Merino wool. Merino wool: what it is, characteristics Products made from merino wool

Since ancient times, the word wool has symbolized warmth, care and softness. Thanks to its high spinning properties, wool received widest distribution in various areas of the textile industry. Wool yarn is similar in structure to human hair, so it is very comfortable when in contact with the skin. Wool is a collective concept that includes the wool of a sheep, goat, camel, llama, rabbit and even dog. The wool of different animals differs in properties and scope of application.

Merino wool is wool sheared from the withers of a Merino sheep. Merinos (Spanish: merino (singular) and los merinos (plural)) are a breed of sheep with uniform, fine wool. It is believed that the Merino breed originated from Spain, where for many centuries breeders bred hard work to improve wool quality. In XII - 16th centuries Thanks to the quality of the wool of the sheep raised, the Spaniards had a monopoly on the wool market. Until the 17th century, exporting merino sheep from Spain was considered a crime and was punishable by death penalty. At the end of the 18th century, the first Spanish merino sheep were transported to Australia and New Zealand. Centuries later, the number of Merinos in Australia has reached a record high: there are now 70,000 sheep farmers raising about 155 million sheep.

Australia's climatic conditions are unique. The presence of desert and semi-desert, marine and Mediterranean climates make this country an unusual climatic zone, which undoubtedly affects the quality sheep wool. Australians are literally obsessed with sheep. Merinos are national pride, the main source of income in the economy and favorite hobby. The most popular sport in Australia is sheep shearing.

Merino sheep are real champions in terms of the amount of wool produced. One sheep produces up to 15 kg of wool fibers per year, which is equal to a thread 8 thousand kilometers long. Sheep of other breeds grow no more than 6-7 kg of fleece per year. The main advantage of merino wool is not in quantity, but in the quality of wool, which is distinguished by the highest consumer indicators. Thickness of fine fleece fibers merino wool is only 14.5-23 microns, which thinner than a hair human twice (40 microns). For a coarse-wool sheep, this parameter is 25-35 microns. A tiny difference of thousandths of a millimeter makes great value. Firstly, white, soft, thin and elastic merino wool cannot be confused with anything else; even a non-specialist can distinguish it. Secondly, with a thickness of more than 23 microns, wool yarn already begins to itch and can cause an allergic reaction.

To make yarn, merino wool is sheared only from the withers area. It is at the withers that sheep have special fine-fleece wool less than 23 microns thick. In addition, merino wool stands out among other types of wool due to its extraordinary elasticity. Merinos have natural curls on their withers and belly, so the elasticity of the yarn is created precisely because of the way the wool grows. Merino yarn, made from sheep's wool, is very fine and surprisingly durable. In addition, it is elegant, almost weightless and unusually warm. It is the lightness and strength of merino wool that allows it to be made into comfortable and sophisticated products.

The best lots of unwashed Merino wool are offered annually at the Australian Golden Bale auction. Famous textile brands and fashion houses participating in the auction are ready to pay any money for successful lots. In 2002, a record 110 kilogram bale of merino wool was sold for $460 thousand. Currently, 15% of Merino wool in Australia is produced "under the roof", using new European technology, which allows us to obtain wool of exclusive quality. Merinos are kept indoors, in special blankets, they are fed only prepared food and are closely monitored. Naturally, the cost of such wool is much higher than from sheep that graze freely, but extra-class merino wool is sold on the world market for $20-30 per 1 kg and more.

Types of Merino wool

Merino wool marked Strong from fibers with a thickness of 20-22.5 microns. This type of fiber accounts for approximately 80% of the world's merino wool production. Mostly like this
Wool is used to make yarn for machine knitting. Sometimes, during the process of degeneration of the herd, the thickness of the sheep's wool fibers can increase and reach 28-30 microns. A situation arises when wool is considered merino not according to the main indicators, but only according to the type of animal from which it was obtained. This wool is used to produce inexpensive yarn for hand knitting.

