Darn Good Yarn is the most reliable place where you can find unique and colorful merino wool yarn. Merino Wool is a popular choice when it comes to wool fiber, especially to those who want to make cozy projects like sweaters, blankets, socks, hats, etc. But what makes it so special?
What is Merino Wool Yarn?
Merino wool yarn is yarn made from the fleece of a merino wool sheep. Merinos are known for their incredibly soft coats, so they produce the most amazing fleeces. They also produce the best yarns for knitting. There are different kinds of merinos, but the most popular ones are Australian merinos. This type has been a staple of the yarn industry for over 200 years.
Merino wool has a microscopic diameter, which is about 1/3 to 1/10 the thickness of human hair. If the diameter is smaller, it means the fabric is softer, finer, and less scratchy.
Merino Wool Yarn: Different Types of Merino Wool
There are four different types of Australian merino wool, and these are:
- Peppin Merino Wool. Peppin merino sheep is the most common type of merino in Australia. They make up about 70% of all the merinos in the country. Peppin merino wool is between 20 to 23 microns, and a stud ram can produce up to 18kg of wool per year.
- Spanish Merino Wool. There aren’t a lot of Spanish merinos in Australia, but they are the closest relation to the original Spanish merino sheep. They have similar physical proportions to the Peppin merino, and they produce extra or super fine wool. One can achieve extra fine wool by crossbreeding the Saxon with the Spanish merino. That’s because the Saxon has a fuller wool coverage. They even have wool down to their ankles.
- South Australian Merino Wool. Among the different types of merino, the South Australian merino is the largest merino sheep in Australia. They are heavier and longer than the other types. This type of merino produces the thickest wool (in diameter) and is at the stronger end of the merino wool types.
- Saxon Merino wool. Unlike the South Australian merino, the Saxon merino is the smallest type of merino sheep. Because of this, it can only produce some of the finest wool (in diameter). And while a Peppin merino produces up to 18kg of wool in a year, a Saxon produces 3kg of extra ultrafine wool. This wool is usually bright, white in color, and is soft to handle. These are the reasons why Saxon merino wool is very popular in the production of expensive clothing.
Why Buy Merino Wool Yarn?
There are different breeds of sheep, but the merinos have unique properties. Below are the reasons why you should buy merino wool yarn for your next knitting project:
- Merino Wool is soft on the skin. Regular wool causes itchiness, and sometimes, skin irritation, but merino wool doesn’t. That’s because it is very flexible and can bend more than any other wool. Merino wool isn’t only adjustable to your feet’s movement but it’s also soft on your skin.
- Merino Wool is sun and fireproof. Merino wool is resistant to the sun’s harmful UV radiation. In addition to that, it doesn’t ignite unless it reaches 600°C, unlike cotton and polyester. Knitting using merino wool yarn gives you the chance to protect whoever is going to use it, from the harmful radiation from the sun.
- Merino wool has antibacterial properties. Merino wool contains both keratin and lanolin, which makes merino yarn a good choice when knitting socks. Keratin and lanolin are sheep-produced and are known to be antimicrobial and antibacterial. Our feet have the most number of sweat glands in our body, which help in producing sweat. This warm and wet environment supports the formation of fungus and bacteria. But because of keratin and lanolin present in merino wool, you can prevent fungus and bacteria from thriving.
- It is one of the most lightweight materials. Merino wool is among the most lightweight materials in the market, so it’ll be easier for you to finish the knitting project.
- It is a natural fiber. Since it’s a natural fiber, merino wool is biodegradable.
- Merino wool helps prevent stink build-up. One of the benefits of using natural fiber is avoiding stink build-up. Merino has the ability to absorb moisture without creating a smelly environment, unlike other wools.
- Merino is durable. They say that durability is merino’s Achilles heel, especially in areas prone to heavy wear. To extend the health of merino products, wash them in cold water, and then line dry, even if the tag tells you to machine dry. Line drying will prevent holes from forming.
Merino Wool Yarn: Who Should Buy Merino Wool?
When knitting, you need to remember that merino wool isn’t for everyone. Just like any other garments, merino will eventually develop holes, despite its high price. We’ll have to move on from our expensive gear more than we’d like.
People walk, run, and bike while wearing merino shirts during the warm months, and then switch to long-sleeve merinos during the winter season while skiing and doing other cold-weather activities. And if they love merino so much, then they can say the same thing about your socks, too. They move to thicker designs, especially when the temperatures drop.
A lot of people love merino not just because of its softness, but also because of how incredible it is with stink prevention. Merino is perfect for those who participate in high-exertion activities or those who travel a lot. And even though it’s a performance fabric, with a very expensive price, they will still enjoy wearing it every day of the week. Its warm feel is just as great for daily use as it is as any base layer. While merino is typically for people who are often outdoors, they can still use it and enjoy the many benefits it offers.
If you need help in buying merino wool yarn for your knitting project, check out the best deals from Darn Good Yarn.