SOLARE Cotton - MONDIAL

Mondial SOLARE Cotton – Summer Yarn with Mother-of-Pearl Lurex

97% Egyptian Cotton – 3% Metallic Polyester | 100g – 190m | Tank Tops, Cardigans and Summer Tops

📋 Key Features

• Composition97% Egyptian Cotton – 3% Metallic Polyester
• Ball weight100 grams
• Yardageapprox. 190 metres
• Recommended needlessize 3.5–4.5 mm
• Recommended crochet hooksize 2.5–3 mm
• WashingMachine wash at max. 30°C
• Ideal forTank tops, cardigans, summer tops and accessories
• Approximate yield4–5 balls make a size 42 top

🧵 The Yarn

Mondial SOLARE Cotton is a summer yarn that combines the softness of Egyptian cotton with a delicate shimmer. It is a twisted cotton, wonderfully soft to the touch and enhanced with a thread of mother-of-pearl lurex that gives it a subtle sheen without being over the top. Perfect for anyone looking for a yarn that adds a touch of light to summer projects while keeping them comfortable and cool.

Each 100-gram ball provides approximately 190 metres of yarn, ideal for both knitting with 3.5–4.5 mm needles and crocheting with a 2.5–3 mm hook. Its twisted construction gives stitches good definition and particularly enhances openwork and lacy patterns, where the lurex effect catches the light elegantly.

🧬 Technical Composition: Why It Works

The base is made of 97% Egyptian cotton, a premium long-staple fibre that provides superior softness, durability and excellent breathability. Egyptian cotton naturally feels cooler than other cottons, an essential quality for summer garments worn directly against the skin. Its structure absorbs moisture, keeping skin dry even on the hottest days.

The 3% metallic polyester (mother-of-pearl lurex) has been carefully added to create a subtle shimmer without compromising the yarn's softness or breathability. Unlike other shiny yarns, SOLARE retains the lightness typical of summer cotton, making it comfortable to wear all day. The mother-of-pearl effect reflects light softly, perfect for elegant yet understated garments.

📦 Ball Size and Yield

Each ball weighs 100 grams and provides approximately 190 metres of yarn. One ball is enough to make small accessories such as an elegant clutch or a lightweight shrug. For larger projects, allow approximately 3–4 balls for a size 42 summer tank top, or 4–5 for a lightweight cardigan.

We recommend buying all the balls you need for your project at once, preferably from the same dye lot. Colours can vary slightly between different lots, and this difference may be more noticeable because the lurex effect reflects light differently depending on the base shade.

🧶 Recommended Tools and Tension

For knitting, the recommended needle size is 3.5–4.5 mm. With 4 mm needles, you get a gauge of 20 stitches x 26 rows per 10 x 10 cm, ideal for summer garments with well-defined stitches and a soft drape. For a denser fabric, use 3.5 mm needles; with 4.5 mm needles, you'll get a more openwork effect that brings out the lurex shimmer.

For crochet, use a 2.5–3 mm hook. The yarn's twisted construction is particularly well suited to open stitches such as fans, arches and lace patterns, where the lurex catches the light and creates an elegant play of reflections. Beginners will also find this yarn easy to work with thanks to its smooth glide.

✨ Why Choose SOLARE Cotton

Unlike other shiny yarns that can feel stiff or lack breathability, SOLARE retains all the advantages of Egyptian cotton: softness, coolness and comfort. Its lurex shimmer is subtle and elegant, perfect for anyone looking for a refined touch of light without going over the top. This isn't a disco yarn—it's a sunset aperitivo yarn.

In practice, when wearing a garment made with SOLARE, you'll notice the difference most in the evening: natural or artificial light is caught by the mother-of-pearl lurex, creating delicate reflections that enhance the garment without weighing it down. It stays cool and comfortable even after hours of wear—a rare quality in yarns with a shimmer effect.

🎨 What You Can Make

SOLARE is primarily designed for elegant summer garments: tank tops and tops for summer evenings, lightweight cardigans to wear at sunset, and refined short-sleeved tops. It is also ideal for making shimmering accessories such as bags, clutches, shawls and shrugs for special occasions. The colour range includes both neutrals and fashion shades, so you can choose versatile or bolder colours.

👩‍🎨 Who It's Suitable For

This yarn is suitable for both beginners and experienced crafters. Its twisted construction glides smoothly on needles and hooks, making it enjoyable to work with even for those just starting out. Stitches are clearly defined, making it easy to follow your work. More experienced crafters can experiment with intricate openwork patterns that showcase its shimmer.

It is mainly purchased by hobbyists looking for a summer yarn with something extra compared to classic cotton, makers who create special-occasion garments to order, and anyone who loves giving elegant, refined handmade gifts. It is especially popular with those who sell their handmade creations, as the lurex adds perceived value to the finished garment.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• WashingMachine wash at max. 30°C
• BleachingDo not bleach
• Dry cleaningYes, with perchloroethylene
• DryingDo not tumble dry – dry flat
• IroningMax. 150°C – iron inside out
• StorageStore in a dry place away from direct light

📌 Important Note

📊 Technical Specifications Summary