What is merino wool - properties, application in the production of things, blankets, blankets and thermal underwear. Merino wool - what is it? Features and products Care and pricing

Since healthy lifestyle life has become a guide for many people, we carefully read the information on the label - whether it is a package of cheese or a winter sweater designed to warm in bad weather. In pursuit of the best, we are faced with new terms and names. One of them is the inscription "Merino - 100%" proudly emblazoned on the label. What kind of wool is this - merino? And why is she unique?

There are indispensable!

Merino - special breed sheep, whose wool is distinguished by the longest and finest fibers. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is a legendary breed. Until 1765, attempts to export this high-quality from Spain were punished death penalty, and only noble persons could wear products made of merino wool. And only in the XVIII century, when the Spaniards were defeated by the British, merinos were taken out of the country. However, the British did not manage to master the art of sheep breeding immediately. It took about 200 years before the specialists of the country of fogs and rains were able to achieve significant success in sheep breeding, comparable to the skill of the Spaniards. Ideal conditions for breeding merino turned out to be in Australia, where the widespread use of wool on an industrial scale began. By the way, the country to this day remains one of the world leaders in the production of merino wool. Surely you are already intrigued by what could inspire the Europeans to a fierce struggle for the "Golden Fleece". And there are really many reasons for this.

For any weather and season

The main secret of merino wool is that it maintains an optimal microclimate. The best of that proof is the well-being of sheep, which can equally well withstand low winter and high summer temperatures.

It is not surprising that scientists have not yet been able to create an analogue that could replicate its properties as a thermal stabilizer. Merino clothes are thin to the touch, but surprisingly warm products (sweaters, blouses, vests). In them, the winter cold will be nothing for you. If you get bed linen from merino (duvet cover, pillow, blanket), it will serve you equally well both in winter and in summer. Just think: there are millions of air cushions in the fibers that retain heat regardless of temperature changes. And due to the high hygroscopicity, merino wool is able to absorb up to 33 percent of moisture from its volume. Thanks to this property, the body always remains dry.

Warms and heals

To date, the healing properties of merino no one is in doubt.

Firstly, wool has a beneficial effect on the joints and actively stimulates blood circulation.

Secondly, due to the significant amount of animal wax - lanolin - in wool, merino products have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and absorbable effect. Therefore, it is recommended to wear clothes made from this wool for those who suffer from rheumatic and orthopedic diseases, problems with the bronchi, and edema.

Thirdly, due to the ability to maintain the best microclimate for a person in merino clothes, a person gets tired less.

Finally, in the "age of allergies" it is impossible not to say that this wool is hypoallergenic, so merino - the best choice for children, pregnant women, athletes and all those who care about their health and comfort.

Looks great!

The appearance of merino wool will not disappoint you either. These are exceptionally soft, fluffy, elastic and amazingly beautiful products that keep their shape for a long time and well.

At the same time, wool has high strength, it is extremely practical to use.

And no insomnia!

Often, sleep problems can be caused by “wrong” bedding. Merino will also help to make sleep healthier and stronger.

Today, there is a large selection of Merino products on sale, including blankets, duvet covers. You don’t sweat in such a bed - the ventilation is just perfect. At the same time, underwear, like clothes, has an exceptionally beneficial effect on the body during sleep.

As you can see, no other breed of sheep can surpass Merino in its properties. Modern manufacturers offer us not only clothes and bedding, but also car seats, decorative pillows and (its upper part is made of wool). In a year, wool can be obtained from one sheep for the manufacture of about five items of clothing. We wish that at least a few of them ended up in your closet in the form of fashionable blouses and sweaters!

In recent decades natural materials are everywhere replaced by synthetic ones with a predetermined set of properties.
In pursuit of new advanced technologies facilitating human life, we have learned to pay closer attention not so much to terms and names as useful properties materials used in the manufacture of certain products.
One of the materials, the name of which is associated with a large number of unique properties, is merino wool.

