Cotton 100% Chainette Yarn, PRISMA RICERCHE CONGO, Premium Italian Lace Weight Yarn, Balls or Cones, 670m/100g

Experience exceptional Italian craftsmanship with PRISMA RICERCHE CONGO, a beautifully engineered 100% cotton chainette yarn that combines lightweight volume, remarkable softness, and elegant stitch definition. With approximately 670 meters (733 yards) per 100g, this refined Italian yarn creates airy fabrics that feel substantial without unnecessary weight, making it a wonderful choice for warm-weather garments and sophisticated layering pieces.

Its beautifully constructed cotton cord creates natural texture while remaining soft and comfortable to work with. The chainette structure adds body and dimension to the finished fabric while allowing excellent breathability, beautiful drape, and impressive yardage. Whether knitted or crocheted, CONGO offers versatility that makes it equally suitable for delicate accessories, lightweight sweaters, elegant summer tops, and contemporary garments with clean stitch definition.

▣ Product Specifications
• Manufacturer: PRISMA RICERCHE, Italy
• Article: CONGO
• Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
• Yarn Category: Lace Chainette Weight
• Yarn Structure: Cotton Chainette Cord
• Yarn Count: Nm 6700
• Yardage: Approximately 670 meters / 733 yards per 100g (3.52 oz)
• Formats: Balls (BY DEFAULT) or Cones (PLEASE PURCHASE)
• Origin: Made in Italy

➤ My First Impressions
At the time of writing this listing, I haven't knitted a swatch from this yarn yet, so these are my first impressions from handling the cone.

The first thing that caught my attention is the beautiful chainette construction. It's a very well-made cotton cord that creates wonderful volume without adding unnecessary weight, making it feel much lighter than many traditional cotton yarns of a similar thickness.

The color is absolutely gorgeous—a rich, deep scarlet red with exceptional saturation. It has that luxurious, vibrant tone that immediately catches the eye and would make even the simplest project look elegant.

The yarn also feels surprisingly soft for 100% cotton. Because it isn't tightly twisted, it has a pleasant flexibility while still looking structured enough to create garments that should hold their shape beautifully.

For crochet, I would happily use it in a single strand. For knitting, I think this yarn offers plenty of flexibility depending on the project. I can easily imagine knitting summer tops, tunics, lightweight shawls, or openwork garments in a single strand with smaller needles, while holding it double would create a fuller fabric for sweaters or cardigans.

Based on my experience with premium cotton chainette yarns, I would expect the cord to relax and open just slightly after washing. It won't bloom the way wool does, of course, but it should soften a little while maintaining its beautiful structure.

⌁ Texture & Feel
• Soft lightweight cotton chainette construction
• Airy cord structure with beautiful volume
• Smooth hand with excellent flexibility
• Lightweight without sacrificing body
• Excellent stitch definition
• Comfortable next to the skin

★ Why Knitters Love CONGO
• Premium Italian cotton
• Beautiful chainette construction
• Creates lightweight fabrics with volume
• Excellent breathability
• Soft hand for 100% cotton
• Beautiful stitch definition
• Suitable for knitting, crochet, weaving, and machine knitting
• Versatile for warm-weather garments and layering pieces

➤ Yarn Usage & Profile
• Perfect for summer tops, tunics, lightweight sweaters, cardigans, shawls, scarves, and wraps
• Excellent for openwork, lace-inspired textures, and modern minimalist garments
• Beautiful in stockinette, garter stitch, textured stitches, elongated stitches, and crochet
• Lightweight enough for warm climates while maintaining beautiful structure
• Creates breathable garments with excellent drape and stitch definition

⋔ Estimated Yarn Usage
• Scarf or narrow wrap: Approximately 80–150g
• Shawl or wrap: Approximately 150–250g
• Summer top (S–M): Approximately 180–280g
• Lightweight sweater (S–M): Approximately 280–380g
• Sweater (L–XL): Approximately 380–500g
• Long cardigan: Approximately 450–600g

Actual yarn requirements depend on garment size, gauge, stitch pattern, and desired fabric.

➤ Recommended Pairings from iDOKNiT
• Mulberry Silk — enhances drape and luxurious sheen
• Linen — creates breathable summer fabrics
• Fine Merino — adds elasticity and softness
• Cashmere — increases warmth and softness
• Kid Mohair — creates an elegant halo
• Viscose — improves fluidity and drape

✦ Recommended Needles / Hooks
• Single Strand Knitting: 2.75–3.5 mm (US 2–4)
• Double Strand Knitting: 3.75–4.5 mm (US 5–7)
• Crochet Hooks: 2.5–4.0 mm (US C/2–G/6)

Needle size depends on the fabric you want to create. Swatching is always recommended to achieve your preferred gauge, drape, and stitch definition.

⫯ Weaving Suitability
An excellent weaving yarn for lightweight scarves, shawls, apparel fabrics, and elegant accessories. The chainette construction adds subtle texture while maintaining softness and beautiful drape.

⟳ Care Instructions
• Hand wash gently in cool water using a mild detergent.
• Do not wring or twist.
• Gently press excess moisture into a clean towel.
• Lay flat to dry and reshape while damp.
• Store folded rather than hanging.
• Always wash your swatch before making final gauge and sizing decisions.