Merino yarn (wool): reviews, characteristics. What is merino wool Merino wool is the wool of a special breed of sheep

Merino wool is obtained from a special breed of fine-wool sheep. The name of the breed is derived from the Spanish word "merino". The largest population of this breed is in Australia.

The breed is of Spanish origin and its history dates back to the 12th century. Until the 18th century, the export of Merino sheep from Spain was punishable by death. Only in 1723, for the first time, several sheep were taken out of the country.

Merino appeared in Russia much later, and their breeding began only in the 19th century. Then several types of merino were bred: electoral, infantado, negretti, rambouillet. These breeds were imported from other countries. And local sheep breeders bred such breeds as Russian Infantado, Mazaevsky and Novokavkazsky Merino.

Characteristics of merino wool

The climate of Australia is unique, which favorably affects the quality of the merino wool bred on this continent.

Australian merinos are distinguished by high quality combed wool, the thickness of the fibers of which is only 15-25 microns. Despite such a small indicator of the thickness of the thread, this wool is particularly durable. In addition, it has a number of unique properties.

Firstly, merino wool hygroscopic, that is, it has a high moisture absorption. It is able to absorb so much moisture that its amount will be 30% of its own weight. At the same time, the merino wool product not only remains dry, but also continues to warm its owner.

Secondly, merino wool is surprisingly dirt resistant. The structure of the fiber is so springy that it rejects foreign substances and is cleaned by elementary shaking.

Thirdly, merino wool is incredibly warm. This is due to the fact that in structure it is a twisted fiber, between which an air space is formed.

In addition, merino wool has the ability to build protection against unpleasant odors. The creatine contained in its fibers has a destructive effect on bacteria, and in addition creates an unfavorable environment for the survival of microscopic insects and bacteria.

Types of merino wool

Merino wool is usually distinguished by the thickness of the fiber. From this indicator, the cost of raw materials also varies.

The thinnest merino thread is called "summer" and is labeled as "Golden Bale", which means "golden bale". This is the most elite type of thread, its thickness is only 14.5-16 microns.

In second place is the wool line "Extra Fine", the so-called "graceful". It is also extra thin, but its thickness is 16-17 microns.

The wool of the Super Fine brand closes the line, that is, the “thinnest” - its thickness is 18-19 microns.

A warm, cozy blanket made of merino wool will not only warm you on long, cold evenings, but will also give comfort and pleasant sensations. A merino blanket is a profitable purchase for a family of any income. A blanket with high-quality Australian sheep wool will serve all family members for a long time, and will also become the subject of bedroom decor.

Merino blanket – a good option for a gift to relatives and friends.

Peculiarities

Merino sheep wool is unique in its characteristics, which is why this species wool is widely used not only in blankets and plaids, but also in the production of thermal underwear. Merino wool is one of the most expensive on the market, as it is sheared from an elite breed of sheep. This breed originated in Spain in the 12th century, but now the largest number of sheep is in Australia. It is on this mainland best conditions for breeding Australian merino.

Australian Merino - a small breed of sheep, which is bred only for the sake of obtaining fine wool. Despite the thinnest pile, the wool is very soft and warm, wear-resistant and durable. Due to the curly structure of the pile, the blankets retain their volume and softness for many years, provided proper care and storage.

Wool top quality can be obtained during shearing from the withers of the animal in the spring.

Australian merino wool contains lanolin, a natural substance that, when heated from body temperature, penetrates the human body and gives a healing effect.

Lanolin is widely used in pharmaceutical industry. This substance has a beneficial effect on the joints, circulatory system, skin condition, and helps reduce swelling. Lanolin fights against osteochondrosis, arthrosis, maintains a constant comfortable body temperature during sleep, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Thanks to its medicinal properties, merino sheep's wool, in contact with the skin, fights the manifestations of cellulite, gives a rejuvenating effect.

Types and sizes

Merino wool is unique in its characteristics, therefore it is used in the production of various products for sleeping: blankets, quilts, blankets with open wool, bedspreads.

