Manos del Uruguay is a beautiful yarn made by the “hands of Uruguay.” You can create the most beautiful projects with these colorful skeins, which is why we’re so excited to add this special yarn to our collection. Are you curious about the story behind this yarn? Read on to find out!
Manos del Uruguay—literally “Hands of Uruguay”—was founded in 1968 with the goal of providing employment for the local population. With high-quality wool from local Merino sheep and a sufficient number of skilled women who can spin and dye the wool, Manos offers the local population prospects for the future that provide opportunities for economic, social, and cultural development.
Since 2009, the organization has been a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), which ensures that the rights of workers are protected. Through its global network and trade conducted via the WFTO, the organization strives to reduce poverty in participating countries.
Dyeing Process at Manos del Uruguay
The yarns are known for their beautiful, deep colors and subtle nuances. The secret behind this is the patience involved in dyeing in small batches. The yarns are dyed in batches of up to 3 kilograms, using a strict adherence to the correct recipe to achieve the right color. Afterward, the skeins are hung outside in the sun to dry.
Different Types of Manos del Uruyuay
Manos offers a variety of yarns so you can create different types of projects. Each ball is unique, so it’s important to make sure you have enough balls for your project. To achieve a nice, even look, you can alternate between the different balls as you knit or crochet.
Are you curious about all the different qualities? We've listed them all below:
Manos del Uruguay Alegria
Alegria is the most colorful skein of them all. The yarn is made of 75% merino wool and 25% Polyamide. Originally intended as sock yarn, it’s far too beautiful to hide away in your shoes. It’s the perfect skein for creating dreamy shawls, lovely cardigans, and delicate scarves. The yarn feels very soft, and thanks to the beautiful color gradients and the unique skein shape, every project turns out one-of-a-kind!
Alegria is suitable for Needle Sizes 2.25–3.
Manos del Uruguay Fino
Fino is a beautiful yarn with a natural look. This skein combines a luxurious mix of fibers with a generous yardage per ball, making it ideal for fun projects! The yarn is hand-dyed, so no two balls are exactly alike. Be sure to have enough yarn for your project so you can alternate between balls to achieve a nice, even look.
Fino is suitable for Needle Sizes 3–3.5.
Manos del Uruguay Marina
Marina is a beautiful, fine yarn with subtle color variations. It is spun from 100% merino wool, has a slight sheen, and feels very soft to the touch. Thanks to its beautiful color transitions, this yarn is ideal for creating the most beautiful knitting and crochet projects—from elegant openwork cardigans to stylish shawls.
Marina is suitable for Needle Size 2.75.
Manos del Uruguay Clara
Clara is a delicately spun yarn made from 100% merino wool. The yarn has a matte finish and a slightly variable thickness. Combined with its color gradients, Clara is ideal for making clothing, ponchos, and scarves. Clara is especially unique thanks to its beautiful watercolor-like colors and lightweight feel. Let yourself be surprised by the beautiful colors of this special wool!
Clara is suitable for Needle Sizes 3.75–4.
Personal card:
Every ball of Manos del Uruguay yarn contains a tag. The tag lists the type of yarn and the best way to use it, as well as the name of the woman who spun and dyed the yarn.
What would you make with this beautiful yarn?