History reference

Merino is a unique breed of sheep that has been bred for more than a dozen years solely for the sake of fine-fleeced high-quality wool. Spain is rightfully considered the birthplace of this legendary breed. Until 1765, attempts to export this high-quality wool from Spain were punishable by death, and only noble persons could wear products made from merino wool.
And only in the XVIII century, when the Spaniards were defeated by the British, merinos were taken out of the country.

However, the British did not manage to master the art of sheep breeding immediately. It took about 200 years before specialists from other countries were able to achieve significant success in sheep breeding, comparable to the skill of the Spaniards.

Ideal conditions for breeding merino turned out to be in Australia, where the widespread use of wool on an industrial scale began.

Australia and New Zealand today remain the world leaders in the production of merino wool.

The unique properties of merino wool

Nature has endowed merino wool with unique properties to help animals in their natural environment to endure low temperatures in winter and too high in summer.


The structure of merino wool is twisted very thin fibers, between which an air space is formed, and, as experts have calculated, up to 40 such waves fit on one centimeter of good wool of this type. Just think: there are millions of air cushions in the fibers that retain heat regardless of temperature changes.

The structure of the Merino wool is “scaly” - the outer cuticles cover the fibers like a tile. Such a structure of woolen hair makes it easy to fall off, which is actively used in the creation of non-woven woolen fabrics - such as felt and felt.

Due to its high hygroscopicity, merino wool is able to absorb up to 33% of moisture from its volume, which allows the body to always remain dry under clothes made of merino wool.

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:

1. Merino wool clothing has a positive effect on muscles and joints, so it is indicated for people suffering from pain in the joints and muscles;
2. sweaters, socks, other clothes made from this wool perfectly stimulate blood circulation;
3. clothing made from this material is classified as "thermal clothing", since it maintains an optimal microclimate for human health;
4. merino is a hypoallergenic material, this is especially true for people who are hypersensitive;
5. lanolin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and absorbable properties;
6. Merino clothing is indicated for people suffering from osteochondrosis, rheumatism, orthopedic materials, bronchial ailments;
7. wearing merino wool is the prevention of puffiness; in those who constantly suffer from this problem, swelling will decrease;
8. effectively absorbs moisture in case of increased sweating and at the same time remains dry;
9. Merino wool is equally beneficial for adults and children.

Why is merino wool used in KEEPTEX waterproof products?

The distinctive characteristics of merino wool are:

1. Lightweight and high strength
2. Good breathability
3. High hygroscopicity
4. Anti-allergenic
5. Antiseptic properties
6. Ability to maintain an optimal microclimate

These unique properties merino wool combined with the latest membrane technologies make KEEPTEX products (such as waterproof knitted gloves and waterproof long socks) comfortable, practical, reliable and durable, equally useful for both professionals and everyday use.

Merino wool - what is it? This is the thinnest natural wool a certain type of sheep, merino. In addition to the fineness of the fibers, it is quite durable in quality. Clothing items knitted from this wool do not lose their marketable appearance for a very long time when worn for a long time and at the same time retain heat well.

History of occurrence

This type of sheep, like merino, was first bred in Spain. Initially, it was an elite type of material worn exclusively by monarchs. For an ordinary commoner, wearing things made from merino wool was strictly prohibited. And if someone tried to take the merino out of the country, he was severely punished. All this continued until the 18th century. But already at the time of the conquests by the British, they accidentally took a couple of representatives of this type of sheep with them on board and delivered to Australia. And it was here that the climate turned out to be ideal for their breeding. Today, Australia is the world's top exporter.

Merino wool: what is it and what are its properties

Due to the difficult climatic conditions of survival, merino wool has acquired the following properties. After all, Australia has very severe winters and incredibly hot summers. And thanks to the properties of thermoregulation, animals managed to adapt to the harsh climate. The fibers are very thin - 5 of them can be equated in thickness to one human hair. This is the secret of thermal insulation of this type of wool. And at the same time, you can wear merino wool products for several days and not even a drop of sweat smell will appear. If you try to use any other wool for this, then the clothes will need to be washed every day.

