@wakochapurlat
@majogarn
1. What inspired you to start your own yarn brand? What is MAJO GARN, and how did you come up with the name?
My name is Wako, and I am the founder of MAJO GARN. I am 34 years old and originally from Japan. I live in France with my husband and our two daughters.
MAJO GARN was founded in Amsterdam in 2022. In 2023, following a family relocation, the brand found its new home in France. Today, MAJO GARN is based in Nantes, in western France, and ships yarns to knitters worldwide.
I have been passionate about knitting since childhood, but as someone with sensitive skin, I often found traditional wool yarns to be itchy or uncomfortable. This was particularly true for mohair, where softness can vary a lot. Despite the wide range of silk mohair yarns available from various brands, I struggled to find one that truly met my standards for softness, comfort, and wearability.
That personal frustration became the starting point for MAJO GARN. I wanted to create yarns for knitters who care deeply about how their finished garments feel on the skin, yarns that are soft, refined, and a pleasure to wear, not just to knit with.
The name MAJO GARN reflects the origin of the brand. “MAJO” means “witch” in Japanese, my mother tongue, and was chosen to evoke something magical and enchanting.
2. Why was it important to you to ensure all wool is sourced without mulesing?
For me, animal welfare is a non-negotiable part of working with natural fibres. Wool is an incredible material, but it comes from living animals, and I believe that responsibility comes with care and respect. Mulesing is a painful practice, and I didn’t feel comfortable building a brand that benefits from wool unless I could be confident it was sourced in a way that avoids unnecessary harm. Choosing non-mulesed wool was a way to align the materials we use with the values we want the brand to stand for; thoughtful production, transparency, and respect for the animals behind the fibre.
3. How do you verify that your fibers come from ethical and responsible farms?
We only work with spinning mills in Italy that uphold the highest standards of social responsibility, including animal welfare, sustainability, and safe working conditions. All the fibers are sourced exclusively from certified farms that prioritize animal well-being, responsible land management, and fair treatment of workers. This allows us to guarantee that every skein of our yarn is both ethically and responsibly produced.
4. What makes MAJO GARN yarns unique compared to others on the market?
I believe that what makes MAJO GARN yarns unique is the exceptional softness and quality. Many of our customers tell us that our yarns are among the softest they have ever worked with, which is exactly the experience I set out to create. My goal is for knitters to enjoy a luxurious, sensorial experience; yarns that feel beautiful in the hands and create garments that are truly soft and comfortable against the skin.
5. Is there a project created with MAJO yarns that has stayed in your memory?
Every project is memorable, but my very first pattern, the Camille Jumper, holds a special place in my heart! Not only was it the first design, but it’s also my favorite sweater to wear.
6. How long does it usually take to develop a new base, from idea to finished product?
Developing a new yarn base usually takes one to two years, from the initial idea to the finished product. We begin by reviewing small thread samples received from the selected manufacturers, carefully evaluating the fiber composition, yarn specifications, and overall quality. We also create small test pieces, like scarves, to see how the yarn feels against the skin, especially on the neck, one of the most sensitive areas, to ensure it is soft and comfortable, not scratchy. Next, we conduct market research and assess the commercial feasibility.
Once we decide to include the yarn in our collection, we move on to color development. At this stage, we consider fashion trends, Pantone articles, and other color references to create palettes that are both on-trend and timeless.
After creating a draft color palette, we send our request to the manufacturer, who usually creates a small “sample lab-dip” to see how the color reacts with the fiber. Once we approve these colors, we move on to the production order.
From placing the production order to delivery, the process typically takes several months.
7. What is your dream or long-term vision for MAJO GARN?
I want MAJO GARN to be the go-to destination for knitters, a place they return to again and again for high-quality yarns to create their favorite sweaters.
From a business perspective, I aim to grow MAJO GARN into a globally recognized brand, with the ability to ship worldwide at more affordable rates and provide an exceptional e-commerce experience for our customers.
8. Are there any upcoming bases, colors, or blends you’re excited to release?
We’re currently experimenting with some new yarn bases, made from the softest and most luxurious fibers. Concerning the colors, we plan to launch new colors for Sunny Linen. We can’t wait to share them with you!
Quick Q&A
-
Coffee or tea while knitting? I love both! In the morning, I usually enjoy a cup of coffee while knitting. In the evening, I prefer a Japanese green tea or a refreshing mint tea.
-
Morning knitting or evening knitting? Both! I usually have about 10 minutes to knit before going to work, it's a meditative ritual that helps me start the day on a positive note. In the evenings, I enjoy knitting for longer hours.
- Favourite type of yarn (in general)? I'm a huge mohair lover! In general, I prefer fluffy yarns over smooth ones.
- Big projects or small ones? Big projects!
- One knitting tool you can't live without? I recently discovered stitch holder cords for resting stitches on hold, they're incredibly helpful!
We hope this conversation gave you a deeper insight into the world behind MAJO GARN - the values, the care, and the personal experiences that shape every yarn base.
Thank you, Wako, for sharing your story with us!
With this interview, we’re closing our Month with MAJO.
It has been a special experience for us to dive deeper into the brand, its philosophy, and the thoughtful process behind the yarns we love and work with every day. We hope that through these stories, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights, you’ve come to appreciate MAJO GARN even more - not only as beautiful yarns, but as a brand built on intention, care, and quality.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us 🤍
