Merino wool is one of the best natural fibres in the knitting world and it has an interesting history that goes back through the centuries. It comes from the merino sheep, an ancient breed that originated in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa before moving to Spain during the Middle Ages. The merino sheep can thrive in extreme weather conditions, which has led to the development of a unique fleece that is valued by crafters all over the world.
Origins and Modern Production
Today, merino wool mainly comes from Australia, though merino sheep are also found in New Zealand and South America. Australia is one of the main places that deals in raw fleece production, but it is usually transported to other countries to be spun into yarn. This happens in either large factories or smaller businesses, before it reaches the knitting shops. If you need DK yarn for your knitting project, visit The Wool Couture Company or other shops for a wide selection of wool.
Special Characteristics
The special qualities of merino wool become apparent the moment you touch it. Compared to standard wool, merino feels softer and less itchy, which makes it a great choice for clothing that is worn directly against the skin. The longer fibres of merino wool also prevent pilling, which keeps clothes looking newer for longer. Even though it is lightweight, merino wool is very warm, which is great for clothes that need to be cosy and comfortable, but easy to move in. It is also now being used in performance clothing as it can keep its warmth even when wet.
Yarn Weights and Uses
Merino wool is available in lightweight 4-ply to more chunky varieties which makes it versatile for different projects. For sock knitting, 4-ply merino-nylon blends are common, as they often have a 75:25 ratio to make sure they are strong and durable. Baby clothes are often made from finer merino yarns, as the soft texture suits sensitive skin. Adult clothing can be created with any weight wool, though DK and aran weights are most commonly used in patterns.
Why merino suits garments worn close to skin
Merino sheep are small, hardy foragers, and farmers in Australia and New Zealand have spent over two hundred years refining them to thrive in harsh places such as New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Adapted to the cold, they grow a great deal of wool, and their coats never stop growing, so they must be shorn at least once a year to stay healthy.
The fleece is graded from broad and strong through to ultra-fine, and the finest grades blend beautifully with silk and cashmere. Because it is so soft and smooth, merino is ideal for anything worn next to the skin, from base layers and socks to sportswear.
It also works hard. Merino resists UVA and UVB rays, which makes it useful for outdoor wear all year. It manages temperature, keeping you warm in the cold and cooler in heat, and it wicks moisture away from the skin and releases it into the air. It resists odours, it is hard wearing enough for chunky Aran sweaters, and like all natural fibres it is fully biodegradable.
Merino as a base layer next to the skin
Merino’s natural qualities make it one of the best fibres for a base layer, the garment worn against the skin beneath an insulating mid layer and a weatherproof outer layer. A good base layer needs to regulate body temperature, feel comfortable and stand up to frequent wear.
Merino fibres are shaped in a way that creates small air pockets, which hold warmth close to the body. The fibre is also breathable, so it helps you stay cool in warmer conditions as well as warm in the cold. It is soft and lightweight, and it does not irritate the skin even when worn all day.
Merino also handles moisture well. The fibres absorb a good deal of moisture before they start to feel damp and then release it, so perspiration does not sit against the skin. It resists odour too, thanks to the natural lanolin in the fibres. A quality merino base layer can be worn across the seasons, layered up in winter or worn on its own in warmer months.
From Spanish royal flocks to Australian farms
Merino wool was not always widely available. At first there were too few Merino sheep to challenge English wool, which dominated the European market. As the quality of merino became more prized, demand grew, but Spain sold the wool while keeping the sheep for itself.
That changed in the early 1700s, when Merinos began to leave Spain, usually as gifts to other European royal courts. Smuggling flourished as breeders tried to get hold of the animals. It was the Peninsular War between Spain and France that finally opened up the trade around 1810. Free of Spanish control, Merinos were bred around the world, with each country trying to develop its own improved strain.
Today Australia is best known for merino, producing close to 80% of the world’s supply. The wool is valued for being dense yet fine and elastic, and it is graded by micron, which is why it suits everything from chunky sweaters to delicate knits.