If you're more of an audio-visual person, me too! Check out the full review on YouTube :) https://youtu.be/8dVnUqL1m7o?si=SaqEgmL4E9BxLRhO
Despite being famous for their stunning hand-dyed colors and budget-friendly price point for 100% natural fibers, Malabrigo Rios remains a touchy subject in many knitting groups. Is it actually easy to work with? In this review, we dive into the pros, cons, and essential tips for working with two popular bases: Malabrigo Rios and Dos Tierras.
The Good: Why We Love It
- Color & Aesthetics: The hand-dyed process creates incredible depth and life in every skein
- Ethical Sourcing: Malabrigo is highly regarded for its commitment to ethically sourced fibers
- Skin Sensitivity: For those with sensitive skin, these yarns are surprisingly soft and non-itchy, making them wearable directly against the skin
- Value: It offers a luxury experience at a very accessible price point compared to other premium hand-dyed brands
The Challenges (And How to Manage Them)
While beautiful, these yarns come with some specific quirks that every knitter should know:
- Blocking & Growth: Malabrigo Rios (100% superwash merino) is notorious for growing significantly when blocked—sometimes by as much as two sizes! Always block your gauge swatch to calculate the growth percentage before committing to a full garment
- Color Variation: Because it is hand-dyed in small batches, variation between skeins can be significant. It is highly recommended to alternate your skeins as you work to create a seamless gradient
- Yarn Weight Inconsistency: You may find that these yarns don't match standard weight expectations. Rios can feel thinner than a traditional worsted weight, while Dos Tierras feels closer to sport weight than DK
- Winding Issues: I found Rios to be prone to tangling during the winding process
Emily Isabel Boubon’s Guide to Success with Malabrigo Rios
To avoid heartbreak, follow these tips when using Rios:
- Buy Extra: Purchase at least 20% more yarn than the pattern calls for, as finding a perfectly matching dye lot later is nearly impossible
- Use Cool Water: To prevent color bleeding and excessive stretching, always block in cool water
- Mind the Gravity: Never let a wet, heavy garment hang. Support the weight entirely with your hands and use gentle, non-stretching movements when moving it to your blocking surface
- The 'Scrunch' Technique: When blocking, try lightly bunching or 'scrunching' the fibers inward rather than pulling them taut. This can help counteract the tendency for the yarn to grow in length
The Verdict: Despite the finicky blocking process, Malabrigo remains a secret weapon for knitters who know how to handle its unique properties. With the right care and preparation, it produces stunning, durable, and cozy results.
Emily Bourbon designs that pair well with the Rios
The Mohair Balaclava (link)
The Boston Scarf (link)
The Game Day Beanie (link)
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