DROPS Karisma vs DROPS Lima

Technical verdict: DROPS Karisma vs DROPS Lima

Weight category, yardage and value per ball

DROPS Karisma and DROPS Lima are both Light (CYC 3) yarns, so on paper they are interchangeable in the same patterns. The weight class only tells half the story, though: the ball band data below shows how much they really differ in thickness, yardage and behaviour once they are on the hook.

Their linear density is practically identical: DROPS Karisma gives 200 m per 100 g and DROPS Lima gives 200 m per 100 g. A project that uses 1,000 m of yarn weighs about 500 g in the first and 500 g in the second, so the finished piece will feel equally heavy.

Per ball, DROPS Karisma holds 100 m in 50 g and DROPS Lima holds 100 m in 50 g. Five balls of DROPS Karisma (500 m) are replaced by 5 balls of DROPS Lima, and five balls of DROPS Lima (500 m) by 5 balls of DROPS Karisma. Always convert by length, never by weight or by number of balls.

Drape, fibre and texture

Both yarns share the same fibre family: DROPS Karisma is 100 % wool and DROPS Lima is 65 % wool, 35 % alpaca, so they wash, block and wear in a similar way. Wool is elastic and warm and keeps its shape well; it blocks easily and forgives uneven tension, but non-superwash wool can felt with heat and agitation.

With such similar density, DROPS Karisma and DROPS Lima will give fabrics of comparable weight and drape at the same gauge; any difference in hand will come mainly from the fibre.

They also share the same construction (Plied), so stitch definition and the way the yarn behaves on the hook should feel familiar when you switch.

Hook size and gauge

Both ball bands recommend the same hook, 4 mm, so you can start your swatch with the hook size the pattern already calls for.

At least one manufacturer does not publish a reference gauge, so work a 12 × 12 cm swatch with your usual hook before comparing sizes.

Verdict: can you swap them?

DROPS Lima is a strong substitute for DROPS Karisma, with a Match Score of 100 %. Convert by length with the calculator above, work a quick swatch, and most patterns will need no other changes.

DROPS Karisma and DROPS Lima have the same length per ball, so the number of balls you buy stays the same.

Whichever you choose, buy all the balls for a project from the same dye lot and keep the ball band for its care instructions.

Full DROPS Karisma data sheet → Full DROPS Lima data sheet → Calculate yarn for a whole project →