Drops Yarn Review: Honest Long-Term Test of Softness, Durability & Pilling

Originally published on August 23, 2025

When I first began knitting, I started with 100% acrylic yarn simply because I didn’t know much about fibers and wanted something cheap and easy to find. Acrylic is a practical starting point, but after a few projects, I quickly realized it's not the best choice for comfortable, long-lasting garments. That’s when I discovered Drops Design yarns, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

This is not a brand promotion; it’s my personal, long-term Drops yarn review after using them for years in real projects. I’ll walk you through how different yarns have held up over time, which ones are soft or scratchy, and how they perform when it comes to durability and pilling.

A few of my garments I made so far with Drops yarn

Why I Keep Coming Back to Drops Design Yarns

As a beginner, I was drawn to Drops because it was affordable. Let’s face it - when you’re just starting out, you don’t want to spent a ton of money into yarn. First of all, you don’t know if you’ll even enjoy the craft, and second, there’s a good chance you might mess up a project (or two… or three!). Even now, after trying lots of other brands, I keep coming back to Drops for its price-to-quality ratio. Sure, some yarns are better than others, but overall, I’ve been really happy with how they perform.

Yarn Lines I’ve Used

Over the years, I’ve knitted with a wide range of Drops yarns, each with its own character and best uses. If you want to jump straight to my review of any yarn, just click its name below:

Yarn Reviews:

• Lima
• Nepal
• Flora
• Fabel
• Baby Merino
• Wish (discontinued)
• Cotton Merino
• Karisma
• Kid Silk
• Merino Extra Fine
• Brushed Alpaca Silk
• Paris
• Air 

Each yarn brings something unique - from cozy socks and lace shawls to durable sweaters and soft baby garments. Some are softer, some a bit scratchy; some are ideal for everyday wear, others better for special projects.

Drops Lima Review: Perfect for Colorwork & Durability

Lima is an excellent yarn that I highly recommend. I love its extensive color palette, which makes it versatile for almost any knitting project you can imagine. So far, I’ve used Drops Lima for hats, sweaters, and shawls, and it has worked out beautifully every time. I also really like how colorwork projects look with this yarn.

All three of these cozy hats were knitted using Drops Lima yarn. I love how the yarn holds stitch definition even after years of using it beautifully. The yarn is sturdy yet soft after blocking. If you enjoy both texture and colorwork, I definitely recommend trying Drops Lima for your next hat project.

This hat and cowl set was knitted with Drops Lima back in Christmas 2021 for my eldest son. Since then, the hat has been worn every day throughout the cold seasons, proof of both its comfort and durability! I always wash and carefully shave the set before storing it away for the summer, and it still looks fresh and ready for another winter. Drops Lima has held up beautifully to frequent wear and care, making it a favorite for practical, long-lasting knits. But I’m thinking about inserting an elastic into the brim, because it has stretched out a little over the years.

Two years ago, I knitted the Vine Pullover and a matching hat for my daughter using Drops Lima. The sweater got a lot of wear (as kids’ clothes often do!) and was washed frequently because, well, babies tend to spill their food a lot 😄. Despite all the use and washing, I never had to shave or de-pill the sweater, which speaks to its durability. While some pilling may occur after repeated washing, it’s minimal compared to other yarns I’ve tried.

To give you a better idea,  here is a picture of the sweater after two years of heavy use. As you can see, it still looks great!

Close-up: Minimal pilling and clear stitch definition after years of washes.	Back detail: Embroidery, fabric and colors remain vibrant and intact.	Overall look: Two years later, still holding up beautifully.

Drops Nepal Review: Warm, Soft & Perfect for Winter

Drops Nepal is an Aran-weight yarn, making it perfect for cozy winter garments. Thanks to its thickness, it provides excellent warmth, and projects like sweaters work up really quickly!

I’ve used Drops Nepal for mittens, hats, sweaters, and cowls, and it has never disappointed me. During a particularly cold winter, my Zipper Sweater by PetiteKnit became a favorite. It kept me incredibly warm and was worn frequently. While the sweater did pill a little - especially on the sleeves - the pills were large and easy to remove, so it wasn’t a major issue.

