5-7 or crochet 4-6, making it ideal even for less experienced makers. At Tessiland you’ll find Metallica with a clear dye-lot indication directly on the product page, to ensure colour consistency across your entire project.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: What are you really buying?
Metallica blends advanced textile technology and natural fibres to create a yarn with a unique personality. This in-depth technical breakdown highlights what makes it special for fashion-forward projects and contemporary accessories.
1. Blend composition and fibre features
Metallica has a balanced composition of 50% mulesing-free virgin wool and 50% acrylic, designed to optimise performance and comfort.
The selected virgin wool comes from farms that respect animal welfare, delivering high-quality fibres with excellent thermoregulating properties. This natural component provides warmth, breathability and elasticity, allowing garments to adapt to the body while keeping their shape over time.
Acrylic adds lightness, wear resistance and easy care. Metallica’s true innovation lies in the glossy acrylic microfibre that is specifically printed during production: this technology creates a lurex-like luminous effect with an even fibre—without the typical drawbacks of traditional metallic yarns.
The absence of actual metallic threads means:
- No scratchiness or irritation on the skin
- Greater softness and comfort
- Even fibre with no interruptions
- Smooth handling without snagging
- Long-lasting durability
The built-in colour shading creates gradual transitions that add depth and movement, making projects visually dynamic even with basic stitches.
2. Luminous effect and shading: Metallica’s signature
The standout feature of Metallica is its exclusive luminous effect, achieved through a printed glossy acrylic microfibre that intertwines harmoniously with virgin wool.
This glossy insert catches and reflects light, creating:
- Natural sparkle that enhances colour
- A 3D effect on worked surfaces
- Subtle yet noticeable luminosity
- An elegant contrast with the wool’s matte component
Unlike traditional lurex, which uses rigid metallic threads, Metallica retains the softness and flow of textile fibres, removing issues such as:
- Stiff fabric
- Rough feel on the skin
- Metallic threads breaking while working
- Loss of shine after washing
The colour shading is the second key aesthetic feature: colour shifts gradually along the yarn, creating a natural ombré effect. This allows you to achieve complex, modern textures even with simple stitches like stockinette stitch or single crochet.
The final look combines:
- Colour depth from shading
- Sparkle from the glossy insert
- Movement and dynamism across the fabric surface
This dual feature makes Metallica especially suitable for statement pieces such as oversized sweaters, dramatic shawls, long cardigans and fashion accessories that want to stand out.
3. Workability and recommended techniques
Metallica offers excellent workability, making it accessible even to less experienced makers while still delivering pro-level results for more elaborate projects.
Knitting needles(5-7):
With needles, Metallica shines with stitches that let the fibre breathe:
- Stockinette stitch: highlights shading and luminosity
- Garter stitch: creates 3D texture with light play
- Lace stitches: ideal for shawls and light stoles
- Simple ribbing: for borders and structured details
- Moss stitch: adds texture without hiding the shading
We recommend avoiding overly intricate stitches like complex cables or very dense jacquard, as the yarn’s shading already provides strong visual interest and dense patterns may hide the luminous effect.
Crochet (4-6):
In crochet, Metallica works beautifully for:
- Single crochet and double crochet: for even surfaces that enhance colour
- Lacy stitches: ideal for shawls, wraps and summer tops
- Granny squares: shading creates unique colour effects
- Floral motifs: sparkle adds elegance
The yarn’s balanced twist helps prevent splitting, while the acrylic component ensures stitches glide smoothly on needles and crochet hooks. With 110m per 50g, it offers good value and yield, letting you complete medium-to-large projects with a limited number of balls.
The glossy insert doesn’t make it harder to work: unlike lurex yarns, Metallica has no separate strands that can snag or break.
4. Projects and creative applications
Metallica is ideal for creations that want to stand out thanks to the combination of warmth, comfort and a sophisticated touch of sparkle.
