DROPS Lima vs DROPS Muskat

Technical verdict: DROPS Lima vs DROPS Muskat

Weight category, yardage and value per ball

DROPS Lima and DROPS Muskat 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 Lima gives 200 m per 100 g and DROPS Muskat 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 Lima holds 100 m in 50 g and DROPS Muskat holds 100 m in 50 g. Five balls of DROPS Lima (500 m) are replaced by 5 balls of DROPS Muskat, and five balls of DROPS Muskat (500 m) by 5 balls of DROPS Lima. Always convert by length, never by weight or by number of balls.

Drape, fibre and texture

DROPS Lima is 65 % wool, 35 % alpaca. 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.

DROPS Muskat, on the other hand, is 100 % cotton (mercerized). Cotton is inelastic and absorbent: stitches look crisp and defined, the fabric holds its shape in amigurumi, bags and dishcloths, but garments can feel heavy and stretch downwards when wet.

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

Their construction differs: DROPS Lima (Plied) versus DROPS Muskat (Mercerized). This changes stitch definition and how easy it is to see your stitches, so expect a different look even at the same gauge.

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 Muskat can replace DROPS Lima with some adjustments (Match Score 78 %). Expect small differences in gauge or drape: swatch first and be ready to change the hook by half a size.

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