My Zipper Sweater remains in excellent condition after months of wear.	Drops Nepal stays soft and smooth on sleeves and body. There is only minimal pilling on the sleeves	Pills are large and easy to remove, as seen here.

Like Drops Lima, Nepal has a wool-and-alpaca blend, offering the same softness and vibrant color palette. The best part? It’s not itchy at all! As someone with sensitive skin who can’t tolerate scratchy wools, I can confidently say that Drops Nepal is a dream to wear directly against the skin.

Aside from my Zipper Sweater, I’ve also used Drops Nepal for hats and intricate colorwork cowls.

Drops Flora Review: Rougher Finish & Scratchy for Some

Drops Flora is an interesting yarn because it shares the same fiber composition as Drops Lima and Nepal - it’s like their “little sister.” However, my experience with Flora has been quite different.

I recently knitted a sweater (or blouse) with this yarn, which would be worn directly against the skin. In my honest opinion, this yarn feels a bit rougher and isn’t as soft as Lima or Nepal. While I’ve nearly finished the project - just one sleeve left to go! - working with Flora has been uncomfortable at times. Every time the yarn runs over my fingers, it feels a bit scratchy. 

That said, I know many knitters absolutely love Drops Flora. It’s often paired with mohair yarn or held double for added softness and texture. While it’s not my favorite yarn compared to Lima and Nepal, I can see its appeal for certain projects and combinations. It also has a big color palette and the stitch patterns are really beautiful. So if you don’t have sensitive skin, give it a go! An added bonus is that Drops Flora has an Oeko-Tex® certification, meaning it’s been tested and is safe for direct skin contact. When it comes to pilling, I can’t give a definitive answer from my own experience yet. Research and other knitters’ reviews show very mixed results - some people report no issues with pilling, while others experience quite a bit. It really seems to depend on how the yarn is used and the amount of wear the garment gets.

My Drops Flora blouse in progress - paused because the yarn felt too rough against my skin, I love the design but the color is awful 😄

Drops Fabel Review: Sock Yarn

I recently used Drops Fabel to knit a baby hat a pair of socks and a bookmark, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well this yarn performed. When I first started knitting the socks, I thought the yarn felt a bit rougher than expected. However, after washing it, the yarn became surprisingly soft! (The yarn is superwash treated) 

I decided to knit a baby hat for a friend of mine. Her baby hasn’t complained about the hat at all (no scratching or pulling it off), which is always a good sign when working with baby garments.

I originally purchased Drops Fabel because I was looking for durability. I had previously used hand-dyed sock yarn, but it didn’t hold up well - after just a few wears and washes, a big hole appeared in the foot, and the color faded away. I wanted something that would last much longer than two weeks. After wearing my Fabel-knit socks several times, I’m happy to report that they’re holding up beautifully. The color hasn’t faded (well it is white yarn 😄), and the fabric shows no signs of wear or pilling. It truly feels like a reliable choice for long-lasting projects.

Even after many wears and washes, the sock holds its shape and color beautifully. The bookmark, with its cable design, still has excellent stitch definition - even after being used regularly in a heavy book.

Drops Baby Merino Review: Soft & Easy Care

Drops Baby Merino was the first yarn I ever purchased from Drops Design. At the time, I wanted to crochet a cardigan for my baby. I also made a hat with it for my son, using a colorwork pattern, and a sweater for my daughter with lace work details.

Drops Baby Merino is superwash-treated, making it easy to care for, but from my experience it does stretch quite a bit. If you’re working on a larger project like a sweater, I highly recommend knitting a bigger swatch to get a feeling for the yarn. This will help you avoid accidentally ending up with a garment that’s too large. The yarn has excellent stitch definition, making it perfect for textured patterns, and it comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors to choose from.

One thing I want to mention is that I encountered a few knots in one out of the six skeins I used. While this wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, it’s worth noting in case others experience the same issue. 