Blankets with open wool are especially popular. A blanket without a cover is better in contact with the body, which means that the healing effect of merino wool is better. These blankets are made using a weaving process in which the wool is subjected to a minimum amount of processing and retains its medicinal properties. The duvet opening is light and thin, but at the same time warm.

There are varieties of such products:

with open hair on both sides;
with a sewn cover on one side.

Such products help to improve blood microcirculation, improve metabolism, and protect against electromagnetic effects. Moreover, the absence of a cover provides self-ventilation and ventilation of the product, which allows to increase its service life.

Blanket sizes:

80x100 cm - for newborns;
110x140 cm - for children;
150x200 cm - for a single bed;
180x210 cm - double;
200x220 cm - "euro" size;
240x260 cm - king size, maximum king size blanket.

The unique composition and properties of Australian merino wool led to the use of this raw material in the production of blankets, blankets, bedspreads for all age categories.

Advantages

Finished goods Merino wool has the following advantages:

natural ingredients are hypoallergenic;
during sleep, the body remains dry at a constantly maintained temperature, due to the increased properties of hygroscopicity. Wool is able to absorb up to 1/3 of its own volume of moisture, while the fibers remain dry;
natural material self-ventilating and allows the skin to breathe;
the properties of thermoregulation of the product are achieved due to the twisted structure of the fibers, which create air gaps in the product;

natural material does not absorb unpleasant odors, and the porous structure prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt;
antiseptic properties and therapeutic effect (for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, colds, to stimulate metabolism) are provided due to the content of natural lanolin in the fibers;
the use of raw materials of the highest quality from the withers of Australian merino sheep;
long service life of the product due to the elasticity of the fibers, which, after deformation, return to their original shape.

These unique characteristics of products made from merino sheep's wool determine the high cost.

How to choose?

There are a number of things to consider when choosing a quality Australian Merino wool blanket:

the price of a quality product is not cheap. The starting price is 2100 rubles and grows depending on the size of the product and the brand of the manufacturer;
when buying a blanket for adults, the dimensions of the bed sets and bed;
when choosing a baby blanket, pay attention to the durability of the product, so it is much more profitable to take a larger baby blanket;
in the store, a new product must be smelled and felt. Quality product does not have a pungent odor, smells like natural pile, soft and pleasant to the touch, after pressing and squeezing in the hand, it should quickly restore its original appearance;
when choosing a manufacturer, give preference to the company that offers the largest number of additional options(warranty return period, optional removable cover, storage bag, etc.);
study the annotation and tags of the product.

How to care and store?

Merino wool blankets are unpretentious in care, but it is the correct handling of them that will extend the service life and preserve the original appearance of the product:

Merino wool blankets do not need frequent washing - 1 time in 2-3 years.
Very often, manufacturers allow processing only in dry cleaning.
Washing the product at home is acceptable if there is a sewn-in tag, which indicates the type of washing and temperature regime. As a rule, it is delicate or handwash at low temperatures (30 degrees). When washing at home, you must use liquid detergents for delicate fabrics.
If there is a non-removable cover on the blanket, it is not necessary to wash the entire product. It is enough to wash the spots that have appeared on the cover and dry the blanket well in the fresh air.
Stains and dirt on a blanket with open wool do not have to be washed out, sometimes it is enough to use a special brush for woolen products.

Different types of wool come from different types animals. Sheep wool is the most common type of wool: Melton, Shetland, Loden and, of course, Merino.

Ordinary general properties for all types of wool:

Wool is an excellent insulator - retains body heat.
Wool is waterproof - keeps the body dry.
Wool is highly breathable and adapts to changing weather conditions.

But wool by and large, the material is prickly - creates a kind of itching. It's not the most comfortable fabric for the skin.

The exception is merino wool:

Merino wool is soft and not scratchy like "regular" wools.
Merino wool is finer than standard sheep's wool.
She is light. This makes it a great option to wear.
It is very strong, durable and flexible.

The next time you wear super lightweight wool socks, a sweater or merino wool base layers, just think Australia with gratitude. Although Merino sheep originate in Portugal and Spain, they are now most common in Australia and New Zealand.

