Merino Wool Yarn: Minimal Irritation and Maximum Comfort

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In the knitting world, you have probably come across merino wool yarn. This is a highly regarded yarn by many advanced knitting and weaving brands. But, what is special about merino wool? – you may ask now. In addition, let’s get better acquainted with merino wool and its benefits.

What Is Merino Wool Yarn?

As its own name suggests, merino wool comes from a special breed of animal – the merino sheep. There are different kinds of merino, but Australian merinos are the most famous merino sheep. This is considered to be one of the softest wools produced by any sheep species. Merino wool is next to skin soft and this is pretty luxurious wool for producing garments for children for adults as well. Aside from its softness, it is widely known for its strength, innate versatility and technical benefits. Merino wool is a popular choice of fibre for a diverse range of products – from comfy blankets to superfine wool pullovers.

Merinos are prized for their amazing yarns for knitting. This yarn is available in all kinds of weights, from lace to soft super chunky merino wool yarn. It is most popular in extreme knitting, i.e. knitting big chunky items. In other words, this super chunky merino wool yarn produces winter woollies and chunky fabric accessories and is very suitable because it doesn't cause allergic reactions.

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Benefits of Merino Wool Yarn

Incredible Softness

Merino wool fibre is extremely fine and due to fineness, it is one of the softest wools available. Thanks to its fine fibres, it is luxuriously gentle next to your skin and provides optimum comfort. The fineness ranges from 14.5 to 23.5 microns. High-quality merino wool yarn doesn’t require any softener and conditioner because as it is naturally soft (3 times softer than natural silk).
Wrinkling-Resistant
This is a very elastic fibre thanks to the coil-like structure and it has the ability to return to its natural shape after being bent. In other words, merino wool garments have a natural resistance to wrinkles. This wool can be stretched up to 50% when it’s wet (30% when it’s dry) and still bounce back to its original shape. Thanks to its elasticity, you can stuff your jumper into a backpack, or a chunky merino wool blanket that is resistant to wear, tear and wrinkles when you travel. In addition, this wool yarn is the perfect yarn for fitted projects or projects that need a little stretch, just like indoor footwear, outdoor garments, gloves, and much more.

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Durable

Flexibility also makes the merino wool yarn more durable, meaning it's less likely to tear. This wool fibre is actually 7 times stronger than cotton and 10 times stronger than silk. It is also resistant to abrasion, thanks to the structure of the wool fibre which makes the outer skin to act as a protective film. Hence, if you’re looking for something sturdy, this wool may be the right choice for you.

Temperature-Regulating and Moisture-Wicking

Merino wool will keep you warm in the cold winters by insulating instead of trapping heat. This wool fibre has a natural crimp to it and holds air, and this allows it to act as an insulator and a buffer against the cold air. This, in turn, keeps your body at a more even and warmer temperature. These properties make the merino wool the best to keep you comfortable in different temperatures and weather conditions. Plus, it is also moisture-wicking fibre that wicks sweat away from the skin by absorbing it and wicking it to the garment’s outside to evaporate. For this reason, it also has a fire-repellent nature.

Due to all these temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties, merino wool will also keep you cool in the summer. And how is this so? Well, first, it is a very high heat coefficient, i.e. it impedes heat transfer. Plus, the air trapped in the wool yarn that keeps you warm in colder periods by regulating body temperature, also allows the garment to breathe during warmer days. In addition, it can also absorb and hold up to 30% of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet.

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Lightweight

Looking at the garments made from such super chunky merino wool yarn, you would assume that they’re heavy and uncomfortable. However, for this wool, the reality is completely the opposite. Due to its fine fibres, merino wool is much lighter than other wools, much lighter on the feet and easier to wear with shoes. It will be very comfortable on cold or warm days.

Odourless

Commonly, regular wools have a strong smell that can get stronger as time passes, and the stench can become unbearably strong. Merino wool, in turn, is odourless, but it’s important to take good care of your chunky knitwear because failure to wash the fabric properly may cause a lingering smell, though not as strong as the regular wool.