It's no secret that any sheep's wool can not only warm, but also heal. After all, wool natural product, which easily absorbs all the toxic that is released with sweat during wear. But in addition to absorption toxic substances, perfectly absorbs moisture and warms. The structure of the fiber has a springy shape, which allows dirt and dust not to stick to it. In order to clean the thing, you just need to shake it vigorously. Great for both cold season as a heating pad and hot summer day. Therefore, it is very convenient to fill blankets with such fiber for different seasons. This wool fights odors well, and therefore it is very often used in the textile industry.

An added bonus is that it serves as an excellent sedative. It's so cozy after a hard day's work to wrap yourself in a blanket made of soft wool.

What is made from

So, merino wool - what is it and what is it made of? The most common type of items made from wool of this type are items of children's clothing. Indeed, at a young age, children do not always complain to their parents about whether they are hot or cold. And in clothes made of this material, they are never hot and not chilly - they will not sweat or freeze. Merino wool thermal underwear for children is very popular. But do not forget that this is only a layer of underwear worn by a child in the cold season.

How to choose children's thermal underwear?

When choosing children's thermal underwear made of merino wool, you need to pay attention to the composition of the material. The main argument for parents is its practicality, useful qualities and price. The thickness of the fabric is not so important as its ability to absorb sweat and keep the cold out.

Merino wool blankets

Very popular products in the form of blankets and blankets, which give people only comfort and peace. Interestingly, the fame of blankets made from the wool of this type of sheep first arose long before the advent of the textile industry.

Bedding is mass-produced from this type of wool due to its hypoallergenic properties.

Merino wool products are washed like any other wool. Be sure to look at the care instructions on the label. The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees, and the thing after washing should not be wrung out.

Main advantages

We continue to consider merino wool. What is it, we found out. Now let's take a look at its benefits:

1. Wool is hydroscopic.
2. Excellent thermal insulation due to the unusual structure of the fibers.
3. Wool breathes well.
4. Will never cause allergies.
5. Fairly elastic.
6. Does not require special care.

But most importantly, a merino wool blanket is a daily micro-massage of the whole body. Due to dry heat and lanolin fat on the surface of the fibers, it is an excellent remedy for the treatment of diseases such as arthritis, sciatica, back pain, and is good for colds. This is the only wool of all that is harmless and safe even for babies and people with bronchial asthma.

So it's safe to say that merino wool is truly elite wool!

Reading time: 6 minutes

Merino wool, what is it: a type of wool sheared from fine-fleeced sheep. Merino wool is soft, warm and cozy. It is expensive, but you can find cheaper options with the addition of synthetic fibers.

Merino and its wool

Who is merino: this is a fine-fleeced breed of sheep. They are smaller than meat breeds, the emphasis is on the quality of wool. Until the 18th century, they were not taken out of Spain, this was punishable by law.

What is merino wool: a thin pile that is sheared from these sheep. It is thinner than the hair of other sheep breeds. Now 80% of the material is exported from Australia.

Varieties

Merino wool comes in several varieties. This is determined by the thickness of the hair:

• The first option is the most common and thickest wool with a thickness of 22.6 microns. Most wear resistant, mixable with acrylic or polyester fibers. They make cheap wool knitwear, upholstery for car seats. Designers use it for wall covering indoors.
• Medium merino wool has a diameter of 20.6-22.5 microns. Knitted materials are made from it, light suits are sewn.

• Fine medium merino wool is the most common. The pile size is 19.6-20.5 microns. Soft and strong, durable. It is used for the manufacture of medium and heavy knitwear, outerwear.
• Fine fiber has a diameter of 18.6 to 19.5 microns.
• The size of superfine hair varies from 17.6 to 18.5.
• Ultra-thin version - ultrafine. Its diameter is from 16.1 to 17.5.
• Extrafine - these are fibers up to 16 microns. If desired, manufacturers receive hair with a diameter of 13.5 or even less. Merino extrafine from 12.5 microns is often used for mixing with other elite types of fibers: cashmere and silk. Get rare and expensive material for the manufacture of women's and men's clothing.