Women’s wear:
- Sweaters and pullovers: medium weight and luminosity for perfect transitional pieces
- Oversized cardigans: shading adds movement and modern style
- Dresses: luminous effect brings elegance for special occasions
- Tops and camis: ideal for fashionable layering
- Vests and boleros: perfect to complete refined outfits
Statement accessories:
- Shawls and stoles: sparkle enhances lace and drape
- Long scarves: shading creates dynamic colour flow
- Hats and beanies: with luminous details for urban looks
- Bags and clutches: the yarn’s structure helps hold shape
- Elegant wraps: for evenings and ceremonies
Home projects:
- Decorative cushions: for touches of light in interiors
- Light throws: cosy and visually interesting
- Baby blankets: soft and warm with a special touch
Metallica stands out especially in minimalist projects where the beauty of the yarn can shine without being overshadowed by complex stitchwork. A simple V-neck stockinette sweater becomes a statement piece thanks to shading and luminosity.
For mixed projects, Metallica pairs well with:
- Matte solid-colour yarns for contrast
- Fine mohair to add soft texture
- Cotton for summer projects with luminous details
5. Performance, shape retention and long-term comfort
The blended composition of Metallica ensures balanced performance, combining the best qualities of natural and synthetic fibres.
Shape retention:
The 50% acrylic gives the yarn excellent elastic memory:
- Garments keep their original shape even after many wears
- Minimal stretching at elbows, knees and stress points
- Ribs and edges stay elastic over time
- Dimensional recovery after washing
The virgin wool contributes natural elasticity, helping garments adapt to the body without feeling tight or pulling.
Thermal comfort:
Metallica offers smart thermoregulation:
- Moderate warmth ideal for spring and autumn
- Breathability that prevents overheating
- Great for layering to customise warmth
- Lightweight yet protective
Wear resistance:
Acrylic increases durability:
- Better abrasion resistance than pure wool
- Pilling is minimal thanks to fibre quality
- The glossy insert stays luminous even after many washes
- Colours remain stable and bright over time
Softness to the touch:
Unlike traditional lurex yarns, Metallica feels pleasant on the skin:
- No rough or scratchy sensation
- Even, smooth surface
- Long-lasting comfort even for sensitive skin
- Ideal for garments worn next to skin
Colourfastness is excellent: shading stays intense and the luminous effect won’t fade with proper care. Tessiland provides dye-lot traceability on the product page, ensuring colour consistency for projects that require multiple balls.
Care: how to keep your garments beautiful over time
Metallica needs specific care to preserve its luminosity, softness and colour shading over time. Following these guidelines helps ensure long-lasting durability and consistent beauty in your handmade pieces.
- First washes by hand: do the first 2-3 washes only by hand in cold water to allow the blended fibres to settle and stabilise, preventing distortion
- Water temperature: always use cold water or at most lukewarm (max 30°C) to protect both the virgin wool and the luminous effect of the acrylic insert
- Suitable detergents: use only mild, wool-safe detergents for delicates, strictly avoiding fabric softeners that could dull the yarn’s signature shine
- Machine washing: after the first hand washes, you can use the washing machine on the wool/delicates programme with reduced or no spin
- Removing excess water: never wring; remove excess water by gently pressing with absorbent towels, without twisting
- Drying: dry flat on a level surface, away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight which could alter the colour shading
- Ironing: if needed, iron on low heat with a protective cloth, avoiding heavy pressure on areas with a higher concentration of glossy insert
- Storage: store folded (never hung) in dry, well-ventilated places, using natural moth protection to safeguard the virgin wool component
- Pilling removal: although minimal, any light surface pilling can be gently removed with a fabric shaver or textile pumice stone
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✨ TESSILAND STUDIOFrequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Metallica and a traditional lurex yarn?
Metallica uses a printed glossy acrylic microfibre instead of actual metallic threads. This means you get the same bright luminous effect as lurex, but with greater softness, even fibre consistency and none of the common issues found in metallic yarns—such as scratchiness, breaking while working, or dulling over time. Metallica stays comfortable on the skin and keeps its shine even after many washes.
How many balls of Metallica do I need for a women’s size M sweater?
For a women’s size M long-sleeve sweater, you’ll need around 9-11 balls of Metallica (about 450-550 grams), depending on the pattern and fit. For a long cardigan, plan on 12-14 balls, while a sleeveless vest typically needs 6-7 balls. We recommend always checking your specific pattern and purchasing one extra ball. Remember: Tessiland shows the dye-lot number on the product page—buy balls from the same lot to ensure perfect colour consistency in the shading.