The following types of merino wool are rarely used for making hand knitting yarn due to their very high cost. But such skeins can be found in small batches produced by the world's leading manufacturers.

Merino wool has a medium diameter, designated Medium. The thickness of wool fibers is 18-20 microns. The share of world production of this type of yarn is about 15%.

Fine wool marked Fine. The thickness of the fibers is 16-17 microns. The share of world production of this type of yarn among others is 5-7%.

Very fine wool, designated SuperFine. The fiber thickness is 14-15.5 microns. The global share of production of this merino wool is extremely small - sometimes up to 0.1%. Very thin, light and fluffy merino wool is used exclusively for the manufacture of expensive fabrics and knitwear. It is this subspecies of unwashed wool that is put up at the “Golden Bale” auction, during which the best batch in terms of color, softness and many other indicators is determined, designated by the same name “Golden Bale”. Even at the most favorable years the weight of such a batch is no more than several hundred kilograms.

Ultrafine wool labeled Extrafine. The fiber thickness is 11.5-15 microns. This is the rarest and most expensive type of merino wool. The number of such sheep is small and to prevent the highly valuable fiber from becoming tangled and rough, in windy and rainy weather the animals walk around the pasture in special raincoats - capes. Extra-fine merino wool is suitable for blending with other expensive yarns such as cashmere or silk. New Zealand produces exclusive lightweight knitwear, which is created by mixing merino wool and possum fur.

The thickness of the wool does not affect its noble properties: the highest quality fleece is inherent in all types of Merino sheep. It is not for nothing that the twenty-first century is called the era of scientific and technological progress. In the textile industry, synthetics with a clearly defined set of qualities and properties are actively replacing natural materials. But even the most Hi-tech cannot give artificial fabrics the unique characteristics of natural merino wool. People have learned to clone sheep, but not merino wool, the wonderful properties of which cannot be replaced by any existing material.

The magical properties of merino wool

Excellent moisture absorption. It's no secret that when the temperature rises environment or a cold, a person begins to sweat. Thus, his body gives up excess moisture and tends to cool down. Merino wool is hygroscopic, that is, it can absorb up to 33% of its own weight in moisture. Wool heats up to the temperature of the human body and easily absorbs water accumulated between the bends of the fibers, which relieves a person from unpleasant sensation- contact with wet material. Pillows, blankets, mattresses and any other products made from merino wool always remain dry.

Excellent thermal insulation. The finest crimped merino wool fibers are considered ideal thermal insulation material. Scientists have calculated that per centimeter of merino wool there are up to 40 small waves, which form unique air cushions between themselves that prevent either cold or heat from reaching the body. That is why the world's leading manufacturers of sleep and leisure products often use merino wool as a filler.

Excellent calming effect. Modern man lives in constant tension and surrounded by endless irritants and stress. Merino wool contains lanolin, which softens and soothes the skin. Lanolin is actively used in cosmetology, including for the production of safe softening creams for breastfeeding mothers. Products made from soft merino wool lull you to sleep better than any sleeping pill. In addition, due to its exceptional delicacy and softness, merino wool will never scratch the skin.

Reliable protection against unpleasant odors. Nowadays, this property has become decisive for the use of merino wool in the production of sleeping textiles. High-quality and well-washed merino wool has no foreign odors. The substance creatine present in the fibers naturally destroys bacteria that live on human skin and cause unpleasant odors.

Unique self-cleaning effect. The core of each merino wool fiber consists of two types of cells with different moisture absorption properties. At high humidity air, some cells fill with water and swell, others simply change their size, which creates friction between the fibers. Therefore, products made from merino wool require virtually no cleaning. From time to time they just need to be ventilated in humid weather.

Antibacterial properties. Creatine, which is contained in merino wool, is an unfavorable environment for the development of bacteria and microscopic insects. In addition, a water repellent is formed on the surface of each fiber, repelling insect pests.

