Discover the Perfect Yarn: Choosing Between the Cozy Malabrigo Rios and Delicate Malabrigo Sock

If you’re a yarn enthusiast, chances are you’ve come across the luxurious Malabrigo brand—known for its vibrant colors, buttery softness, and high-quality fibers. Two of their most popular offerings, Malabrigo Rios and Malabrigo Sock, are favorites among knitters and crocheters alike. But how do you decide which one is best suited for your next project? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s your ultimate guide to choosing between Malabrigo Rios and Malabrigo Sock yarn.

1. Meet the Stars: Rios and Sock

Before diving into the details, let’s meet the two contenders:

• Malabrigo Rios:
  A worsted-weight yarn made of 100% superwash Merino wool, Malabrigo Rios is a dream for cozy garments, blankets, and accessories. It’s soft, durable, and works up quickly, making it a versatile staple in any yarn stash.
• Malabrigo Sock:
  Contrary to what its name suggests, Malabrigo Sock isn’t just for socks! This fingering-weight yarn is also 100% superwash Merino wool, known for its smooth texture and delicate drape. It’s perfect for intricate projects where lightweight yarn is key.

2. Texture & Feel: The Soft Factor

Both yarns boast Malabrigo’s signature softness, thanks to the Merino wool used in their production. However, there are some subtle differences in how they feel while working with them and how the finished product behaves.

• Rios:
  Thick, plump, and cushy—Rios gives your hands something to sink into. The yarn has a squishy feel that’s ideal for projects where warmth and coziness are a priority, like winter sweaters or plush scarves.
• Sock:
  Malabrigo Sock is finer and smoother, making it ideal for projects where you need a lighter touch. Its drapey quality is perfect for shawls, delicate lacy patterns, and other projects that benefit from a more fluid fabric. And of course soft, comfy Socks!

3. Weight & Gauge: Thick or Thin?

Understanding the weight and gauge of your yarn is crucial to picking the right one for your project.

• Rios (Worsted Weight):
  • Gauge: 18-22 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm)
  • Needle Size: US 6-8 (4-5 mm)
    Rios is thicker, making it an excellent choice for projects that need a bit of heft and structure. It knits up quickly and gives you a fabric that’s sturdy but still has a bit of bounce.
• Sock (Fingering Weight):
  • Gauge: 26-30 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm)
  • Needle Size: US 1-3 (2.25-3.25 mm)
    Sock is finer, meaning you’ll need smaller needles and more stitches to complete your project. It’s ideal for detailed work or pieces that require a lightweight fabric, like airy shawls or lacy patterns or finer garments.

4. Best Uses: Which Projects Are Perfect for Each?

So, when should you reach for Rios, and when should you opt for Sock? Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Malabrigo Rios:
  • Sweaters, cardigans, and jackets
  • Cozy accessories like hats, scarves, and mittens
  • Blankets and home décor items
  • Thick, durable socks for maximum warmth
    Rios’s worsted weight makes it versatile for almost any project where you want warmth, thickness, and a satisfying knitting pace.
• Malabrigo Sock:
  • Lightweight shawls and wraps
  • Delicate, drapey scarves
  • Intricate lace projects
  • Socks (naturally!)
  • Lightweight sweaters or tops
    Sock yarn is best for projects that need a more refined finish—think of elegant lace shawls, finely detailed scarves, or even delicate socks that won’t be exposed to heavy wear.

5. Durability: How They Stand the Test of Time

Both Rios and Sock are made from superwash Merino wool, meaning they are machine washable and perfect for everyday wear. However, there are some differences in how well they wear over time:

• Rios:
  The thicker strands of Rios hold up well to frequent use and washing, making it ideal for durable items like sweaters and blankets that need to withstand wear and tear.
• Sock:
  Sock yarn is finer and more delicate. While it’s also machine washable, items made from Malabrigo Sock may benefit from a gentler wash cycle and drying flat to maintain their delicate drape and prevent stretching over time.

6. Colorways: Bursting with Vibrance

Malabrigo is famous for its hand-dyed, rich colorways, and both Rios and Sock yarns come in an impressive array of hues. However, there’s a slight difference in how these colors appear on each yarn:

• Rios:
  Due to its thicker strands, Rios tends to display colors in bold, vibrant blocks, making it perfect for variegated or speckled yarns where you want the colors to truly pop.
• Sock:
  Sock yarn’s finer weight means color transitions are often more subtle, which can be perfect for creating delicate fades or achieving more nuanced, blended effects.

7. Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

It all comes down to your project and preferences! If you’re after something warm, durable, and quick to knit, Malabrigo Rios is your best bet. However, if you want something lighter, more delicate, and perfect for intricate details, Malabrigo Sock is the yarn for you.

Whatever you choose, both yarns offer Malabrigo’s renowned quality and beauty, so you really can’t go wrong. Happy knitting!

Still not sure which yarn to choose? Why not try both? At Wrapped In Fibre, we carry a stunning selection of both Malabrigo Rios and Malabrigo Sock yarns in a variety of colorways, so you can experiment and find the perfect match for your next project. Check out our collection today and let the creativity flow!

Make sure to have a search to see if we have the product you are after in stock!