Meet Onda (from Concept by Katia): a plant-based bouclé yarn that brings soft waves and tactile interest to simple knits. Lightly lofty and supremely soft, it's perfect for cozy accents or pieces that let texture do the talking.

Quick Specs:

Material: 100% Egyptian Mako Cotton
Weight: Worsted
Meterage: 110m / 50g
Gauge (10cm): 17sts
Suggested Needles: 4.5-5mm
Suggested Hook: 5-5.5mm

What is Bouclé Yarn?

Bouclé is a looped yarn: at least two strands are used, one held tighter while the other forms loops around it. Loop size varies, producing a range of textures from fluffy loops to tighter bumps; the resulting fabric traps air for extra warmth and a plush feel.

What Makes Onda Special

Most bouclé yarns are made of alpaca (some from wool or acrylic), possibly with a nylon thread base. Onda is 100% plant-based (no nylon or acrylic base threads!) — made from high-quality Egyptian Mako cotton for exceptional softness and suitability for sensitive skin.

With a unique texture, Onda works up beautifully as an all-over fabric or for small textured accents (collars, cuffs, trims, etc.).

Current colour palette🎨

When To Use Onda (and When Not To)

I'd recommend using Onda for simple stitches that showcase texture — think stockinette, garter, or simple ribbing. I'd avoid using it for intricate lace, cables, or fine colourwork—bouclé's texture hides stitch definition and can make the fabric design challenging to read.

My Knitting Note – Swatching

Katia puts the gauge for Onda at 17sts on 4.5-5mm needles. I tend to knit tightly and prefer a denser fabric, and this carried over to my swatch of Onda: I measured 19 sts / 10 cm on 4.5mm needles. If you knit tightly, size up needles to hit the pattern gauge or swatch to confirm.

Pattern Ideas for Onda

I'll admit — my mind goes straight to baby blankets and children's pullovers with this yarn and has a hard time moving away. With that said, I've put together three baby/children patterns and three adult patterns that make the most of Onda's playful, pillowy bouclé texture — ideal designs where texture can take centre stage.

*Available in-store via our LYS Ravelry Partnership Program

Pairing Idea: Onda + Suave (Pascuali)

Created as a plant-based alternative to mohair yarns, Suave is a sport-weight organic cotton with a mesh-tube construction that encases loose fibers for softness and stability. Holding Suave together with Onda creates a lovely, textured, airy fabric with extra structure.

My combined gauge: 16sts / 10cm on 5.5mm needles — a great option when you want a heavier fabric without losing bouclé texture.

Pattern Ideas for Onda + Suave 

*Available in-store via our LYS Ravelry Partnership Program

Final Thoughts

Onda is a soft, 100% Egyptian Mako cotton bouclé that sings in simple shapes and cozy accents — from snuggly baby blankets and kids’ pullovers to relaxed adult sweaters and vests. Swatch first (always 😉), embrace uncomplicated stitches, and consider pairing it with a smoother cotton like Suave for added structure; the result is playful, tactile pieces that feel as good as they look.

Personally, I’m already planning to cast on the Gushy Garter Vest by Park Williams!

–Meg, Owner of Stitch & Knit Dartmouth

Have you worked with bouclé yarn before? What would you knit first with Onda — a baby blanket, a kids’ pullover, or an adult vest?