Merino wool is a material with unique properties. Merino wool Useful properties of the material

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, several sheep were first exported outside the country.

In Russia, merino dogs appeared much later, and their breeding began only in the 19th century. Then several types of merino were bred: electoral, infantado, negretti, rambouille. These breeds were brought from other countries. And local sheep breeders bred such breeds as Russian Infantado, Mazayevsky and New Caucasian 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 merino wool is distinguished by high quality combed wool, the fiber thickness of which is only 15-25 microns. Despite such a small indicator of thread thickness, this wool is particularly durable. In addition, it has a number of unique properties.

Firstly, merino wool is hygroscopic, that is, it has 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, a 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 repels foreign substances and is cleaned with an elementary shaking.

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

In addition, merino wool has the ability to build up 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.

Merino wool types

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

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

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

Closes the line with wool of the "Super Fine" brand, that is, the "thinnest" - its thickness is 18-19 microns.

A special breed of sheep - merino sheep - has an interesting history. Spanish pastoralists bred this breed in the distant 13th century and kept it for five centuries, not allowing breeding in other places. Their export was even punishable by death. In the 18th century. Spain lost its power and was defeated by the British. Only then were they able to export several sheep to other European countries, as well as to Australia, which today is the largest producer of merino wool.

A large amount of fleece obtained by shearing 1 sheep. Compared to other wool breeds, 1 merino replaces 2 - 3 sheep.
Special properties of the rune: density and fineness.
Unpretentiousness and endurance.

Reference! In recent decades, a breed of merino has been grown, which has not only warm wool, but also dietary meat.

Why merino wool is considered elite

The main advantage of merino is their unique wool.

Features and quality characteristics

Fine-wooled... Sheep of this breed have very fine wool. Even a human hair is several times thicker than it, and the thickness of an ordinary sheep's fiber is twice that of a merino.

Reference! 1 kg of wool is used for the production of a large number of threads (1 kg - 600 km).

Therefore, among other fine-wool breeds, merino has an advantage.

Heat retention combined with hygroscopicity. The touch of fine merino wool creates a pleasant experience. Among its qualities are smoothness, silkiness and tenderness. At the same time, wool fibers do not absorb sweat odor, which makes them high quality.

Properties of the resulting fabric. The fabric, obtained from merino yarn, warms well, keeping the warmth of the human body. Such fabric is noticeably distinguished by its elasticity (5 times more elastic than cotton thread). At the same time, it is distinguished by its softness (three times softer than natural), thinness, and clothes made of such fabric do not look bulky, but stylish and elegant.

Advantages of merino wool

Thermal insulation. Elite fiber manages to create comfort in cold weather, they retain heat well. And at high temperatures, they are just as effective protection against heat.

Reference! Due to its high thermal insulation properties, merino fibers are considered one of the best fillers for blankets.

Hygroscopicity. Products made from elite sheep fibers absorb moisture well, keeping the skin dry, which makes it possible to use such bedding at any time of the year.

The ability to repel odors. Merino yarn has an important quality - it does not absorb odors, therefore products made from it do not retain the smell of sweat.

Resistant to dirt. The structure of merino fibers has curls that look like springs and have their properties. Therefore, dirt does not penetrate into the fibers, but remains on the surface and is easily shaken off.

Hygiene, antibacterial and environmental friendliness. The biological nature of fibers gives them valuable capabilities. They contain a special substance - creatine, which can prevent the reproduction of harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Fibers and insects are not afraid: they are frightened off by a natural repellent that appears on the surface.

Beneficial effects of merino wool on human health

Merino yarn and products made from it are hypoallergenic, non-irritating and can be used even for newborns. It can also be used by people suffering from bronchial asthma. In addition, the fibers, on the surface of which the animal wax lanolin is formed, have healing agents. Combined with the dry heat they create, the healing effect is enhanced.

Diseases for which merino products are especially useful:

colds and lung diseases (bronchitis, cough);
arthritis;
radiculitis;
osteochondrosis;
back pain.

Reference! Without a cover, a blanket made of merino is able to perform micro-massage of the back and other parts of the body, as well as it does not prick.

The relaxing effect of merino wool is also known, which has a calming effect on humans.

The difference between merino and other animal wool (alpaca and cashmere)

Wool is not only cut from elite sheep. Also popular are alpaca - fibers of an animal resembling a llama, as well as cashmere, which is obtained from goats living in the Indian province of Kashmir. Merino wool has a number of predominant differences from these types of wool.

