3 Malabrigo Rios Yarn Picks: Specs, Gauge and Best Uses in 2026

Malabrigo Rios yarn is one of the most popular worsted weight yarns in knitting. It is soft like the maker's other merino yarns, but it can go in the washing machine. That mix makes it a go-to for sweaters, hats and anything that gets worn and washed often.

#1. Malabrigo Rios in Natural (100 g): Best overall

Malabrigo Rios in Natural (100 g)

Our verdict:

Best overall

Best for a first cabled hat or sweater in a solid shade.

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• Hand-dyed in Peru, worsted weight
• 210 yards per 100 g skein
• Suggested for US 6 to 8 needles, 18 to 22 stitches per 4 inches

Keep in mind: Hand-dyed skeins vary, so alternate skeins in a sweater.

Product details checked September 2026

Malabrigo Rios in Natural (100g skein), or another solid or semi-solid shade, suits a first cabled hat or sweater.

#2. 32-inch Stainless Steel Circular Needle Set (US 0 to 13): Best tool

32-inch Stainless Steel Circular Needle Set (US 0 to 13)

Our verdict:

Best tool

Best for having US 6 and 8 ready for the usual worsted gauge range, plus other sizes for later.

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• 6 fixed circular needles in US 0, 2.5, 6, 8, 10 and 13
• 32 inches (80cm) from point to point
• Comes with 10 stitch markers and a large-eye blunt needle

Keep in mind: There is no US 7 in the set, which many worsted patterns use.

Product details checked September 2026

A 32-inch stainless steel circular needle set (US 0 to 13) includes US 6 and 8 for the usual Rios gauge range.

#3. DROPS Big Merino (aran): Best for cables

DROPS Big Merino (Aran)

Our verdict:

Best for cables

Best for sweaters and kids' wear that need to go in the wash.

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• 100% superwash merino wool
• Aran weight, recommended on a US 8 (5mm) needle
• About 82 yards per 50 g ball

Keep in mind: Small 50 g balls mean more ends to weave in on a big project.

Product details checked September 2026

DROPS Big Merino is a 100% superwash merino sold in 50 g balls. It stands in well when a pattern calls for Rios and you want a solid color with crisp cable definition.

Factors to consider when choosing Malabrigo Rios yarn

• Colorway. Rios is hand dyed, so even solid-looking shades vary a little. Semi-solid shades show cables best.
• Dye lot. Hand-dyed skeins differ from one batch to the next. Buy the whole project at once, and alternate skeins if they differ.
• Needles. Rios is a worsted weight, so start with the needle your pattern names and swatch.
• Winding. It comes in hanks, so you need a winder or a helper before you knit.
• Care. It is superwash merino. Wash gently and dry flat.

Malabrigo Rios Yarn at a Glance

• Fiber: 100% superwash merino wool.
• Weight: worsted (medium).
• Structure: 4-ply.
• Length: 210 yards (192 meters) per 100 gram skein.
• Gauge: 18 to 22 stitches per 4 inches.
• Needles: US 6-8 (4-5mm).
• Care: machine washable.
• Dyeing: kettle-dyed by hand, in solids, semi-solids and multicolors.

Rios comes as a twisted hank. Wind it into a ball or cake before you knit. Our aran weight yarn guide links to the winders and swifts that make that easy.

What Rios Knits Well

The maker calls Rios its workhorse. Its four plies help it resist pilling, and superwash treatment means it survives the washing machine. That makes it a strong choice for:

• Sweaters and cardigans that you wear often.
• Hats, mittens and cowls.
• Children's and baby clothes, which need frequent washing.
• Housewares like cushion covers and throws.

The round, plied strand also shows cables and textured stitches clearly. Colorwork looks crisp in the solid shades.

Rios vs. Malabrigo Worsted

Both yarns come from the same maker, weigh 100 grams and hold 210 yards. The differences are in the strand and the care.

Malabrigo Worsted is a single ply and hand wash only. It feels a little softer and loftier, and it can felt. Rios is plied and superwash, so it is sturdier and machine washable. It is also less likely to pill on cuffs and elbows.

Pick Worsted for a special hat or a hand-wash sweater. Pick Rios for anything that gets heavy wear. Our Malabrigo yarn guide covers the rest of the range.

Using Rios in an Aran Pattern

Rios is a worsted, not an aran. An aran pattern usually expects fewer stitches per 4 inches. You can often make it work with a larger needle, but always swatch first. Wash and dry the swatch the way you will wash the finished piece, since superwash yarn can relax and grow a little after washing.

If the gauge will not match, see our guide to yarn substitutes for other options.

Because each batch is hand-dyed, buy all your skeins at once and alternate two of them every couple of rows.

Malabrigo Rios Yarn FAQ

What weight is Malabrigo Rios?

Worsted weight, in the medium group. It knits at 18 to 22 stitches per 4 inches.

Is Malabrigo Rios machine washable?

Yes. It is a superwash merino, so it can go in the washing machine. Check the label for the exact care steps.

How many yards are in a skein of Rios?

Each 100 gram skein has 210 yards (192 meters).

What needles do I use for Malabrigo Rios?

The maker suggests US 6-8 (4-5mm). Swatch to match your pattern's gauge.

Verdict on Malabrigo Rios Yarn

Malabrigo Rios yarn is a soft, machine-washable superwash merino worsted that suits sweaters, hats and kids' clothes. It holds up to wear better than the single-ply Worsted and shows stitch patterns cleanly. Swatch before you use it in an aran pattern, and buy enough of one batch for the whole project.