Purple Yarn Collection

At Bad Sheep Yarn, our hand-dyed purple yarns celebrate the depth and emotion of this rich jewel tone. In our yarn studio, each colorway is dyed by human hands in small batches using acid dyes on premium wool and silk bases.

Hand-dyed purple yarn offers what commercial dyes cannot: the depth and complexity of multiple color layers, unique batch-to-batch variation, and the assurance of small-batch, independent craftsmanship. Our purple yarn comes in all types of gorgeous hues, from violet and lavender to lilac and mauve.

Hand-Dyed Violet & Purple Yarn Across Every Base

Our lovely collection of violet and purple yarn spans every base we dye, from superwash merino in DK, fingering, and bulky weights to our signature 50/50 merino/silk blend and sparkle lines. We build each colorway through multiple dye layers – using just the right acidity, heat, and amount of water – so each shade of purple has a multi-dimensional look that factory-dyed yarn can’t match. Our dyeing method also means that each skein is as unique as a snowflake.

If you’re looking for something ethereal, Violet marries light lavender with delicate blush and dark purple speckling. If you’re seeking something more intense, check out our aurora-gradient Northern Lights, where purples and reds dance with black and green. And if you want something in between, Incantations connects deep plum with brilliant violet and dusky lavender. Mulberry Silk Fingering is where you’ll find our delicate luxury yarn perfect for shawls and garments that will want to be passed down from generation to generation. And Sparkle Fingering is your go-to for strong spun sock weight yarn with a tiny hint of glimmer spun in.

Shades of Purple: Violet, Lavender, Lilac & More

Purple encompasses a spectrum from deep violet to soft lavender, each shade bringing distinct character to knitting and crochet projects.

Maybe your project requires jewel-toned violet yarn. Zero Gravity is a brilliant violet and dark purple-colorwashed colorway we can’t get enough of. The richness is intense and evokes royalty.

If you’re looking for a classic purple yarn, Merlot boasts a rich, deep hue with quiet complexity. We made the variegation so subtle, you can use this colorway instead of a solid, so you’ll get a delightful smidge of stitch interest.

Perhaps you’re leaning toward a paler shade that’s softer on the eyes. Next on the spectrum is lavender yarn: our gorgeous Fanny Price is a dusty and dark lavender, while our Lavender Macaron is a delicate pastel purple colorway peppered with speckles.

If cool-toned lilac yarn is on your list, Crystal is the palest of purple solids that echoes the first buds of April.

Our last stop on the spectrum is mauve, a dusty purple with a vintage aesthetic that generally straddles the line between violet and pink. For mauve yarn, let’s circle back to the aforementioned Violet, which mixes hints of mauve with lavender and dark purple.

All skeins in our purple yarn collection are available in weights from fingering to bulky and bases from 100% merino to silk blends.

Purple Yarn Projects & Patterns

We love using purple yarn for cowls, shawls, fingerless mitts, blankets, and cardigans.

If you’re looking for a satisfying project that’s easy to follow, our Jester Cowl Crochet Pattern is a quick make that lets you see how hand-dyed purple interacts with your chosen stitch pattern.

For something a bit larger, a purple shawl showcases gradient and tonal variation beautifully, and our Fingering Weight options give you the yardage to go big without feeling overwhelmed. Our Plant Lady Shawl Knit Kits are a simple place to start if you’d like the help of a digital pattern paired with three skeins. Check out the Macbeth’s Witches Kit for a pretty, purple-lover’s paradise.

Want to show off batch variation? A blanket made with purple yarn is a gorgeous way to do it. (You can always make a baby blanket if an adult-sized blanket feels out of reach!) And if you’re interested in a fast way to test a new colorway before committing to a sweater or cardigan, fingerless mitts allow you to do just that – plus they make adorable gifts for hands of all sizes.

Feeling inspired? Start by diving into all Crochet Patterns – and browse our purple yarn to find your next project.