Zephyr DK is a woolen spun yarn, so it has a rustic feel, but it should not be scratchy. It has a pleasant feel in the hand and will soften as you knit it up. Woolen spun yarns are quite bouncy and springy, and this yarn should soften with use, but it is not a “luxury” yarn. In addition, the cotton content can give the yarn some stiffness, which will relax when washed. We recommend this yarn for lightweight accessories.  NOTE: The woolen spun process does not comb the yarn fibers, so there may be some vegetative matter to pick out.