Specifications

From one animal receive up to 15 kg of pile per year. From this amount, a fiber with a length of 8000 kilometers will be obtained. The natural color of this wool is white. Other properties of this material:

• soft, pleasant to the body, does not scratch or irritate the skin;
• does not cause allergies;
• passes air;
• hygroscopicity - absorbs moisture up to 30% of its own weight;
• when sweat is absorbed, merino wool items remain comfortable and dry to the touch;
• warms better than other materials;
• maintains body temperature in any weather;
• durable, fire-resistant, wear-resistant;
• not electrified;
• elastic, elastic, stretches well;
• antibacterial properties;
• dirt repellent and self-cleaning.

Products made from merino wool warm better than other wool, because the fibers are thin, they have more small spaces between them. This provides a delay warm air. The thinner the wool, the warmer the thing.

Merino wool - a mark that can be on products or yarn made from 100% merino wool.

Various merino wool

The material is different, depending on the habitat and age of the animal.

From Australia

Australian merino wool is different from European. This was facilitated by a different climate. Outer hairs shine, protected from moisture. They are hard and long. The inner hairs are soft, cozy, tender. They have good thermal insulation.

The Australian Merino is considered a separate breed. The largest amount of this material is exported from this country. Now there are about 150 million animals in Australia. Several different types to create materials of different quality.

Excellent wool is obtained from sheep grown in ecologically clean meadows with good vegetation. It is hypoallergenic due to the content of lanolin.

New Zealand

New Zealand merino gives smooth, soft and rather thin fibers from 16 microns. The material is not cheap, but this does not affect its popularity. Queues line up behind him, large manufacturers of yarn and fabrics buy almost everything at once. Sheep breeders simply do not keep up with the desires of buyers.

In this country, they do not practice the terrible mulching operation to prevent blowflies. But since 1930 it has been allowed in Australia.

Virginia material

There are two definitions:

1. The one sheared from a 4-6 month old lamb. Its fibers are no more than 20 microns. The fibers are collected by hand, from one animal no more than 140 g is obtained.
2. Virginia wool - used for the first time. It has not been used anywhere, not recycled. It is sheared from both adult rams and lambs. This is the most common variant of the name of this species.

Virginia can only be called the material that is collected from a living and completely healthy animal.

Merino wool products of this type are suitable for everyday wear. They almost do not crumple, do not form pellets and are resistant to water. They absorb steam well: a crumpled thing can be hung in a room with high humidity and after a while there will be no creases.

Fur

How fur differs from wool: it remains on the dressed skin after shearing the hair itself. The skin is treated with a formalin solution to give shine and softness.

The product is usually dyed, in natural color the fur looks unattractive. Apply different shades of dyes, the most popular - brown or black. Such fur is called a muton.

Interesting:

The material is made only in Russia. Abroad, production with formalin is considered very harmful.

Care rules

How to wash this material:

• Use water no more than 30-35 degrees. Requires liquid detergent marked "for wool" or shampoo.
• A thick foam is whipped from a mixture of water and the product. You need to lower the product into it for a few minutes.
• The thing is wrinkled with neat movements, do not twist or pull. Then gently rinse a couple of times. The detergent needs to be completely washed out.

• Squeeze out some of the water, but do not twist. Lay on a cotton cloth to absorb the main moisture.
• Spread out on a towel, leave in desired form. Comb if necessary while item is damp.

Before washing in the machine, you need to make sure that it can be done. If the inscription on the tag allows, select the delicate mode or the wool program. Water temperature up to 30 degrees, delicate detergent and no spin are required.

