"Ortica" Premium Cotton Wool Blend

ORTICA by Lang Yarns: plant-based yarn with a wave effect

ORTICA brings an ancient textile fibre into a distinctly contemporary yarn for spring and summer knitting. Its composition combines 82% cotton with 18% ramie, a nettle fibre that has been used in clothing for thousands of years. The result is a soft, light material with an expressive surface. Its clearly stated, entirely plant-based composition also lets you know exactly which fibres are taking shape in your hands as the project grows.

A lively surface with matte and lustrous details

In ORTICA, ramie fibres are twisted together with a bundle of soft, airy cotton threads. This construction produces the yarn’s characteristic wave effect and gives the knitted fabric natural movement. The fibres interact with light in different ways, creating a subtle contrast between matte areas and more lustrous highlights. This visual texture can add interest to even the simplest fabric, allowing the material itself to play a central role in the finished design.

The soft cotton makes ORTICA an appealing option for garments intended for the warmer part of the year. If you are planning a pullover, top or neckline worn close to the skin, knit your swatch first and place it gently against your neck. This practical test allows you to assess the feel according to your own sensitivity before committing to a larger project. It also gives you time to examine the wave, texture and play of light in the knitted fabric.

What can you knit with ORTICA?

With 105 metres per 50 grams and a recommended needle size of 4 to 4.5 mm, ORTICA is well suited to light pullovers, cardigans, sleeveless garments, summer tops and selected accessories. Simple silhouettes provide plenty of room for its unusual fibre structure to be seen. Textured patterns are also possible, provided your swatch confirms that the chosen motif works in harmony with the yarn’s naturally animated surface.

Stocking stitch offers a clear view of the matte and lustrous interplay, while ribbing and raised stitches can introduce further depth. If your pattern includes cables or lace, work several repeats before beginning the full garment. The swatch will show whether the stitch definition matches the effect you want and whether the yarn complements the original design. This preparation is especially useful when you want the completed measurements and appearance to remain faithful to the pattern.

Use your swatch as a reliable guide

The tension provided by Lang Yarns is 19 stitches and 27 rows over 10 cm. Make a generously sized swatch using 4 to 4.5 mm needles, then measure across its central area. Every knitter holds the yarn differently, so you may need to adjust the needle size to obtain the measurements required by your pattern. Checking tension reduces the risk of an unexpected garment size and reveals how the wave effect appears with your own knitting style.

ORTICA is defined by the character of its surface, so it is worth viewing your swatch in daylight and from more than one angle. This will help you decide whether a pared-back design best showcases the fibres or whether a selected texture adds the right amount of detail. Taking time over this stage supports a finished piece that reflects both the model and your personal expectations.

Care and technical details

Use a detergent intended for fine wash and do not add fabric softener when caring for ORTICA. Refer to the information on the ball band when selecting the appropriate washing programme. Following the stated care guidance is a thoughtful way to look after both the distinctive surface and the time invested in your handmade project.

• Composition: 82% cotton, 18% ramie (nettle)
• Length: 105 m per 50 g
• Recommended needles: 4 to 4.5 mm
• Tension over 10 cm: 19 stitches and 27 rows
• Season: spring and summer
• Care: use fine-wash detergent without fabric softener

Create a piece you will be proud to wear

Choosing a yarn is about more than comparing individual balls. Its real value becomes visible in the pleasure of working with a distinctive material, the accuracy of a carefully prepared swatch and the satisfaction of wearing the finished piece. With its plant-based composition and animated wave effect, ORTICA offers a memorable foundation for a personal spring or summer project. Choose your pattern, check your tension and let the combination of cotton and ramie bring natural movement to every row.