Knitters and crochet fans know the problem: as soon as summer is over, the shelves are piled high with lightweight cotton yarns, while we are already thinking about cozy merino projects. But what actually happens to the summer yarns in winter – or the chunky winter qualities when spring arrives?
In short: You get wool at the lowest prices at the change of season: In the spring, winter yarns (alpaca, mohair, merino) go on sale, in late summer, summer yarns (cotton, linen, viscose). Clearance items are leftover stocks from a season, discontinued colors are colors that a manufacturer is removing from their range – both are original quality at a lower price. You can find current offers in the OONIQUE Sale.
| Term | What is it? | What to look out for? |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance items | Leftover stocks at the end of a season | Buy enough skeins from one color batch |
| Discontinued color | Color that is being removed from the range | Cannot be repurchased later – better buy 1 extra skein |
| Seasonal items | Yarns that are currently out of season (e.g. cotton in winter) | Ideal as stock for next year |
| Time | What is reduced? |
|---|---|
| Spring (Feb–April) | Winter yarns: Alpaca, Mohair, Merino |
| Late summer (Aug–Sept) | Summer yarns: Cotton, Linen, Viscose |
| Between seasons | Clearing stock before new arrivals |
Clearance items, discontinued colors & seasonal items: What is the difference?
Seasonal items and clearance items – what is behind them?
Wool is, just like fashion, seasonal. In spring and summer, cotton, linen and viscose dominate – lightweight, breathable and perfect for airy tops. In autumn and winter, however, alpaca, mohair and merino are in demand.
So that the new collections can make room, retailers sell their leftover stocks at particularly low prices at the end of each season. This "seasonal item" then becomes a clearance item – and that is the perfect opportunity to snap up high-quality wool at bargain prices.
What are discontinued colors?
In addition to seasonal yarns, there are also so-called discontinued colors. These are shades that a manufacturer is removing from their range, for example because a new collection is coming or demand for certain colors is falling.
For us knitting fans, discontinued colors are real lucky finds: Original quality at a low price, ideal for larger projects or experimenting with new color combinations.
When is the best time to buy wool at low prices?
- Spring: Winter yarns go on sale. Perfect for buying stock for the next winter.
- Late summer: Summer yarns are heavily reduced – ideal for lightweight projects.
- Between seasons: Retailers clear stock for new arrivals. Those who browse here will find real clearance treasures.
A secret tip for bargain hunters is to regularly keep an eye out for change-of-season offers. Many online retailers then publish special promotions.
5 tips to make sure the bargain is worth it
- Plan the yarn quantity beforehand: Check your pattern to see how many skeins you need – before you add it to the cart.
- Buy one color batch: Look at the batch number on the banderole. Skeins from different batches can differ slightly in shade.
- For discontinued colors, keep 1 reserve skein: If the color is gone, you cannot repurchase it.
- Check alternative yarn: If your favorite quality is being discontinued, you will find suitable alternatives in our guide Find alternative yarns.
- Knit a gauge swatch: Before you buy an alternative yarn for an entire project, knit a gauge swatch and compare it with the pattern.
Current sale yarns at OONIQUE
You can find clearance items, discontinued colors and reduced brand yarns in our Sale – including reduced knitting kits.
- Sale – all reduced yarns & products
- Sale knitting kits
- Fluffy Sale (Mohair & fluffy yarns)
- Alpaca Sale
Especially if you are looking for special colors or yarns from earlier collections, it is worth taking a regular look at the OONIQUE Sale. There you will find high-quality yarns from well-known brands that would otherwise have long been sold out.
And the best part: Those who buy cleverly can, with a little planning, buy wool at low prices all year round – whether clearance items, discontinued colors or seasonal items.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is wool at its cheapest?
At the change of season. In spring, winter yarns such as alpaca, mohair and merino are reduced, in late summer summer yarns such as cotton, linen and viscose.
What are clearance items in wool?
Clearance items are leftover stocks that a retailer sells at a lower price at the end of a season to make room for new collections. The quality is the same as at full price.
What are discontinued colors?
Discontinued colors are shades that a manufacturer is removing from their range. They are often reduced, but cannot be repurchased later.
What do I need to look out for when buying clearance items?
Buy the entire yarn quantity for your project from the same color batch and plan for 1 reserve skein with discontinued colors. The batch number is on the banderole.
Where can I find reduced wool at OONIQUE?
In the OONIQUE Sale you will find reduced yarns, discontinued colors and knitting kits. The offers change regularly.
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