Touch of Silk Yarn Review: Is the Discontinued Luxury Yarn Worth the Hunt?

For years, Touch of Silk has held a near-mythical status among dedicated yarn enthusiasts. This discontinued luxury blend was prized for its subtle sheen, softness, and fluid drape – qualities that made it a go‑to for elegant shawls, lightweight cardigans, and delicate accessories. Even after it left production, crafters continue to search stash sales and destash listings for remaining skeins. But is this yarn truly worth the effort? In this review, we break down exactly what made Touch of Silk special, how it performs in both knitting and crochet, and whether a current Lionbrand alternative might suit your next project.

Whether you’re lucky enough to have a skein from a forgotten stash or are simply curious about the hype, we’ll help you decide if Touch of Silk belongs on your needles or hook. Along the way, we’ll show you how patterns like Plainview Shawl (Knit) and Stella Cardigan (Crochet) can make the most of a silk‑blend yarn’s natural beauty.

What Made Touch of Silk So Coveted?

Touch of Silk was a lightweight, fingering‑weight blend that combined the breathable softness of merino wool with the luminous sheen of silk. The typical composition hovered around 80% extrafine merino and 20% mulberry silk, yielding a yarn that felt cool to the touch and had a gentle, elegant halo. This blend gave the yarn a unique ability to take color deeply – semi‑solid and hand‑dyed skeins appeared almost three‑dimensional, with subtle shifts that caught the light.

Because it was discontinued, each remaining ball carries a sense of treasure. The yarn was never mass‑produced, so stashes are limited and prices on resale markets can be high. Yet for those who have worked with it, the memory of its softness and the effortless drape it imparts to lace and fine gauge pieces keeps the demand alive.

• Typical blend: 80% merino wool / 20% mulberry silk
• Weight: fingering / superfine (fits Pin Gauges of 24–32 stitches per 10 cm)
• Care: hand wash, lay flat to dry

Performance in Knitting and Crochet Projects

Touch of Silk truly shines in openwork and drape‑heavy designs. When knitted, the silk content provides a slight weight that helps fabric hang beautifully, while the merino offers enough memory to keep lace motifs crisp. A shawl like the Plainview Shawl (Knit) – with its simple, repeated lace sections – becomes a luxurious everyday piece. The yarn’s sheen enhances the stitch definition without overwhelming the pattern, making it ideal for both intricate lace and simple stockinette.

For crocheters, the smooth twist of Touch of Silk reduces splitting, a common frustration with many luxury fingering yarns. The drape is especially welcome in garments that require movement and flow. Consider the Stella Cardigan (Crochet): its open‑stitch body and scalloped edges call for a yarn that drapes without being limp. Touch of Silk delivers that perfect balance, creating a cardigan that feels light yet polished.

• Knitting gauge: approx. 28 sts per 10 cm on 2.75–3.25 mm needles
• Crochet gauge: approx. 20–22 sts per 10 cm on 3.5–4 mm hook
• Great for: shawls, wraps, lightweight cardigans, garments worn next to skin

Where to Find Touch of Silk Today – and a Worthy Modern Alternative

Because Touch of Silk is no longer in production, your best bet is online destash groups, resale platforms like Ravelry’s Market, or local yarn store rummage sales. Be prepared to pay a premium – single skeins can go for $18–$25 if they are in excellent condition. Always check for dye lot consistency if you need more than one skein, as older stashes may vary in hue.

If you are seeking a similar experience in a current, readily available yarn, Lionbrand’s Lazy Days Yarn offers a comparable lightweight feel with a different blend. While not a silk‑merino blend, it has a soft, airy twist and excellent drape that works well for many of the same patterns. For a true silk blend experience, keep an eye on Lionbrand’s limited‑edition runs – but in the meantime, pairing a high‑quality fingering weight with a silk‑friendly pattern like the Pebble Path Crochet Poncho can yield beautiful results.

• Check Ravelry and Etsy for used stashes
• Dye lot consistency is critical when matching skeins from different sources
• Store your Touch of Silk in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve silk’s natural lustre

Final Verdict: Is Touch of Silk Worth the Hype?

For knitters and crocheters who value touch and drape above all, Touch of Silk delivers a truly memorable experience. The blend’s combination of bounce, sheen, and stitch definition is hard to replicate with other discontinued or mass‑market yarns. If you already own a skein, treat it as the star of a special project – like the Plainview Shawl (Knit) or Stella Cardigan (Crochet) – and you will understand why so many still talk about it years later.

If you don’t have access to Touch of Silk, do not despair. Lionbrand’s current lineup offers several yarns that can mimic its performance when paired with a pattern designed to showcase drape. The key is choosing a fine weight with a high twist and a bit of silk or similar smooth fibre. With the right pattern, your project will still feel luxe and polished.

• Pros: exceptional softness, beautiful sheen, excellent drape, good stitch definition
• Cons: discontinued, limited availability, higher resale price, requires hand washing

If you are ready to transform a beautiful yarn into a garment you will reach for again and again, start with a pattern that honours its qualities. The Stella Cardigan (Crochet) is a perfect example – its open stitch and feminine shape were made for a yarn with drape. Explore the free pattern on Lionbrand and imagine the possibilities. Even without a rare silk blend, this design will elevate any fine yarn you choose.