Merino is a breed of sheep, mainly living in Australia. Their wool is valued for high quality. The size of the animal is slightly smaller than that of an ordinary domestic sheep, but the main value of merino is its wool.

wool qualities

The length of the fiber is approximately 65-100 mm, the width is 24 microns (µm). There are several varieties of the Merino breed. The yarn obtained from such sheep also differs:

• wide or strong: its length is 23-24.5 microns;
• medium size or medium: length 19.6-22.9 microns;
• fine or fine: about 18.6-19.5 microns;
• very fine or superfine: length 15-18.5 microns;
• ultrafine or ultrafine: 11.5-15 microns.

Key Features

We list the main characteristics of merino wool:

1. Superfine wool is the most expensive, as Merino stock is very limited.
2. This type of yarn is great for weaving with several threads - in combination with cashmere, silk. By the way, manufacturers have invented a technology (it is very popular in New Zealand), thanks to which ultra-light knitwear is obtained as a result of production. For this, merino wool + possum fur yarn is mixed.
3. Wool has a high hypoallergenicity, perfectly removes moisture from the body. Thanks to the air particles that are between the fibers, the yarn has a high thermal effect.
4. The hygroscopicity of merino yarn is 30% of its own weight, after reaching this mark, the thread still continues to remove excess moisture from the skin, leaving the body dry. Such a retraction prevents the growth of bacteria and pathogenic organisms, which is excellent for skin with a high threshold of sensitivity, as well as for children with skin diseases or allergic reactions.
5. The distinctive quality that merino has is that its yarn is dirt-repellent to some extent. The fibers are so elastic that dirt does not stick to them. To clean the product, just shake it.
6. Wool has the ability to protect against unpleasant odors. Due to the special structure of the fibers, an environment unfavorable for the reproduction of bacteria is created inside, which prevents the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the shortcomings, it can only be noted that natural merino wool has White color, and threads of a different shade with 100% content of only merino wool simply do not exist. Accordingly, in order to obtain a different shade, the wool is dyed or other fibers are added. However, impurities of other threads only worsen the quality of the yarn.

Another feature, rather than a drawback, is that thick merino yarn is difficult to work with. The diameter of the fibers can be about 2 cm, which gives an additional load on the hands of the needlewoman and obliges the use of special working tools, since simple knitting needles are not suitable for work.

If you look in more detail, then the thickest strands of wool are not yarn, but the raw material for its manufacture. If you look closely, it is a large number of hairs of wool, combed and laid parallel to each other by the factory method. This raw material is called tops (combed tape) and is similar in structure to cotton wool. In work, it behaves accordingly - fluffy, torn, stretched, frizzy. Products from tops are torn, do not hold their shape. In addition, untreated wool is not ready for direct contact with the skin, as it is not completely cleaned.

Large yarn, which contains 100% merino, is fibers manually twisted into bundles, about 1-2 cm thick. This yarn already behaves completely differently in work, but still it is not fully prepared.

Yarn for work

The spun and processed yarns are fibers that have undergone heat treatment and are completely ready for use. The fabric knitted from such wool does not fluff, does not tear and does not fall apart. The fibers are elastic, hold heat well and remove moisture.

The thickness of the threads can be from 5 mm to 2 cm in diameter. From this yarn you can knit both delicate things - sweaters, sweaters, cardigans, as well as fashion accessories - blankets, bags, hats, scarves.

Features of care

From the wool that merino gives, the yarn is very delicate. When washing, the product must not be left in water for a long time. Twisting or squeezing things out of this yarn is also not recommended. Only light hand pressing is allowed. To dry, the product is laid out on a flat surface. If it seems that the form is lost, then it is necessary to give the thing the parameters that were before washing. After drying, the yarn will acquire its former elasticity and softness, and the product will return to its shape.

Wool that has not been spun is not subject to washing, since after it it is processed. Things after dry cleaning take on a different look and do not return to their previous appearance. Such wool can only be used for products that are not supposed to be washed.

From the wool that merino gives, the yarn is perfect - high quality, warm, soft, delicate. In work, adapting to such threads is quite difficult, but the result will be worth it. Products made from such yarn look unusual and perfectly emphasize the taste of their owner.