Wool, unlike synthetic materials, regulates individual body temperature: in fact, it is warm in winter and cool in summer (it does not overheat).

It is also an excellent buffer against rain, wind and snow. And the unique structure of the wool prevents body odors from accumulating, so you can wear merino wool socks for days on end.

Participants in extreme sports, as well as fishermen, sailors, climbers and skiers, have discovered that merino wool competes very successfully with high-tech man-made fibers in sportswear. As a rule, it is accepted as the provision of the base layer of clothing.

Merino wool- This is the wool of a special breed of sheep, which is distinguished by the thinnest and longest fibers.

Story

From ancient times to the present day, merino is one of the most popular types of wool. Experts emphasize that no other breed of sheep can surpass Merino in terms of wool quality. It is the luxurious fine wool that made this sheep famous all over the world.

About 200 years before the advent of our era, the Romans began the selective breeding of a special breed of sheep with fine and long wool. For these purposes, they crossed a Greek ram and a Roman sheep. However, it was not the Romans who achieved success in this matter, but the Spaniards. This is written in the writings of Pliny the Elder, who called the Spanish Merino the best breed of sheep in the world. Already in those distant times, the rulers issued various decrees and decrees that encouraged people to breed merino. There were even special privileges that were given to the leading countries in this area.

So, by the end of the 16th century, Spain became the undisputed leader in breeding these sheep. Moreover, she held a monopoly in this area until the Spaniards were defeated by England. However, it took another 200 years for the British to succeed in sheep breeding. That is how much they brought out miracle sheep, after they took out samples from the state struck in the war.

Merino was brought to Australia in the 18th century. It turned out that this country has ideal conditions for raising sheep. Since then, the country has become the main supplier of wool to European countries.

Today, merinos are bred in nurseries in Australia, New Zealand and some other countries. It can be said without exaggeration that this wool has won recognition all over the world, and every year the popularity of merino products is only growing.

The benefits of merino wool

Year after year, as eco-friendly, healthy fabrics that have a beneficial effect on human health come into fashion, the popularity of merino grows.

Merino wool has pronounced healing properties, primarily due to the high content of lanolin - animal wax. Among the beneficial effects of merino wool on human health are the following:

merino clothing has a positive effect on muscles and joints, so it is indicated for people suffering from pain in the joints and muscles;

sweaters, socks, other clothes made from this wool perfectly stimulate blood circulation;
clothing made from this material is classified as "thermal clothing", since it maintains an optimal microclimate for human health;
merino is a hypoallergenic material, this is especially true for people who are hypersensitive;
lanolin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and resolving properties;
merino clothing is indicated for people suffering from osteochondrosis, rheumatism, orthopedic materials, bronchial ailments;
wearing merino clothing is the prevention of puffiness; in those who constantly suffer from this problem, swelling will decrease;
effectively absorbs moisture with increased sweating and at the same time remains dry;
Merino wool is equally useful for adults and children.

Merino products

Clothes (sweaters, etc.), socks maintain body temperature without overheating and provide excellent ventilation.
Merino bed linen (duvets and pillows filled with merino, mattress toppers) - this is what you need for healthy sleep and strengthening the body, because we spend a third of our lives in bed. Wool products will create optimal mode for sleep at any time of the year and at any temperature in the house or apartment.

Strength

Merino wool clothing and bed linen are durable and long lasting.

The fact is that merino wool fibers have a fine crimped structure, as well as high strength and splendor. These unique properties merino is reflected in the texture - lush and airy, which retains its qualities, as well as appearance for a long time.

As you know, people still have not been able to create artificial material, which was entirely recreated unique properties sheep wool, which is a kind of thermal stabilizer. That is why merino clothes are comfortable both in hot and cold weather (which is especially important when moving from outdoors to indoors and vice versa, otherwise there is a high risk of getting sick).

Wool is extremely practical to use - merino products will serve you for many years.

Often on the labels of children's things or bed linen you can see the inscription that the composition is merino wool. What kind of material is this, artificial or natural, what qualities does it have? Little is really known about this, so we decided to investigate the issue.

