GIMA 8.5 by Hasegawa is a distinctive Japanese cotton yarn created from 100% pure cotton and known for its crisp, paper-like texture, feather-light feel, and elegant flat tape structure. This type of yarn is especially loved by makers who want something modern, airy, and textural rather than soft and round in the usual way.

The name Gima refers to a traditional Japanese finishing technique that gives cotton a dry, refined, lightly structured character. At first, the yarn feels crisp and architectural, but with washing and wear it softens beautifully and develops a more fluid drape. That makes GIMA 8.5 especially appealing for contemporary garments, openwork accessories, artistic textiles, and warm-weather pieces with quiet sophistication.

▣ Product Specifications
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa, Japan
• Article: GIMA 8.5
• Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
• Yarn Category: Lace
• Yardage: approx. 850 m / 930 yd per 100 g (3.52 oz)
• Formats: Balls (BY DEFAULT) or Cones (PLEASE PURCHASE)
• Origin: Made in Japan

⚑ Why This Yarn Is Special
GIMA 8.5 offers a very different cotton experience from ordinary soft cotton yarns. Instead of a round, fluffy strand, it has a flatter, more ribbon-like structure with a dry, airy, lightly crisp hand. That gives finished fabric a clean, modern look with beautiful stitch definition and an elegant sense of lightness.

This yarn is especially attractive for makers who enjoy texture, shape, and drape. It can create fabrics that feel artistic and refined, with more visual interest than standard cotton. After washing, the fabric relaxes and softens while still keeping its distinctive character, which is one of the reasons Gima yarns are so loved.

⌁ Texture & Feel
• Crisp, light, and airy
• Flat tape-like structure
• Dry, refined cotton hand
• Feather-light and breathable
• Softens beautifully with washing and wear
• Develops a more fluid drape over time

✧ Natural Fiber Profile — Pure Cotton
This yarn is spun from one of the most versatile and loved fibers in warm-weather making.

Cotton adds:
• Breathability
• Comfort next to the skin
• Practical wearability
• Lightweight structure
• A clean, natural feel

In this Gima format, cotton becomes more architectural, airy, and textural than standard cotton yarns, which makes it especially interesting for makers who want something more distinctive.

➤ IMPORTANT — Yarn Usage
• Single-strand hand knitting: generally too fine for most practical standalone garments
• Best for hand knitting and crochet in 3 to 5 strands held together
• Excellent for openwork, lightweight structured fabrics, and artistic textiles
• A beautiful choice for summer tops, tunics, wraps, scarves, and modern accessories
• Also highly suitable for weaving and textile design work

⋔ Recommended Yarn Usage
• Hat or lightweight cap: approx. 150 g
• Shawl or summer wrap: approx. 200–300 g
• Scarf or cowl: approx. 150–200 g
• Lightweight sweater or top (S–M): approx. 400–500 g
• Sweater (L–XL): approx. 500–700 g
• Long cardigan, duster, or dress: approx. 700–900 g

➤ Recommended Pairings From iDOKNiT
GIMA 8.5 is very beautiful in multiple strands on its own, but it can also pair wonderfully with other fibers to create even more distinctive fabrics.

Silk
Adds more fluidity, sheen, and elegance while softening the dry architectural character.

Fine Cotton
Creates a more relaxed, wearable fabric while preserving breathability.

Linen
Enhances the crisp, airy, textural quality for modern summer garments and accessories.

Soft Lace Companions
Can soften the overall hand and create more dimension while keeping the fabric light.

These combinations make GIMA 8.5 especially appealing to makers who enjoy building fabrics with structure, drape, texture, and a modern natural look.

✦ Recommended Needles / Hooks
• For 3–5 strands held together: start around 3.5–4.0 mm knitting needles
• For crochet with 3–5 strands held together: start around 3.5–4.0 mm hooks
• Adjust slightly depending on whether you want more structure or more drape

⫯ Weaving Suitability
• Excellent for fine weaving and textile work
• Beautiful for table runners, scarves, openwork panels, and artistic home accents
• A strong choice for makers who want light structure and refined texture in woven fabric

⟳ Care Instructions
• Hand wash gently in cold water with mild detergent
• Do not wring or twist
• Lay flat to dry out of direct sunlight
• The fabric softens and relaxes beautifully after washing