What Makes NORO Yarn Special? Tradition, Craftsmanship and Japanese Innovation
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The Origins of Noro: A Legacy Rooted in Nature
Known for its rich color transitions and unique textures, the Noro brand has become a favorite among knitters and crocheters around the world. Behind its distinctive look is a thoughtful approach to yarn-making that reflects the values of Japanese craftsmanship and a deep respect for nature.
The brand was founded by Eisaku Noro, who shaped the Noro philosophy around using natural materials, limiting chemical processing, and highlighting the unique qualities of each fiber.
The Origins of Noro: A Legacy Rooted in Nature
The Noro brand was founded in 1973 by Eisaku Noro in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. From the beginning, his goal was to create yarns that are “fun”, “beautiful” and “full of character” while honoring both people and the environment. Raised near the forests of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park, Noro grew up surrounded by natural beauty. The colors, textures, and changing seasons of the landscape left a lasting impression and continue to inspire the brand's signature palettes today.
Originally trained in painting, Noro chose to explore a different kind of artistic expression through yarn. Inspired by the natural colors and textures of his surroundings, he set out to create materials that felt as alive and varied as the landscapes with which he grew up.
When he introduced his yarns to shops in Tokyo and Osaka, many refused to sell Noro’s yarns. The uneven texture and handmade appearance were considered too unusual, and some thought they would not sell. But a small store in Yokohama gave Noro yarn a chance, and the yarn sold surprisingly well. That moment marked the beginning of a much larger journey.
What Makes Noro Unique?
Noro brand’s slogan, “The World of Nature,” reflects its core belief that yarn should preserve the character of the natural world rather than override it.
Preserving the Natural Qualities of Fiber
Noro places strong emphasis on keeping the original texture and characteristics of each fiber. Instead of producing uniform strands, the yarn is intentionally spun to retain variations in thickness and feel. This approach brings out the natural beauty of the material and gives each skein a unique look and touch.
As the brand explains, “From ancient times, Japanese have accepted, enjoyed and been charmed by the ununiformity, unevenness and occasionally the coarseness of nature. It may be the base of us, and not only the basic philosophy for Noro yarns.”
Gentle, Thoughtful Production
Noro takes a hands-on approach to every stage of yarn making. The brand begins by selecting high-quality natural fibers such as wool, silk, mohair, and alpaca from certified farms in regions including Australia, South Africa, and the Falkland Islands. These fibers are hand-selected to ensure they meet strict standards for texture and resilience.
Once selected, the fibers are processed as little as possible. Noro avoids the use of harmful chemicals, allowing the natural oils, crimp, and elasticity of the fibers to remain intact. This not only enhances the comfort and warmth of the finished yarn, but also supports a more environmentally conscious production model.
Unlike many modern yarn manufacturers, Noro uses a single-roller drafting system instead of multiple rollers, and keeps machinery short to reduce friction. This gentler spinning technique minimizes damage to the fibers and maintains their natural volume and softness. According to the brand, this approach helps the yarn remain approximately 30 to 40 percent lighter than typical yarns of the same thickness
Colors Inspired by Nature
Color is a defining element of Noro yarns. Eisaku Noro has often spoken about how the natural world influences his dyeing choices.
Mr. Noro explains that while leaves may seem like one shade of green from a distance, “in reality they come in countless variations of green. By mixing colors, we can give a more natural feel reminiscent of oceans, mountains, flowers, trees and so on.”
To achieve this, Noro uses long color repeats, which allow shades to blend gradually across the strand. This creates natural-looking transitions in the finished work without needing to change skeins. Additionally, the fiber blend may be changed during the spinning process to vary not only color, but also texture within a single ball of yarn. This intentional inconsistency contributes to the yarn's expressive quality.
All dyeing is done at lower temperatures and with careful waste control, part of the brand’s effort to reduce environmental impact while still delivering vivid, layered colorways.
Popular NORO Yarns
Kureyon
Kureyon is one of Noro’s most iconic yarns, first introduced over 30 years ago. The name comes from the Japanese word for "crayon," a fitting reference to its bold, expressive color combinations. Spun from 100% wool, Kureyon is known for its rustic texture and vibrant shades that shift naturally as you work.
Silk Garden
Silk Garden was first released in 1991 and has become a long-standing favorite among knitters and crocheters, with nearly 50,000 projects shared on Ravelry.
The yarn is known for its soft texture, gentle shine, and elegant color combinations.
Eisaku Noro described it as “a yarn that bloomed out of a garden of silk and silk/mohair fabric,” and the name fits perfectly. Each skein blends wool, silk, and mohair to create a smooth and slightly glossy yarn that’s ideal for scarves, shawls, sweaters, and more.
ITO
ITO is a colorful wool yarn from Noro that stands out for its long gradients and generous yardage. Made from 100% wool, each skein weighs 200 grams and contains approximately 437 yards, making it a good choice for larger projects like shawls, sweaters, and accessories.
The yarn has a soft, slightly uneven texture and features slow, continuous color changes. As you work, new shades appear naturally, adding depth and variation to your stitches without needing to switch yarns. Even a simple pattern can take on a unique look thanks to the way the colors shift across the strand.
Each skein is packed with color. You’ll notice different shades appearing as you go, making every project feel creative and one of a kind. ITO works well for scarves, sweaters, and other projects where you want the yarn to do the talking. One skein of ITO is often enough to make a full-length scarf, but it also works beautifully for sweaters and accessories that highlight its bold color transitions.
Saiun
Saiun is a lightweight wool-blend yarn that features a soft texture and bright, shifting colors. Made with 70% wool and 30% polyamide. The nylon content gives the yarn extra resilience, making it a good option for items that see frequent use, such as sweaters, socks, and winter hats.
Like ITO, Saiun features long color repeats that blend gradually from one shade to the next. The result is a smooth rainbow-like effect that adds movement and personality to any project. The yarn’s name, which refers to colorful clouds in the sky, reflects this soft and glowing appearance.
Where to Buy Noro Yarn?
YUZAWAYA is an official distributor of Noro yarns in Japan, offering a trusted selection of genuine products through our global online store. We carry a variety of popular lines, including Kureyon, Silk Garden, ITO, and Saiun, each available in a range of colorways. Whether you're looking for vibrant wool for outerwear or a soft blend for scarves and shawls, you can find the right match directly from Japan.
International shipping is available, so makers around the world can enjoy authentic Japanese yarn with peace of mind. As a long-established craft retailer, YUZAWAYA is proud to provide Noro yarn to customers who value quality, tradition, and creativity.
The Beauty of Making with Noro
Noro carries a philosophy rooted in nature, tradition, and individuality.Every part of the process, from selecting the fibers to spinning and dyeing, is done with attention to detail and a focus on preserving the character of the materials.
Each skein tells a story: not only of color and texture, but of the landscapes, seasons, and values that shaped it. Choosing Noro means embracing variation, imperfection, and creativity.
Explore the full range of Noro yarns at YUZAWAYA and bring a piece of Japan to your next creative project.