Practicality and durability. Merino yarn, unlike alpaca and cashmere, is more practical and easy to care for, does not require particularly careful handling during washing. Another difference is its durability and wear resistance.

Medicinal properties. Of different types of wool, merino wool has the highest hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties. It has no contraindications, on the contrary, it is used along with other therapeutic agents.

Color spectrum. Due to the fact that merino fibers are susceptible to any dyes, the yarns produced have different color shades.

Practical application of merino wool

What is the merino fleece used for?

The properties of the fibers allow the use of merino textiles both for home textiles (blankets, blankets, pillows) and for outerwear, hats, as well as underwear for adults and children, starting from birth.

Sets for newborns, thermal underwear for children and adults, socks, gloves, hats, jumpers, vests, cardigans and merino sweaters are in demand due to the optimal combination of quality and elegance, fashion and comfort.

Who is recommended to use merino wool

It is useful for everyone to have things of their merino in your wardrobe. They will reliably protect from the cold and at the same time will allow you to look stylish and fashionable.

The use of elite wool is especially useful for such categories of consumers:

Children. If a child, starting from infancy, comes into contact with healing fibers, he becomes less susceptible to viruses and infections. You do not have to worry that a baby dressed in such things will overheat, and then get cold from a light breeze. This will not happen with merino clothing: clothing and heat transfer will create a comfortable atmosphere conducive to maintaining and strengthening health.

People with certain medical conditions. The healing properties make merino wool clothes necessary for articular, pulmonary and orthopedic diseases and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

The cost of merino yarn and merino wool products

Elite wool, which is highly valued in the world, reaches customers in the form of skeins of yarn for knitting original items, as well as in the form of ready-made items.

Reference! The cost of products and yarn depends on the country of origin. High-quality goods made in Russia are more democratic: their cost does not include delivery charges and customs duties.

Product price:

Yarn - from 200 rubles. (skein 50 g) up to 750 rubles.
Blankets - from 2500 to 15000 rubles.
Sweaters - from 4000 to 8000 rubles.
Thermal underwear, children's clothing - from 2000 to 4500 rubles.

Merino wool does not depend on time: comfort, coziness and practicality are always appreciated.

Since a healthy lifestyle has become a guideline for many people, we carefully read the information on the label - be it a cheese package or a winter sweater designed to warm up 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 flaunting on the label. What kind of wool is this - merino? And how is it unique? ..

There are irreplaceable ones!

Merino is a special breed of sheep, whose wool is distinguished by the longest and thinnest fibers. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is a legendary breed. Until 1765, attempts to take this high-quality out of Spain were punishable by death, and only noble people could wear merino wool products. And only in the 18th century, when the Spaniards were defeated by the British, the merino were taken out of the country. However, the English did not manage to master the art of sheep breeding at once. 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. The ideal conditions for breeding merino were found in Australia, where the widespread use of wool on an industrial scale began. By the way, the country remains one of the world leaders in the production of merino wool to this day. Surely you are already intrigued by what could have spurred the Europeans into 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 proof of this is the well-being of the sheep, which can withstand both low winter and high summer temperatures equally well.

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 clothing is thin to the touch, but surprisingly warm products (sweaters, blouses, vests). In them, the winter cold will be of no use to you. If you buy some merino bedding (duvet cover, pillow, blanket), it will serve you equally well both in winter and in summer. Just think: the fibers contain millions of air cushions that retain heat regardless of temperature changes. And due to its 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

Today, the healing properties of merino are beyond 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 the wool, merino products have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and absorbent effect. Therefore, clothes made of this wool are recommended to be worn by those who suffer from rheumatic and orthopedic diseases, problems with bronchi, edema.

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

Finally, in the “era of allergies”, one cannot but say that this wool is hypoallergenic, therefore merino is the best choice for children, pregnant women, athletes and all those who care about their health and comfort.

Looks your best!

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

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

And no insomnia!

Sleep problems can often be caused by the “wrong” bedding. Merino will also help to make sleep more healthy and sound.

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

As you can see, in its properties, the merino can not be surpassed by any other breed of sheep. Modern manufacturers offer us not only clothes and bedding, but also car seats, decorative pillows and (the upper part is made of wool). In a year from one sheep, you can get wool for the manufacture of about five items of clothing. We wish that at least a few of them end up in your closet in the form of fashionable blouses and sweaters!