Electrostatic properties. Merino wool reduces positive ionization on the human body. Positive ions have a very depressing effect on a person and open the way for many diseases and ailments, and wool helps even at the source of the problem.

Neutralization of toxic substances. More than a century ago, the famous researcher of the properties of wool, Professor Yeager, found that merino wool neutralizes toxic substances. Wool is a natural hydrophobic protein consisting of amino acids that are endowed with the properties of neutralizing toxic substances - ammonia compounds.

Hypoallergenic. Merino wool is not an allergen and contains 8-10% lanolin. Dissolving at a temperature of 35-37 ºС, lanolin penetrates the skin and has a beneficial effect on joints, muscles, spine and respiratory system, and also stimulates blood circulation.

High medicinal properties. Any disease of the respiratory tract disrupts the human body electric potential, which aligns neither medicinal product. Merino wool has the unique ability to equalize electrical potential, which significantly speeds up recovery. Wool softens and soothes acute pain, treats arthritis, rheumatism, radiculitis, helps with fractures, when nursing patients with bedsores, and also promotes a speedy recovery from viral infections that often occur in the autumn-winter period. It is believed that treatment with merino wool is akin to acupuncture. Even in ancient times, seriously ill people were nursed on sheep skins. Today this method is used in many countries. Thanks to the unique properties of merino wool to absorb and evaporate excess moisture, as well as nourish the skin with lanolin, the effect of the main causes of bedsores - friction, pressure and moisture - is significantly reduced. Products made from this wool perform a gentle micro-massage of the nerve endings of the human body at the capillary level, which normalizes blood pressure and improves blood circulation throughout the body.

Evgeniy Sedov

When your hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

Content

Knitwear is always fashionable and popular; manufacturers offer products from different types yarn. Viscose, lavsan, polyester - products made from it are affordable. Will sweaters made from artificial yarn replace natural ones? No, especially if we're talking about about the valuable and expensive raw materials that sheep give us. Merino wool – unique yarn, large and small knitted products are made from it, and not thick, clumsy sweaters, but merino products that are airy, comfortable and very warm.

What is merino wool

Merino is a special breed of sheep bred in Spain. It is distinguished from others by the properties of wool - thin and long fibers perfectly retain heat and protect from high humidity. Initially, the breed was cultivated in Spain, from where Merinillo was prohibited from being exported. They later became one of the Spanish war trophies of the British, who successfully adapted the breed to a wetter, cooler climate. Australia has achieved success in breeding an elite breed of sheep. Today it is the undisputed leader in the production of merino yarn.

The cost of merino yarn is high, but there are prerequisites for this:

wool has ideal thermal insulation;
hypoallergenic, recommended for children of any age;
easy to clean from contamination, does not absorb foreign odors;
absorbs up to 30% moisture;
useful for arthritis, osteochondrosis;
looks expensive, lasts a long time and never goes out of style.

Merino wool yarn

“Merino” is popular among lovers of felting and knitting. Thread thickness is approximately 20-22.5 microns for machine knitting and 28-30 microns for hand knitting. You can buy thick merino yarn not very expensive. ExtraFine and SuperFine, “Summer wool” (thickness from 14 to 18 microns) are considered elite varieties of yarn, they make airy and warm shawls, summer knitwear, and capes. This thread is significantly more expensive, but is appreciated by professionals. Additions of acrylic or polyester are allowed, but not more than 5%.

Price – 450 rub. per skein

light;
warm;
hypoallergenic;
suitable for openwork products;
ideal for children's things.

If dried incorrectly, the product may lose its shape and elasticity.

Yarn Lana Grossa Cashmere 16 Fine, composition: 80% merino wool; 10% cashmere; 10% polyamide, made in Italy.

Yarn Lana Grossa Lace Merino Degrade – 100% merino yarn, made in Italy:

Price – 535 rub. per skein

light;
warm;
hypoallergenic;
suitable for coats, shawls, scarves;
looks unusual and creates volume of the product

not suitable for machine wash;
high price;
due to the presence of polyamide in the composition, it may become slightly electrified.

