Sandnes Garn
Sandnes Garn is the oldest hand knitting yarn mill in Norway, founded in 1888 as Sandnes Uldvarefabrik. Today it is the largest knitting yarn producer in Northern Europe, and the name behind most of the Scandinavian patterns you see in the knitting world.
At Nara Knits you will find a representative selection from the Sandnes Garn collection: classic Norwegian wool, soft merino, mohair with silk and plant fibre blends for summer. Every yarn is also available as a sample, so you can feel the fibre before ordering for a whole project.
Why Sandnes Garn
- More than 135 years of spinning: a fibre consistency few mills can match. The same colour looks the same from one dye lot to the next.
- Yarns built for patterns: most Scandinavian patterns, including the PetiteKnit collections, are written directly for Sandnes yarns. No need to convert yardage.
- Rare value for money: pure Norwegian wool at an accessible price, which makes Sandnes the natural starting point for the first sweater you knit.
- A full range for every season: from thick winter wool to cotton and linen blends for summer tops.
Sandnes Garn yarns at Nara Knits
| Yarn | Composition | Length | Needles | Gauge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peer Gynt | 100% Norwegian wool | 50 g = 91 m | 3.5 – 4.0 mm | 22 stitches / 10 cm |
| PetiteKnit Peer Gynt | 100% Norwegian wool | 50 g = 91 m | 3.5 – 4.0 mm | 22 stitches / 10 cm |
| Double Sunday | 100% merino wool | 50 g = 108 m | 3.5 – 4.0 mm | 20 stitches / 10 cm |
| PetiteKnit Double Sunday | 100% merino wool | 50 g = 108 m | 3.5 – 4.0 mm | 20 stitches / 10 cm |
| Alpakka Ull | 60% alpaca, 40% wool | 50 g = 100 m | 3.5 – 5.0 mm | 22 stitches / 10 cm |
| Tynn Silk Mohair | 57% mohair, 28% silk, 15% wool | 25 g = 212 m | 5.0 mm | 24 stitches / 10 cm |
| Primo Tynn Silk Mohair | 75% super kid mohair, 25% silk | 25 g = 212 m | 5.0 mm | 24 stitches / 10 cm |
| Ballerina Chunky Mohair | 77% mohair, 18% wool, 5% polyamide | 25 g = 200 m | 4.0 – 5.0 mm | — |
| Line | 53% organic cotton, 33% viscose, 14% linen | 50 g = 110 m | 4.0 mm | 21 stitches / 10 cm |
How to choose the right Sandnes yarn
For your first sweater: Peer Gynt. It is pure Norwegian wool, forgiving of uneven tension, comes in dozens of colours and costs the least of the wool yarns in the shop. A size M sweater takes about 500–550 g.
For something soft, worn right against the skin: Double Sunday. Merino is considerably finer than Norwegian wool and does not itch, the right choice if you have sensitive skin or knit for children.
For an airy layer or a delicate halo: Tynn Silk Mohair or Primo Tynn Silk Mohair. They are often knitted together with another yarn (held double) to add warmth without weight. Primo has a higher share of super kid mohair, so a more pronounced halo and a finer texture.
For spring and summer: Line. The blend of organic cotton, viscose and linen is cool, drapes beautifully and suits tops and light cardigans.
For maximum warmth at low weight: Alpakka Ull. Alpaca is significantly warmer than wool at the same thickness.
If you are not sure how many balls you need, our yardage calculator tells you exactly, starting from the pattern and size. And if you want to feel the fibre first, every Sandnes yarn has free samples.
Frequently asked questions about Sandnes Garn yarns
What is the difference between Peer Gynt and PetiteKnit Peer Gynt?
The yarn is identical: the same Norwegian wool, the same length (50 g = 91 m), the same gauge. Only the colour palette differs: the PetiteKnit version is a range of shades selected by the Danish designer PetiteKnit, meant to work together in her patterns. You can freely combine the two ranges in the same project.
Do Sandnes Garn yarns itch?
It depends on the yarn. Peer Gynt is traditional Norwegian wool: sturdy and warm, but with a coarser fibre, suited to sweaters worn over another layer. Double Sunday (merino) and Tynn Silk Mohair are significantly softer and can be worn right against the skin. We recommend a sample if you have sensitive skin.
How much yarn do I need for a sweater?
As a guide: an adult sweater in size M takes about 500–550 g of Peer Gynt or 450–500 g of Double Sunday. The exact figure depends on the pattern, the size and your gauge. Use the yardage calculator for a precise estimate.
Can I substitute one Sandnes yarn in a pattern with another?
Yes, if the length per 50 g and the gauge are close. Peer Gynt and Double Sunday, for example, are similar enough for many patterns, although the merino will give a softer fabric with a slightly different drape. Always check your gauge with a swatch before you start.
How do I wash knits made with Sandnes yarns?
Hand wash in lukewarm water (maximum 30 °C) with a gentle wool detergent, without rubbing or wringing. Dry flat on a level surface, away from direct heat. Full instructions are on each product page and in our care guide.
Are Sandnes yarns suitable for PetiteKnit patterns?
Yes. PetiteKnit writes most of her patterns directly for Sandnes Garn yarns, often combining a base yarn (Peer Gynt or Double Sunday) with a mohair yarn held double. You can find the available patterns here.
