We often think of white as a color that “goes with everything,” but in reality, white comes in a surprising range of tints. Anyone who has ever chosen white paint knows this well: There’s pure white, eggshell, oyster, ivory, and even cooler, blue-leaning whites (think of the crisp brightness of freshly laundered linens). While all of these may read as white at first glance, the undertone makes a meaningful difference when pairing colors.
Cool whites, i.e. those with a hint of gray, tend to work beautifully alongside cool palettes. They soften contrast when used with charcoal, navy, or black, and feel especially harmonious with blues and cool greens. Warmer whites, such as ivory or cream, carry a yellow undertone and pair more naturally with earthy shades like brown, olive, gold, and warm reds.
Although most sheep breeds produce white fleeces, even natural whites vary in tone. Some lean creamy or ivory, while others such as Shetland, are closer to a clean, cool white. To achieve an especially cool white in yarn, wool is often blended with a touch of gray or dyed to neutralize warmth. Natural factors also play a role: sun bleaching and residual lanolin can lend a soft champagne cast to yarns that retain more of their natural character.
Pantone’s Color of the Year, Cloud White, reflects this nuanced approach to white. It's a soft, airy shade that feels both modern and timeless. If you've never tried cabling, this year is the perfect moment to consider an Aran-style sweater in an undyed, breed-specific yarn. A timeless classic like "Kinsella" by Anna Moore highlights the sculptural beauty of cables,
while a modern cropped design such as Miki Teragaki's "Animoto" offers a lighter, contemporary take on texture and form.
Another direction we’re seeing as we look forward in 2026 is a renewed interest in lace. Shetland lace and fingering-weight yarns, in a traditional 2-ply construction, are exceptionally well suited for lace garments. Choose a natural white yarn for lightness and well-defined openwork.
White has a way of inviting attention to texture, to structure, to the craftsmanship of the stitches themselves. Whether you’re drawn to the architectural lines of cables or the airy delicacy of lace, choosing the right white can help make your next knit a favorite. Take a moment to notice the undertone of the yarn. Consider the fiber’s natural character, and let white do what it does best: create space for beauty and detail in your knitting.
Whatever your knitting heart desires, there's sure to be a white in your future!
Happy Knitting!
