Merino Wool
Merino wool comes from the Merino sheep and is known for its fine, soft fibers, giving knitted fabric a comfortable feel against the skin without itching.
Explanation
Merino wool is considered one of the finest and softest types of wool used in yarn, thanks to its very fine fiber diameter compared to other sheep's wool. This makes merino less likely to feel itchy against the skin, making it popular for garments worn close to the body, such as cowls, base layers, and baby clothes. Wool, including merino, has natural moisture-wicking and thermal-regulating properties, keeping you warm even when slightly damp. Merino wool is often combined with superwash treatment to make it machine washable.
Also known as: Merino
Why it is soft
Merino wool comes from the merino sheep and has substantially finer fibers than ordinary wool — typically 17 to 24 microns, against 30 microns and up for coarse wool. What is sold as "fine" or "extrafine" merino sits under 19 microns. Fine fibers bend against the skin rather than prickling, and that alone explains why merino feels soft.
The trade-off is durability. Pure merino wears through quickly at sock heels, which is why sock yarn is nearly always blended with nylon.
In use
Merino insulates well even when damp, breathes, and does not hold odour the way synthetics do. It pills more than coarser wool, especially where the garment rubs — under the arms and along the sides.
Common mistakes
- Using pure merino for socks that must take heavy wear.
- Washing merino too warm, which felts it.
Keywords
- merino wool
- merino
- wool yarn
Frequently asked questions
Does merino itch?
Few people react to merino. If it does itch, coarser wool is often blended in, or it is a reaction to detergent residue.
What is the difference between merino and regular wool?
Fiber diameter. Merino is finer and softer; regular wool is coarser, more durable and holds its shape better.