Yarn Lang Yarns Donegal composition 100% merino wool, manufacturer Switzerland

Price – 745 rub. per skein

warm;
hygroscopic;
unusual tweed color;
It is used to knit outerwear, suits, pullovers, and jackets.

not suitable for machine wash;
high price;
high consumption of yarn for the product.

Merino wool products

Merino yarn has been used for hand and machine knitting since Soviet times. Women knit scarves, hats, sweaters, shawls, even coats and suits. Products made from thick yarn are especially popular - these are voluminous scarves, sweaters, capes. Plaids are especially popular self made from bulky threads, Russian and foreign production. Any item made from merino fleece has unique properties yarn:

hygroscopicity;
excellent thermal insulation;
ease of wearing;
self-cleaning;
no allergens.

Blankets

Merino wool blankets belong to the elite category of home knitwear. Classic - thin and very warm blankets from manufacturers from Germany and Sweden. New - hand-knitted blankets made of thick (about 5cm in diameter) yarn. Super large knitting looks original and will decorate any interior. This great gift for a housewarming party.

Plaid Flaum Ditta, composition 100% Australian merino

Price – 13857 rub.

lightweight, weighs 700g;
unusual ethnic design;

only handwash special means;
high price;

Woolie, large knit, thick New Zealand merino yarn composition 100%, manufacturer Moscow, Russia.

Price 14900 rub.

fluffy and warm;
made by hand;
looks impressive.

there are a lot of fakes, buy only from dealers;
high price;
Wash by hand, dry on the floor on a stretcher.

Thermal underwear

Merino thermal underwear is highly valued for its hygroscopicity and ability to retain heat. Worn on a naked body and protects against overheating. Composition: merino wool and synthetic additives, which improve the quality of the product and increase its service life. In addition to standard sets (long johns and T-shirts), balaclavas, shorts and socks are produced.

Men's thermal T-shirt for hunting and fishing, two-layer underwear from the Hunter series: 47% thermal light, 50% Australian merino, 3% lycra. Manufacturer: Norveg, Germany

Price – 3576 rub.

wide temperature range for wearing;
the ability to absorb sweat and remove it from the skin;
special fabric in 2 layers.

wash only with special detergent;
high price.

Thermal long johns WOOLPOWER, made in Sweden. Composition: 80% merino, 10% polyamide.

Price: 3950 rub.

hypoallergenic;
can be worn on a naked body;
absorb moisture.

special care;

Sweater

100% merino knitwear is not only warm, but also beautiful. Sweaters and cardigans from Scandinavia and Italy are traditionally prized, but they have one drawback – their high price. More democratic chain brands H&M and Uniclo offer a choice for every day, but not like this High Quality. We would like to make a special mention of children's clothing made from merino wool; these are chic products for any age.

Haukeli – composition 100% merino wool, manufacturer Norway

Price: 17,600 rub.

warm;
soft;
wears for a long time..

special care;
high price;

Children's red knitted sweater Merri Merrini. Composition: 100% merino, manufacturer – UK.

Price 4650 rub.

hypoallergenic.
absorbs moisture;
doesn't get dirty

special care;
high price;

Blankets

Can a 2cm thick blanket keep you warm on a winter evening? Yes, if it is a merino fill blanket. Children's, one and a half and double blankets will give you warmth and prevent you from overheating. Russian products are not inferior to foreign ones and are superior in price; you should not discount them.

Nature's Golden Merino all-season wool. Manufacturer - Russia. Filler composition 100% merino wool.

Price – 3688 rub.

suitable for any time of year;
light and warm;
does not cause allergies;
does not get dirty.

special care;
high price;
there is a slight smell of sheep wool

Flaum Merino winter blanket, manufacturer Merino Wool, composition: merino thread - 80%, polylactide - 20%.

