Collection: Merino

Key Characteristics of Merino Wool Yarn

The soft feel and bouncy texture of merino yarn make it a versatile "go-to" for crafters. It is particularly popular for:

• Baby Knitting: Its hypoallergenic and soft properties are gentle on sensitive skin.
• Winter Accessories: Merino hats and scarves are a pleasure to wear against the forehead and neck, providing warmth without the itch.
• Performance Wear: Naturally breathable, it regulates body temperature and wicks away moisture.

Benefits of Merino Yarn

• Prickle-Free Comfort: Ideal for those with sensitive skin who find regular wool irritating.
• Natural Performance: Merino is moisture-wicking, anti-static, and provides exceptional thermal insulation.
• Sustainable & Eco-Friendly: Merino yarn is a 100% natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibre.
• Odour Resistant: The unique structure of the fibre helps repel bacteria, meaning your garments stay fresher for longer.

Care of Merino Yarn

Merino yarn is relatively easy to care for and retains its shape beautifully due to its natural elasticity.

• Washing: We recommend hand-washing your merino knits with a gentle wool wash. However, superwash merino yarn can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle; a convenient feature for busy parents.
• Drying: Always dry your knitwear flat and away from direct sunlight to prevent stretching or fading.
• Blocking: Merino responds exceptionally well to blocking, allowing you to achieve a professional finish on your handmade items.

Selecting the right yarn

When selecting yarns it's important to be aware all yarns handle differently and will give varied textures and drape. This is why it's important to knit or crochet a gauge swatch. This allows you to both check the feel of the fabric and the needle size to use (again all knitters have a slightly different tension)

For more information about substituting yarns click here.

For more information about gauge swatching click here.

If you need more help finding a yarn for your project feel free to send us a message, and we’ll get back to you with our expert advice or even pop into your local store.

FAQs

Is merino wool better than regular wool?

Yes, for most next-to-skin applications. While regular wool can be coarse, merino wool is grown from a specific breed of sheep that produces much finer, softer fibres. This results in a "premium" wool that is warmer, lighter, and softer than standard varieties.

What is the difference between cashmere and merino wool?

Cashmere is often softer and warmer than merino, but it is also more delicate and significantly more expensive. Merino wool is a more durable and cost-effective alternative; most patterns calling for cashmere can be successfully made using a high-quality merino yarn.

What are the disadvantages of using merino wool?

Because merino yarns are often spun loosely to maintain their signature softness, they can be prone to pilling with heavy use. To maintain your garment, we recommend using a professional de-pilling tool. Additionally, 100% merino can be delicate, so it is important to follow care instructions to avoid holes.

What is 100% merino wool?

100% merino wool comes exclusively from Merino sheep, which require shearing at least once a year. Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of merino fleece, producing some of the highest-quality superfine wool available globally.

Is merino yarn good for beginners?

Absolutely. Merino yarn has excellent "stitch definition," making it easy for beginners to see their work. It also has great elasticity, which helps maintain even tension while you learn.