I hope you had a chance to review the characteristics and color palette of UY Mystical Marl in my previous post. I’d be curious to see how it would look in a pattern blended with a solid yarn of equal weight, but this is a project for another day.
But today, I’m so excited to introduce UNIVERSAL YARN Sandcastle! Sandcastle is made up of 46% cotton, 43% linen, and 11% silk, an excellent option for all fiber lovers. Its self-printing capability produces beautifully patterned items with little effort, enabling crafters to experience dynamic color shifts as they knit. The gauge sits at 20-22 sts x 26-28 rows = 4” [10cm] using US size 5-7 [3.75-4.5mm], making it a 3-lightweight yarn.
UNIVERSAL YARN Sandcastle
When it comes to choosing the right season for UNIVERSAL YARN Sandcastle projects, I’d say it shines brightest in spring and summer. The cotton content makes it breathable and comfortable for warm-weather garments—think breezy tank tops or airy T-shirts that knit up quickly. I like pairing these relaxed pieces with jeans for a casual day out or with a skirt for a slightly dressier vibe.
Since there aren’t any free knitting patterns listed exclusively for Sandcastle just yet, I recommend trying the Becca Tank by Amy Gunderson that knits up perfectly to this yarn’s gauge and showcases a simple, seamless construction that’s easy to master. This tank is knit up in a flash, and you’ll have plenty of time to wear it before the cooler weather sets in. However, it would look good with a summer jacket over it in that case.
The Bella Tank
A more classic option is the Spearmint Tee by Yonca Ozbelli. Using Sandcastle yarn, it will give you a different stripey pattern and will have a more colorful appearance. A seamless knit easy for spring knitting, let Sandcastle yarn do all the colorwork…
Spearmint Tee free knitting pattern to knit using Sandcastle yarn
Before you dive into your project, I can’t stress enough how important it is to knit up a swatch, especially when changing the yarn for which the pattern was intended. Checking both gauge and drape ensures that your finished garment fits as expected and feels wonderful to wear. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference!
The UNIVERSAL YARN Sandcastle we just explored is bursting with the kind of cotton-rich comfort we love for warm-weather knits. Its fiber blend brings a delightful balance of softness, durability, and luxury, making every stitch a joy to create. Knitting either of the suggested free patterns is bound to be a fun experience with this yarn—and I’m convinced you’ll find it as irresistible as I do.
