All you need to know about merino wool
Posted by Team NZNC on 30th Mar 2022
Merino wool is one of our favourite natural fibres - and good for a reason.
If you visit New Zealand Natural Clothing frequently then you will already know how much we value merino wool.
However if you are brand spanking new, you’re ready to learn all about merino wool and why we love it so much.
Today we’re focusing on merino wool yarn and we're going to take a deep dive and learn everything we can about what makes it so spectacular.
This is what we’re going to cover:
- What is merino wool yarn?
- What a merino sheep is?
- Why merino wool is expensive?
- Does merino wool pill?
- Does merino wool itch?
- What is the difference between merino wool and lambswool?
- Does merino wool shrink?
- How do I wash merino wool?
What is merino wool yarn?
Merino wool yarn comes from merino sheep. Merino sheep are famous for their extremely soft wool.
Merino sheep originated in Spain and later became enormously important to the wool industries of countries including Australia and New Zealand.
Merino wool is really soft because its micron is really low generally between 21 and 24. One of the reasons fine merino feels so soft is its small fibre diameter, measued in microns. Merino is available across a range of micron measurements, with finer grades paricularly well suited to garments worn next to the skin.
Merino wool is such a wonderful choice for knitting yarn because it can be spun into beautfully soft, lightweight yarns that provide excellent warmth without excessive bulk.
What is a merino sheep?
Merino sheep are prized for their wool and are also becoming utilised as a source of meat.
These sheep are very adaptable, great grazers and thrive in New Zealand pastures , they are bred mostly for their wool but they are more commonly being bred for meat too now.
A Merino sheep produces 4.5 to 6 kilograms of wool per year.
Fine Merino wool and the quality we’re really interested in is less than 21.5 microns, extra fine is under 19.5 microns.
Why is merino wool expensive?
There are multiple reasons why Merino wool is more expensive than other yarns.
- Merino sheep are shorn between August and November so they have a coat for the winter. Their coat also has to be the right length before shearing.
- Each sheep is carefully assessed for quality before shearing to ensure it hits the right expectations.
- Merino sheep welfare is taken very seriously. They are free range and need proper nutrition and water to grow the fleece we so love.
- Fine merino can command a premium because producing consistently fine, high-quality fibre requires careful breeding, farming, classing and processing. Fibre quality, micron, supply, origin and prosessing can all influence the eventual price.
Worth the investment when you’re getting the comfort of a warm, soft hug every time you pop your Merino knitted item on!
Will Merino wool yarn pill?
Pilling or bobbling is when fuzzy balls pop up on wool garments. It is caused by rubbing during wear.
The most common areas are around the elbows, armpits, sleeves, belly and the sides of the garment because this is where the arms are always rubbing against the body.
Merino wool yarn tends not to pill because of how long the fibre is. However if you purchase lightly spun yarn it can pill because of the spinning and not the fibre itself. Make sure to check this!
Having said this pilling doesn't necessarily mean poor-quality wool.
Does Merino wool yarn itch?
Merino wool yarn is finer so it’s softer.
It’s also low allergenic which definitely helps keep it soft against skin.
Fine merino is generally much softer against the skin than coarser wool, which is why it is so popular for base layers and other next-to-skin garments. Individual sensitivity can vary, however, and not all merino is the same micron or construction.
What is the difference between lambswool and Merino wool?
Lambswool is taken from the sheep’s first shearing, approximately seven months after their first coat comes on.
It can only be taken when the fleece is 50 mm or under. It’s a very fine fibre and because of this needs very little processing.
Lambswool can come from any breed of sheep so the micron can vary quite a lot. Like sheep’s wool, lambswool contains lanolin so it is used for quality knitwear.
Merino wool only comes from Merino sheep, they get shorn every season and the quality of wool depends on the micron which is very carefully monitored.
Merino wool contains lanolin and has antibacterial properties. It is also very warm, durable and helps manage moisture.
While Merino wool can be expensive, it is more affordable than cashmere.
Does Merino wool shrink?
Merino wool can shrink when it is agitated. This can happen with hot water or heat agitation, like from a dryer.
If the wool has felted, it can’t be unshrunk and should be repurposed but if it hasn’t felted there is a way to unshrink your merino wool garment.
Merino wool needs very gentle care so take note of the washing instructions and follow them to preserve your garment.
How to wash Merino wool yarn
We already know Merino wool garments need special care but what does this mean?
You can wash Merino wool items in a washing machine but make sure it’s on a cool gentle cycle to avoid any agitation!
Don’t ever put your Merino garments in a dryer because that is where this high quality natural fibre goes to die. Lay it flat to dry and keep out of direct sunlight to protect the dye.
Hand washing is optimal. In a basin with cool water and a specific wool wash. Don’t wring it out, rather roll it out in a towel to get rid of any excess moisture.
Our favourite Merino wool yarn products
We love our natural fibres and we’re Merino wool’s biggest cheerleaders because of the phenomenal quality of wear.
You have all the information you need to assess whether Merino wool is for you but if you have any questions, we are always here to help.
We’re fibre fanatics and we love talking shop!
Just drop us a line at info@nznaturalclothing.co.nz if you have any questions.