Price – 10,500 rub.

warm blanket for winter period
does not cause allergies;
excellent thermoregulation

special care;
high price;

How to choose merino wool

Before purchasing any product made from merino wool, it is worth remembering that this yarn is one of the most expensive. You shouldn’t believe crazy promotions and profitable sales - many are trying to sell a fake. When purchasing, you should adhere to several rules:

touch – natural wool without pellets, soft and does not creak;
throw on yourself - things made of merino wool are light and warm;
sniff - the specific smell cannot be confused with anything;
Set the thread on fire only when buying yarn in skeins, because no one will let you set fire to a blanket or blanket when selling it.

Healthy sleep – the key to quality rest, a vigorous awakening and excellent well-being throughout the day. But in order for a person to get a good night's sleep, several factors must come together: the comfort of the mattress, the most comfortable height and the softness of the pillow and, of course, a well-chosen blanket that warms in the cold and refreshes in the heat. Do you think that the combination of these properties in one product is impossible? However, there are such universal blankets. They are made from merino wool.

Who are Merinos?

Merinos are a very special, elite breed of sheep. It is believed that it was bred in Spain in the 12th century, however, after they were brought to Australia in the 18th century, sheep began to be bred almost exclusively there. The reason was the special Australian climate, favorable for these animals. Merino sheep differ from ordinary sheep in their small size; they are not kept for food. The main trump card of these cute creatures is luxurious wool, from which items of amazing quality are obtained.

This is due to the fact that merino wool fibers are very light, weightless, thin, but at the same time they are durable and have a high density.

Product Features and Benefits

Merino sheep wool contains a unique component - lanolin. When the blanket heats up under the influence of body temperature, microscopic particles of this substance penetrate the skin, and then into the human blood and contribute to the healing of the body. That is why blankets made from this material are recommended for people suffering from joint diseases, a tendency to swelling, and problems with the circulatory system. They are also good for athletes, as they help cope with excessive muscle tension and relieve pain. One of the wonderful properties of such a blanket that women will like is the fight against “orange peel” and skin rejuvenation.

However, merino wool is famous not only for its healing qualities. Blankets made from it have whole line advantages:

Temperature stabilization. Due to the fact that wool fibers perfectly allow air to pass through and do not interfere with its circulation, exactly the temperature that is required under the blanket is created. this moment time: comfortable coolness in summer and warmth in winter.
Merino wool is a very hygroscopic material. A blanket made from it is able to absorb and evaporate moisture (up to 30% of its own weight), while remaining dry and comfortable.
These products “breathe”. Air circulates easily among the fibers. This property, as well as the ability of lanolin to neutralize harmful substances, allows the wool blanket to maintain its original freshness and not absorb foreign odors.
Fire safety. The fact is that wool fibers store a small amount of moisture inside. In addition, each hair has an outer stratum corneum. Therefore, for a product made from such a material to ignite, more heat than for other natural fibers.
Products made from merino wool are not subject to static electricity and are not “dust collectors” and do not cause allergic reactions, which is why they are recommended even for newborn babies.
Self-cleaning ability. Free circulation of oxygen helps such blankets to always be clean. Dead particles of the epidermis and other “pollutants” do not settle on them.

Varieties

Merino wool blankets are divided into two categories:

By mass and density of fiber plexus they are divided into light ones, in which this same density does not exceed 150 grams per m2 - they are intended for use in warm time of the year; lightweight, with a weaving density of up to 300 grams per m2, recommended for all seasons and especially good for warming in ventilated rooms with high humidity air; and, finally, to standard ones, which have the tightest knitting (up to 400 grams per m2) and provide excellent warmth in the most severe cold.
By appearance wool blankets are divided into blankets with filling, when the wool is inside a cover made of cotton or satin fabric - this is the most common type, they fit perfectly into any interior design, last a long time and have a relatively low cost; products with one open wool side, when the other can be satin or synthetic; and completely woolen, the most expensive, beautiful and comfortable.