Is Metallica suitable for children’s projects?
Yes, Metallica is suitable for children thanks to its soft feel and the absence of rigid metallic threads that could irritate delicate skin. The 50% mulesing-free virgin wool and 50% acrylic blend offers warmth, comfort and easy care. It’s perfect for cardigans, little dresses, hats and blankets with a special touch of sparkle. For newborns, always do the first washes by hand to further soften the fibres.
How can I pair Metallica with other yarns?
Metallica pairs beautifully with yarns that create texture contrast. Try holding it together with a fine mohair to add a soft halo while keeping the luminosity, or combine it with matte solid-colour yarns to create bands or details that highlight the sparkle. For summer projects, pair it with cotton or linen for tops with luminous inserts. When combining different yarns, make sure they have a similar yardage and check gauge with a swatch for an even fabric.
Are Metallica’s colour shades random or do they follow a set pattern?
Metallica’s colour shading follows a pre-set gradual sequence that repeats along the ball, creating harmonious transitions. It’s not random—it’s designed for an elegant ombré effect. To make the most of the shading, use simple, airy stitches like stockinette, single crochet or double crochet so the colour transitions can shine naturally. Very complex stitches may break up the visual effect.
Is Metallica good for lacy crochet projects like shawls?
Absolutely! Metallica is excellent for lacy crochet shawls. The colour shading and luminous effect are enhanced by open stitches that let light pass through, creating dramatic play of shadows and sparkle. With a 4-6 crochet hook, try motifs like fans, chains/arches, pineapple stitch or lacy granny squares. The yarn’s structure helps lace stay well-defined without stretching out over time.
After how many washes can I use the washing machine for Metallica garments?
After 2-3 hand washes in cold water, you can start washing Metallica garments in the washing machine using the wool/delicates programme with cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C). This initial period helps the blended fibres settle and stabilise. Always use a mesh laundry bag, set a low spin (max 400 rpm) or no spin, and use only mild detergents without fabric softener to preserve the shine of the glossy insert.
Does Metallica pill with wear?
Metallica’s pilling is minimal thanks to the quality fibres and balanced twist. The acrylic component significantly reduces bobbling compared to pure wool. If light surface pilling appears in high-friction areas (underarms, inner sleeves), it can be easily removed with a fabric shaver or a textile pumice stone without damaging the luminous effect.
Why is it important to buy all balls from the same dye lot?
Even though Metallica has built-in shading, different dye lots can show small variations in colour sequence or in the intensity of the shine, which may be visible in the finished piece—especially on large areas like the back of a sweater. Tessiland is the only e-commerce that displays the lot/batch number directly on the product page, so you can check availability and buy matching balls. If a lot runs out, our customer care with real people can help you find solutions.
Which needles give the best results with Metallica?
Metallica performs best with needles 5-7, depending on the look you want. With 5-5.5mm needles you’ll get a denser fabric ideal for structured sweaters and cardigans that hold their shape. With 6-7mm needles you’ll create a lighter, airier fabric perfect for shawls, stoles and oversized pieces where shading and luminosity stand out more. We always recommend making a 10x10 cm swatch to check gauge and the final look before starting.
Is Metallica a seasonal yarn or can it be used all year round?
Metallica is mainly an in-between seasons yarn (spring and autumn) thanks to its medium weight and blended composition. The 50% virgin wool provides moderate warmth, while the 50% acrylic keeps it lightweight. You can use it in winter for layering under coats or for accessories like scarves and hats. In summer, it’s great for lacy tops, evening wraps or light shawls worked with a larger hook to maximise airiness.
How can I maximise Metallica’s luminous effect?
To enhance Metallica’s luminous effect: 1) Choose simple stitches like stockinette, garter stitch or lace stitches that let the sparkle shine without breaking it up. 2) Avoid overly complex stitches with heavy cables that “hide” the glossy insert. 3) Keep the right tension: stitches that are too tight compress the fibres and reduce the effect. 4) For photos or special occasions, the sparkle shows more under natural light or warm lighting that highlights shading and luminosity.