Overall, this sweater still looks amazing! If you have children, you know how important it is for garments to withstand lots of play, eating, and frequent washing. This one has held up beautifully despite all that.	Close-up of the sleeves from the little Ithillien  made with Drops Baby Merino yarn, it shows smooth stitch definition and even texture after regular wear. I don't have any pilling issues with this yarn	Drops yarn works beautifully for colorwork hats too - beautiful stitch pattern, vibrant color, and a cozy feel. The only issue I had was that, over time, the hat stretched quite a lot, so I incorporated an elastic thread into the brim. After years, the hat is now too small for my son, but it’s held up amazingly well overall.

Drops Wish Review (Discontinued but Beloved)

Sadly, this yarn is no longer available, but I absolutely loved working with it. Drops Wish was soft, airy, and classified as a super bulky weight yarn, which made projects like my slipover sweater quick to finish (within just a few days). I also adored its color palette. While it wasn’t extensive, the shades like white, beige and anthracite were truly beautiful. The only issue I noticed was that the yarn sometimes varied in thickness, alternating between slightly thicker and thinner areas. However, it never became so thin that it would break, and overall, it didn’t affect the durability of my finished piece.

If you’re lucky enough to find Drops Wish in stock at online stores (as some still have leftover skeins), I highly recommend grabbing enough to knit a sweater - you won’t regret it. The finished garment will be lightweight, soft, and incredibly cozy, with no itchiness at all.

Since Drops Wish has been discontinued, here are some alternatives suggested by the Yarn Calculator on the Drops Design website. You can replace 50g of Drops Wish (1 thread) with:

• 70g DROPS Snow (1 thread)
• 78g DROPS Andes (1 thread)
• 94g DROPS Big Merino (2 threads)
• 25g DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk (2 threads)
• 50g DROPS Alpaca Bouclé (2 threads)
• 47g DROPS Air (2 threads)
• 100g DROPS Alaska (2 threads)
• 94g DROPS Nepal (2 threads)
• 84g DROPS Alpaca (4 threads)
  
  

From these options, I would personally choose Drops Air or Brushed Alpaca Silk as substitutes. Yarns like Nepal and Alaska might feel too heavy compared to the lightness of Drops Wish, which had almost no weight and was incredibly soft. It’s such a shame that this yarn has been discontinued - it truly was one of a kind.

This slipover, knit with Drops Wish, still looks fantastic - there’s no pilling or noticeable wear at all. Since it doesn’t have sleeves, I can’t comment on how it performs in high-friction areas, but for this type of garment, the yarn has held up beautifully.

Drops Cotton Merino Review: Light & Breathable

I only purchased this yarn a few weeks ago and have already started knitting a cardigan for my daughter - but I’m already in love with it! Drops Cotton Merino is incredibly soft, and its color palette is stunning. While it does split a bit while knitting, this isn’t a dealbreaker for me since many yarns have this tendency.

At this point, I can’t comment on how the yarn holds up against pilling, but I’ll update my review once I’ve had more time to test it. I like to base my reviews on personal experience, so I’ll share my thoughts as I go along.

One thing I can say right now is that this yarn has beautiful stitch definition. The pattern I’m working on combines lacework with garter stitch, and I’m really impressed with how clean everything looks.

I decided to knit this cardigan because this summer in our country tends to be on the cooler side. A cotton-merino blend seemed perfect for the weather - offering breathability and comfort. My little girl will ultimately be the judge of how well it performs, but so far, I’m happy  with this yarn and can’t wait to see the finished project.

These photos show my in-progress cardigan for my daughter, knit with Drops Cotton Merino	The yarn creates squishy, even garter stitch fabric and highlights lace details beautifully along the raglan seams. Even before blocking, both the body and decorative areas look neat and tidy. The yarn does split a little while knitting.

Drops Karisma Review Rustic Yarn 

Drops Karisma is a yarn that divides opinions - especially when it comes to how it feels against the skin. Personally, I found it to be itchy and scratchy, and unfortunately, it didn’t soften after washing. If you have very sensitive skin like I do, this yarn might not be the best choice for garments worn directly against the skin. However, I’ve spoken with other knitters who find it perfectly comfortable, even for sensitive skin. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

It’s also important to note that this yarn tends to pill quite a lot - you’ll need to use a fabric shaver regularly to keep your project looking good. My shawl is now about three years old, but I haven’t worn it much because I find it too itchy against my neck, and my daughter feels the same. After washing for packing it away, I immediately noticed some pills, even though it hadn’t been worn.

