Fine, supple and subtly lustrous, Zephira 2/18 combines 50% superfine Merino wool with 50% tussah silk. Worsted spun for a smooth, consistent surface, this premium yarn is particularly well suited to fine weaving projects where softness, drape and excellent pattern definition are desired.

Zephira follows in the tradition of the well-known Jagger Spun Zephyr, which has now been discontinued. It offers the same type of wool-silk blend and 2/18 yarn size appreciated by weavers, along with a new colour palette. It can be used in both warp and weft for scarves, shawls, garments and fine woven fabrics.

At a glance

✔ 50% superfine Merino wool, 50% tussah silk
✔ Fine 2/18, 2-ply yarn
✔ Smooth and consistent worsted-spun yarn
✔ Supple drape with a subtle lustre
✔ Suitable for both warp and weft
✔ Ideal for scarves, shawls, garments and fine weaving
✔ 50 g cone, approximately 450 m (490 yd)

Why choose a Merino and silk blend?

Merino wool and silk combine the qualities of two complementary fibres. Merino provides softness, warmth and elasticity, while tussah silk adds strength, fluidity and a subtle lustre. The result is a lightweight and elegant yarn that beautifully highlights woven structures.

• Soft against the skin
• Excellent drape for scarves, shawls and garments
• Subtle lustre from the tussah silk
• Smooth, consistent yarn for excellent weave structure definition
• A beautiful balance of softness, warmth and strength

Understanding the 2/18 yarn size

Zephira is a 2-ply yarn with a 2/18 yarn size in the English count system. The 18 indicates the size of the individual singles used to make the yarn, while the 2 indicates that two singles are plied together to create the finished yarn.

This is a fine yarn, particularly well suited to lightweight fabrics and woven structures where clear pattern definition is desired without adding unnecessary bulk.

An excellent yarn for weaving

Its worsted-spun construction creates a smooth and consistent surface that performs well as a warp yarn and produces crisp patterns after wet finishing. The wool-silk blend develops beautiful drape while retaining enough body to showcase the woven structure.

It is particularly well suited to:

• Scarves and stoles
• Lightweight shawls
• Garments and fine yardage
• Twills and complex weave structures
• Deflected double weave and structures designed to create differential shrinkage effects

Recommended sett

• 18–20 ends per inch: plain weave and lightweight fabrics
• 22–28 ends per inch: twill and structures requiring a closer sett

As always, sampling is the best way to adjust the sett for your loom, beat, weave structure and desired finished fabric.

Also suitable for knitting and crochet

Its fine size, softness and drape also make Zephira suitable for fine knitting and crochet projects, particularly when a lightweight, fluid fabric is desired.

• Lace knitting
• Machine knitting
• Shawls and stoles
• Fine crochet projects

For knitting, the manufacturer recommends approximately 24–32 stitches per 4 inches using US 1–4 needles, depending on the desired fabric.

Technical specifications

• Fibre content: 50% superfine Merino wool, 50% tussah silk
• Yarn size: 2/18
• Construction: 2-ply, worsted spun
• Presentation: cone
• Weight: 50 g
• Length: approximately 450 m (490 yd)
• WPI: approximately 30
• Manufacturer: Revolution Fibers
• Recommended finishing: gentle wet finishing or steaming to develop the drape

Care

Hand wash in cool water using a wool-safe detergent. Avoid agitation and sudden changes in water temperature. Gently press the finished textile in a towel to remove excess water, then reshape and dry flat.

Avoid machine washing and tumble drying. For projects using strongly contrasting colours, we recommend testing colourfastness on a sample first. Wool and silk textiles should also be protected from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Why we love it

There is a reason the 50% Merino and 50% silk combination has become a classic: it creates fine, supple and luminous fabrics without the silk becoming overly shiny. Zephira is especially appealing for projects where the weave structure deserves as much attention as the fibre itself, from twills to more complex structures.

For weavers who knew and loved Jagger Spun Zephyr, now discontinued, Zephira offers a new option in the same spirit: a fine 2/18 Merino and silk yarn designed for weaving as well as other fibre arts.

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FAQ

Does Zephira replace Jagger Spun Zephyr?
Jagger Spun Zephyr has been discontinued. Zephira was developed in its tradition, with the same type of 50% Merino wool and 50% tussah silk blend and a 2/18 yarn size. It is, however, a new yarn produced by a different manufacturer, so we recommend sampling before substituting it in a project originally designed for Zephyr.

Can Zephira be used as a warp yarn?
Yes. Its smooth, consistent worsted-spun construction makes it suitable for both warp and weft. It is particularly well suited to fine fabrics, scarves, shawls and garment yardage.

What sett should I use for Zephira 2/18?
As a starting point, use approximately 18–20 ends per inch for plain weave and 22–28 ends per inch for twill. The sett should then be adjusted through sampling according to the weave structure and desired finished fabric.