How to choose?

A merino wool blanket is not a cheap pleasure. Therefore, his choice must be approached responsibly, with knowledge of the matter. What factors should you consider when purchasing it:

Fluctuations in indoor temperature depending on the season and weather.
Features of your own body: whether you are “freezing” or like it when it’s cooler.
Do you like thick or thin blankets?
Do you sleep alone or together?
Do you prefer the product with a case or not?

You should also pay attention to the following product features:

How the blanket is sewn. There are 3 types of tailoring: parallel quilted, stitched with “squares” or the so-called karostep - patterned stitching. It is preferable to choose the 2nd or 3rd types.
What is the case made of?(if there is one). It is recommended to opt for calico, satin or jacquard fabric. They are natural, breathable, quite durable, last a very long time, and are pleasant to the body.
Information on the label. The following must be indicated: the manufacturing company, in which country it was produced, care recommendations, materials for making the cover and filler. The completely natural “filling” is accompanied by the NOMITE mark.
Presence or absence of odor. It is worth paying attention to whether there is an admixture of “chemistry” in the aroma. It shouldn't exist.
Workmanship. Good manufacturing companies They carefully monitor the performance of their products and exclude defective goods with protruding threads and crooked stitching.
Intelligence, located on all labels and tags of the product must be completely identical.

How to care?

So you've chosen the right merino wool blanket. However, like all products from natural materials, it needs special care. Let's take a look at the basic rules:

How best to deal with pollution: wash or clean. In principle, merino wool blankets can be washed unless otherwise stated on the information label. The presence or absence of a cover does not matter. There are a number of manufacturing companies that do not allow their products to be washed. If you purchased a blanket with a wash label on it, take it to the dry cleaner and be sure to notify the staff that it contains natural wool merino

If the stain is small, try removing it yourself. Wet it slightly with soap and water, rub gently, remove any remaining residue. detergent and dry it thoroughly in a straightened form. Shake the blanket several times.

Washing a wool blanket is only allowed by hand, in water with a temperature of up to 30 degrees Celsius. Use washing powder specially designed for wool products. Rinsing the blanket is done in the same water, neither cold nor hot. Do not twist or squeeze.

How to dry properly. Drying merino blanket must be done on horizontal surface. It is carefully straightened and placed on a cotton fabric, for example, on a large towel or sheet. When drying the blanket, turn it over and shake it from time to time. Don't put it near heating elements or under the sun's rays.

Any blankets and blankets made of wool, not only sheep’s, should be hung out for airing a couple of times a year. Most the best option– take the product outside, hang it in a shaded place and shake it a little to better fluff the fibers and saturate them with oxygen.

How to store it correctly. Storing a merino wool blanket should be done by folding it into a canvas or cotton bag and then storing it in a closet or linen box. It is recommended to place a moth repellent near the product.

When the blanket is taken out again for use, it needs to be straightened, spread out and left for a day or two so that it straightens, fluffs up and again delights you with comfortable warmth. Folds can be ironed through slightly wet gauze.

Merino wool yarn, which is rightfully considered one of the best in the world, is very popular among needlewomen. This type of wool is produced by a special breed of highland fine-wool Merino sheep bred in Australia and New Zealand, hence its name Merino.

Merino sheep are native to Spain but were transported to Australia and New Zealand in the late 18th century. Now the main producer of Merino six in the world has become Australia, where the number of Merino sheep is about 155 million.

In terms of the amount of wool produced, Merinos are real record holders - one sheep grows up to 15 kg of wool per year, while sheep of other breeds do not produce more than 6-7 kg. But the most important thing is not the quantity, but the quality of merino wool, which has a unique thickness of 14-23 microns (for ordinary sheep 25-35), is elastic, light and hypoallergenic.

Depending on the thickness of the hair, merino yarn is divided into four types. The most common type of Merino wool has a pile thickness of 20-22.5 microns. It is used in the manufacture of machine knitted wool and has a relatively low price. The production of this type of merino wool accounts for 80% of its total quantity.

The second type includes merino wool with a hair thickness of 18-20 microns. The yarn made from it is called SuperFine, super thin, and its share in world production does not exceed 15%. The third group of Merino wool has a hair thickness of 16-17 microns and is produced under the ExtraFine brand in a volume of 5-7% of the total.

And finally, the fourth and finest type of merino wool is called Summer wool. It is produced in a volume of about 0.1% of the total world production, and for this yarn they take a pile no more than 14-15.5 microns thick. This yarn is used to make the most expensive fabrics and knitwear, and can only be purchased at a special annual auction. Each season, the best batch of summer Merino wool is named Golden Bale. It has the highest price, and its weight, as a rule, does not exceed several hundred kilograms.

The natural color of merino wool is white. Best qualities yarn has no impurities, but since merino itself is very expensive, synthetic threads are often added to the yarn to reduce the price. This, of course, worsens the excellent natural qualities natural merino wool.

But, nevertheless, merino wool is considered one of the best. Things made from it are very warm, light and practical, they have excellent antibacterial properties, do not cause irritation and are perfect for small children. Interestingly, merino wool quickly absorbs moisture, but evaporates it just as quickly, so it retains heat well and is suitable for active physical activity. Caring for things made from myrrh wool should be gentle, but at the same time it is no different from the way of caring for things made from other types of wool.

An excellent example of stylish items made from high-quality merino wool are hand-knitted, which Lately are very popular.

The material from which our clothes are made can not only be comfortable and beautiful, the hero of our article, for example, can heal. Merino – unique wool sheep of the same breed; no other raw material in the world has similar properties.

Story

Merino wool - what is it? The material has the richest and very interesting story. The Merino sheep breed was developed in Spain back in the 13th century, and for five centuries the Spaniards did not allow the breeding of such sheep in other places, and this rule was so strict that its violation was punishable by death.

But, unfortunately for the Spaniards and fortunately for the rest of the world, after this country lost the war to Britain in the 18th century, several animals were nevertheless exported. The British began to massively breed merino sheep in Australia and New Zealand (these countries then had the status of British colonies).

However, even now New Zealand and Australia are the main suppliers of merino wool in the world. The material is considered elite and many people know the answer to the question “100% merino is the wool of which animal?”

Read additionally about - this is a fiber from another animal.

Description

Merino wool - what is it and why is it so good? Sheep of this breed are distinguished by incredibly thin fleece. For comparison, human hair is several times thicker. The result is a material that is incredibly thin, delicate and smooth. It is several times softer than natural silk and five times more elastic than cotton.

You can see what merino is in our selection of photos.

Characteristics

It's unlikely you'll find negative qualities This is natural sheep wool, but it has a lot of advantages.

Kinds

Depending on the place on the animal from which the fleece was removed, the age of the sheep and other important factors, there are several types of material:

Extrafine
Virginia
Geelong and Super Geelong
Luster
Cashwool

Merino Extrafine, what it is, as well as a description of other types:

Extrafine merino wool, what is it? In this case we are talking about premium material, not cheap at all, but very high quality. The fleece for this fabric is sheared only from Australian sheep, but this is far from the most important condition. The wool is cut only from the withers of the lambs, which is why it is so delicate, soft and snow-white. In addition, wool yarn passes additional processing“SUPERWASH”, and this makes mating and subsequent care easier finished product.

What is “extrafine” merino in translation? The name, if translated into Russian, sounds like “very thin”. And this is true, because the thickness of the rune for this type of matter cannot exceed 15 microns.

Geelong

This variety got its name because this fleece is sheared only from lambs raised in the Australian city of Geelong. Distinctive feature This fiber is soft and lacks shine

Luster

Fiber that passes special treatment, as a result of which it does not prick or fall off when worn