What I can confidently say is that Drops Karisma has excellent stitch definition. I knitted a shawl with this yarn using a lace pattern, and the results were stunning - the design really popped.

Karisma is often considered a viable substitute for Lopi yarns (such as Lettlopi) in knitting projects, especially for those seeking a less scratchy alternative. While both yarns are 100% wool and well-suited for colorwork, they have distinct characteristics:

Lettlopi is known for being warm, (fluffy), and slightly more prone to pilling. Its texture can feel “hairy” and may split while knitting, which some find challenging to work with.

Drops Karisma, on the other hand, is a superwash wool, making it machine washable and generally (softer) than Lettlopi. While it may still feel too coarse for individuals with very sensitive skin, it is often praised for being more affordable and widely available.

One important distinction is their weight: Karisma is classified as a DK weight yarn, while Lettlopi is closer to worsted weight. Both are typically worked on 4-5mm needles, but the difference in weight can affect the drape and fit of the final garment.

In summary, Drops Karisma is an excellent option for projects where stitch definition and durability are key, such as colorwork or lace patterns. Just keep in mind its texture if you’re planning to use it for items worn close to the skin.

The lace pattern really stands out and is so beautiful	I definitely have to knit this shawl again with another yarn

Drops Kid Silk Review: Light, Fluffy - But Scratchy

This is another yarn that I personally don’t enjoy working with - it’s just too itchy and scratchy for my taste. However, as with all things, this is purely my personal experience and doesn’t necessarily reflect how others might feel. You might find Drops Kid Silk to be the softest, finest yarn you’ve ever knitted with! That’s why I always recommend giving it a try for yourself before forming an opinion.

Despite my own negative feedback, Drops Kid Silk has many positive qualities that are worth highlighting. It’s praised for its affordability, wide range of colors, and the beautiful, soft, and lustrous finish it provides - especially when paired with other yarns like Drops Lima. When used as a companion thread, it creates a sweater that often looks like fluffy little clouds, adding a touch of elegance to any project.

My research shows that Drops Kid Silk is described as “light, soft, and lustrous,” making it an excellent choice for projects like shawls or delicate tops. Some knitters suggest combining it with a softer yarn, such as merino superwash, to mask any potential scratchiness. 

In summary, while Drops Kid Silk isn’t my favorite due to its texture, it’s clear that many knitters adore it for its unique qualities. If you’re curious, I’d encourage you to test it out and see how it works for your projects!

I knitted a small swatch with this yarn and wore it under my sleeve, directly against my underarm, to test how it felt on my skin. I didn’t want to repeat the same mistake I made with Drops Karisma and the shawl, which turned out too itchy for me. Unfortunately, Drops Kid Silk wasn’t for me - I found it uncomfortable, so I decided not to use it for a larger project.

While these skeins are beautiful and the color is lovely, I found the texture too scratchy for my personal preference and haven’t used them. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to swatch and test for softness before starting a large piece.

Drops Merino Extra Fine Review: Soft & Washable

This is also one of my favorite yarns to work with. It’s soft, comes in a wide range of colors, and has beautiful stitch definition. Another great feature is that it’s superwash-treated, which makes it machine washable. However, be careful if you decide to wash it in the machine - this yarn can grow significantly after washing.

Personally, I always hand wash my garments, even when they’re labeled as machine washable. I like having control over how my finished projects are cared for, and I prefer to lay them flat to dry, gently patting them back into shape if needed. This method helps maintain their original size and texture. Also, try knitting a larger swatch and apply a little weight to it to see how the finished garment might stretch out over time.

I crocheted a large shawl using this yarn, and it took about nine skeins of Drops Merino Extra Fine to complete. I did encounter a few knots in the yarn, but it wasn’t excessive, maybe two knots across three skeins. Additionally, I’m happy to report that there hasn’t been any pilling, even though I’ve used this shawl extensively. It’s become my go-to garment whenever I feel cold - it’s truly a staple in my wardrobe. I’ve also made a colorwork hat with Drops Merino Extra Fine, and I have to say it’s an excellent yarn for knitting colorwork - stitches look crisp and the fabric stays soft and even.

This triangular crochet shawl was made with Drops merino extra fine in 2019.	It still looks like new - there is no pilling or any visible signs of wear.	I also made a colorwork hat for my eldest son. The pattern still looks great and there’s no pilling, but over time the hat did stretch out, so I ended up adding an elastic thread to the brim.

Drops Brushed Alpaca Silk Review: Cloudy Softness

It might surprise you, but I absolutely love this yarn. I find it incredibly soft and not itchy at all against my skin. Recently, I knitted a sweater where the body was made with Drops Nepal and the sleeves with Brushed Alpaca Silk. The combination turned out beautifully, and I adore how the Brushed Alpaca Silk feels on my skin - it’s soft, warm, and has a lovely drape.

This yarn is also perfect for creating something light, cozy, and elegant, like a “cloudy” sweater. I’m planning to knit one this year because I think it will be both stylish and comfortable.

That said, during my research, I came across some negative feedback from other knitters who found this yarn to be very itchy. As with most yarns, it ultimately comes down to personal preference - whether or not you enjoy the feel of it against your skin.

It pills slightly, but it’s hardly noticeable - possibly because I used an off-white yarn for my sweater.

Close-up of the sweater’s brushed alpaca silk sleeve, showing the soft, airy halo and defined ribbed cuff. You may find that pilling is difficult to notice with this type of wool.	The drape and lightness of the yarn are truly incredible - it’s both very soft and wonderfully warm.

Drops Paris Review: Affordable Cotton for Non-Wearables

Drops Paris is a 100% cotton yarn, making it an excellent choice for dishcloths, washcloths, spa sets, and other non-wearable projects. As you may know, I’m not a fan of using 100% cotton yarn for garments. Cotton - and many other plant-based fibers - lacks elastic memory, so over time, garments made from it can stretch out and won’t return to their original shape. Drops Paris, in particular, is a heavier cotton, meaning this stretching effect may be even more pronounced.

I noticed this with the Jade Serenity spa set: the headband did stretch out. However, since I included an elastic hair tie, it stays in place and doesn’t need to spring back on its own.

When I crocheted my Spa Set with this yarn, I noticed that it feels quite hard or rough to work with. It also splits a lot, which might be frustrating for some knitters or crocheters. However, this wasn’t a dealbreaker for me personally.

That said, I would highly recommend Drops Paris for non-wearable projects. It has a fantastic color palette and is very affordable, making it a great option for crafting practical items like dishcloths or spa sets. Just keep in mind its texture and weight if you’re considering it for other types of projects.

I used Drops Paris to make the Jade Serenity Spa Set and a cheerful daisy granny square headband for my daughter. The cotton yarn is perfect for accessories and self-care items - soft, absorbent, and easy to care for.

Drops Air: Ultra-Soft, Featherlight & Surprisingly Warm

When it comes to comfort, Drops Air really stands apart, it’s so soft that even sensitive skin like mine has absolutely no trouble wearing it. There is zero scratchiness. The yarn feels featherlight but is impressively warm and breathable, so every knitted fabric is cozy without ever feeling heavy. I honestly imagine that clouds must feel just like this.​​

One thing to keep in mind: blocking can dramatically change a garment’s size. For example, my Sophie Hood stretched from 140 cm before blocking to 171 cm afterward, a growth of over 20%. When working with Drops Air, swatching is essential so you can understand how the fabric behaves and how much it might grow.​​

Stitch Definition: Light vs. Dark Colors

Because of the fluffy blow construction, the stitch definition is usually soft and a bit muted. On darker colors, I found that textured stitches looked blurred, this surprised me, especially since projects in lighter shades on Ravelry show much crisper definition. So, my conclusion is that stitch definition is really best with light-colored yarns. For the Sophie Hood in garter stitch, this wasn’t a problem, but if you want to knit intricate cables or textured designs, lighter colors (like powder blue or light grey) will make those stitches pop.​​

I made a close-up of the stitch definition so you can get a true sense of the fabric yourself. All my pictures were taken in natural daylight, and I never edit them, so what you see is exactly how the yarn looks in real life, with nothing altered or enhanced.	I knitted a small swatch with another blow yarn in a lighter color, this isn’t Drops Air, but it's also a blown yarn, so you can see the difference between dark and light shades when it comes to stitch definition.

Color Bleeds

Careful with colorwork and stripes, my red shade bled slightly when washed. It wasn’t extreme, but enough that if you mix red with white, your stripes could end up tinged pink. 

More Impressions

This blend is ideal for snuggly shawls, oversized sweaters, and anything next to the skin thanks to its soft, non-itchy feel. Alpaca’s natural thermal qualities make it a perfect cold-weather yarn, without being too hot indoors. For care, always handwash gently and lay flat to dry, to avoid stretching.​​

About pilling: I can’t say yet, as my Sophie Hood is fresh off the needles, some knitters report minor pilling, others very little. I’ll update after a few months of wear.​​

Drops Air really is a fantastic option: soft, light, and warm. If you’re mindful of blocking and choose light colors for stitch definition, you’ll love the cloud-like comfort.

The Sophie Hood by PetiteKnit, fresh off the needles, I'll come back after the winter season to give you an update about durability and pilling.

Drops Yarns Comparison Summary

TBD = To Be Determined; I’ll update this row once I’ve tested the yarn further.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Drops yarns soft and suitable for sensitive skin?
A: Yes, many Drops yarns such as Baby Merino and Merino Extra Fine are very soft and gentle, making them a good choice for sensitive skin. However, wool blends like Karisma or Kid Silk can sometimes feel itchy. It’s best to knit a swatch and test against your skin before committing to a large project.

Q: How durable are Drops yarns when washed and worn?
A: Many Drops yarns are superwash treated, meaning they can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle. Durability varies - yarns like Fabel hold up with minimal pilling, while others like Karisma may stretch or pill more easily. Always check the label for exact washing instructions.

Q: Do Drops yarns pill over time?
A: Some do, depending on the fiber blend. For instance, merino wool blends may pill more than sturdy sock yarns like Fabel. Using a fabric shaver can help keep garments smooth and fresh.

Q: Is Drops cotton  yarn good for clothing?
A: Drops Paris, a popular cotton yarn, is strong and absorbent but lacks elasticity. This makes it ideal for washcloths, acesssoirs, or home décor, but less suitable for fitted garments that need stretch and shape retention. This is only my opinion, you may feel different about this.

Q: Are Drops yarns good for colorwork knitting projects?
A: Absolutely. Yarns like Nepal and Lima provide excellent stitch definition and vibrant colors, making them great choices for sweaters, cardigans and hats with detailed colorwork.

Q: What can I do if my Drops yarn sweater or hat stretches out?
A: If your project loses its shape, add an elastic thread to ribbing areas (like cuffs, hat brims, or Necklines). This helps knitwear hold its fit over time, especially with cotton or blends that lack elasticity.

Q: Are all Drops yarns machine washable?
A: No. Not every Drops yarn is machine washable. Some are superwash treated, but others require hand washing. Always check the yarn label for care details to avoid shrinkage or felting.

Final Thoughts: Which Drops Yarn Should You Try First?

Drops Design offers an impressive variety of yarns, from cozy alpaca blends to sturdy cotton. Based on my experience:

• Best All-Rounder: Drops Lima
• Softest for Kids: Drops Baby Merino
• Best for Winter Warmth: Drops Nepal
• Most Durable for Socks: Drops Fabel

Each yarn has its strengths, but knowing its quirks will help you pick the perfect one for your project.

Have you tried Drops yarns? Share your experiences in the comments  -  I’d love to hear how they’ve worked for you!
I’ll continue adding more yarn reviews and durability notes to this post, so don’t forget to check back for fresh updates and recommendations.

Until then, happy knitting!