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

History

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 the merino in terms of wool quality. It was 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 selective breeding of a special breed of sheep with thin and long wool. For these purposes, they crossed a Greek ram and a Roman sheep. However, the success in this matter was achieved not by the Romans, but by 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 had become the undisputed leader in the breeding of these sheep. Moreover, she held a monopoly in this area until the Spanish were defeated by England. However, in order to succeed in sheep breeding, the British took another 200 years. That is how many they bred the miracle sheep, after they took out the samples from the state affected by the war.

In the 18th century, merino animals were brought to Australia. It turned out that this country has ideal conditions for raising sheep. From that moment on, the country became the main supplier of wool to European countries.

Today, merino animals 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 only grows.

Benefits of merino wool

Year after year, merino is becoming more and more popular as eco-friendly, healthy fabrics that have a beneficial effect on human health become fashionable.

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

Merino clothing has a beneficial effect on muscles and joints, therefore it is indicated for people suffering from joint and muscle pain;

sweaters, socks, other clothes made of this wool perfectly stimulate blood circulation;
clothes made of this material are classified as "thermal clothing", since it maintains a microclimate that is optimal 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 resorption properties;
Merino clothing is indicated for people suffering from osteochondrosis, rheumatism, orthopedic materials, bronchial ailments;
wearing merino clothing is the prevention of puffiness; for those who constantly suffer from this problem, the swelling will decrease;
effectively absorbs moisture with increased perspiration and remains dry at the same time;
merino wool is equally useful for adults and children.

Merino products

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

Strength

Merino clothing and bedding are durable and durable.

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

As you know, people have not yet been able to create an artificial material that completely recreated the unique properties of 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 street to room 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.

Merino is a breed of sheep, predominantly found in Australia. Their wool is prized for its high quality. The size of the animal is slightly smaller than that of an ordinary domestic sheep, but the main value of the 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 these sheep also varies:

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

Key Features

Let's list the main characteristics of merino wool:

Super-fine wool is the most expensive, as the number of merino sheep is very limited.
This type of yarn is perfect for weaving with several strands - in combination with cashmere, silk. By the way, manufacturers have invented a technology (it is very popular in New Zealand), thanks to which, as a result of production, super light knitwear is obtained. For this, merino wool + opossum yarn are mixed.
Wool has increased hypoallergenicity, it perfectly removes moisture from the body. Due to the air particles that are between the fibers, the yarn has a high thermal effect.
The hygroscopicity of merino yarn is 30% of its own weight, after reaching this level, the thread continues to wick excess moisture away from the skin, leaving the body dry. This diversion prevents the growth of bacteria and pathogens, which is excellent for skin with a high sensitivity threshold, as well as for children with skin diseases or allergic reactions.
A distinctive quality that the merino has - its yarn is dirt-repellent to some extent. The fibers are so resilient that dirt does not stick to them. In order to clean the product, you just need to shake it.
Wool has the ability to protect against unpleasant odors. Due to the special structure of the fibers, an environment that is unfavorable for the growth 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 is white, 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 from other threads only impair the quality of the yarn.

Another, rather a feature than a disadvantage, 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 raw materials for its manufacture. If you look closely, this 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 - it pushes, tears, stretches, walks away. Tops products are torn, do not keep their shape. In addition, untreated wool is not ready for direct contact with the skin, as it is not completely cleaned.

Coarse yarns, which comprise 100% of merino, are fibers, manually twisted into bundles, with a thickness of about 1-2 cm. This yarn already behaves in a completely different way in operation, but it is still not fully prepared.

Yarn for work

Spun and processed yarns are fibers that have been heat treated and are completely ready to use. The fabric knitted from such wool does not fluff, tear or disintegrate. The fibers are resilient, hold heat well and remove moisture.

The thickness of the filaments can be from 5 mm to 2 cm in diameter. This yarn can be used to knit both delicate things - sweaters, sweaters, cardigans, and fashion accessories - blankets, bags, hats, scarves.

Care features

Merino wool produces very delicate yarns. When washing, the product must not be left in water for a long time. It is also not recommended to twist or wring things out of this yarn. Only light hand wringing is allowed. For drying, the product is laid out on a flat surface. If it seems that the shape has been lost, then it is necessary to give the thing the parameters that were before washing. After drying, the yarn will regain its former elasticity and softness, and the product will return to its shape.

Non-spun wool cannot be washed as it is processed afterwards. After dry cleaning, things take on a different look and do not return to their previous appearance. This wool should only be used for garments that are not intended to be washed.

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