Origin story

Merino is a breed of sheep whose wool consists of very thin but strong fibers. This is what distinguishes them from other animals that are bred not only for the collection of skins, but also because of the meat. After all, Merino sheep are much smaller than meat breeds in size, but they are densely covered with a unique wool pile.

There are, however, African and american breed that combine all qualities.

Merino first appeared in Spain in the 12th century. The Spaniards were monopolists in this direction. The country took this matter so seriously that it was provided the death penalty those who tried to take the sheep out of the country. This was considered a terrible crime and betrayal. But in the 18th century, this regime fell, and merino came to Sweden, Saxony, and then to Australia.

Today, sheep are bred almost everywhere: in England, Italy, Turkey, Russia. Merino clothes have gained immense popularity, and the assortment offered by stores is constantly expanding. And this is understandable, because the material is unique and extremely useful for humans.

Useful properties of the material

We all know for a long time that natural sheep's pile is not only warm, but also saves from various ailments, and is generally useful to wear. Such clothes and underwear:

Stimulates blood circulation.
Favorably affects the joints.
It has an anti-inflammatory effect. Useful for osteochondrosis, rheumatic diseases.
Does not cause allergic reactions even when it is on other types of natural pile.
Improves sleep.
Warms with colds.
Excellent moisture wicking. You will not be blown out if you come out of a hot room into cold air.

In addition, merino wool retains its good appearance for a long time. It is three times softer than silk and four times more elastic than cotton. Things turn out soft, elastic and the main thing - strong. Therefore, the material is often used when sewing clothes for children and bedding for babies. It does not irritate delicate baby skin, warms and improves sleep.

Also, older people like to wear merino wool. After all, most people aged have problems with the joints and the lumbar back.

What is sewn from merino?

Of course, such useful and practical things are popular. Therefore, manufacturers produce all kinds of products based on merino. You can choose for yourself:

Blankets and blankets. They will be warm, soft and give comfort to the interior.
Children's tights, overalls and hats.
Warm clothes for adults: sweaters, pullovers, turtlenecks.
Thermal underwear for athletes and everyday wear. It wicks sweat away while keeping you warm.
Shoe insoles and slippers.
Outerwear.
Special covers for car seats.

This is the only type of wool that cannot be made artificial variant because it is unique in its qualities and composition. Therefore, the price is always high. If they try to sell you things at a surprisingly low cost, claiming that this is pure merino, do not believe it.

How to care?

Merino clothing or underwear is classified as delicate items and requires appropriate care.

Cannot be stored in a plastic bag. Only box or paper wrap. So the thing will "breathe" and retain its shape longer.
It is better not to fold at all, putting it away for storage. But if there is no other option, then you need to straighten the jacket by hanging it on a hanger for a while. It will return to its original form.
Wash only by hand, at a low temperature. Or take it to the dry cleaners.
Wet clothes should be dried on a towel. Change the towel as it dries.
If pellets have formed, they cannot be torn off by hand. Can be trimmed neatly with scissors. This does not mean that the item is of poor quality. This is a natural process.
You can iron, but only through the fabric and on low heat.

Care will determine how long your blanket will be warm, and the sweater will be comfortable and beautiful. This very soft material and without good care he won't last long.

Merino wool: price

Merino wool products can be sorted by price depending on the manufacturer, weight and composition:

Manufacturer	Product	Compound	Price
Italy, Spain, England



Switzerland

We indicated the yarn, in which only merino wool. There are many options for combining it with additives: Angora rabbit down, polyester, dralon, etc. The cost also depends on this. But if you look at our table, it becomes clear that the most cheap material produced in Peru, Turkey and Russia. However, the quality is better than the one made in Italy, Spain or England.

But if you really want a merino scarf, but there is not much money and inexpensive option. It will turn out no worse: it will warm and cure a cough. The only drawback is that things made from cheaper wool are not worn for so long. But you can knit a new scarf for each season.

So now you understand what in question if you see a label that says merino wool. What is it and how to care, we told you in detail. These things must be protected and then they will protect your health.

Merino wool video

In this video, technologist Roman Stasov will tell you about the properties of merino wool and its use in thermal underwear: