Merino Wool Top (23 Micron)

About the fibre

Staple length 75-80mm. Micron count 23.

Fine to super-fine

Our 23 micron Merino top is a prized treasure!

These days, there's a good chance that even those who have never given thought to knitting, spinning, or sheep in general will still recognize the word "Merino." Merino sheep produce the very softest of all sheep's wool. 

Our merino roving is sourced from non-mulsed sheep.

Each bag contains 100g of wool.

About the breed

The Merino is a group of breeds of domestic sheep characterised by very soft, fine wool.

The progenitors of the current Merino were the flocks raised in northeastern Africa in the twelfth century CE. Scholars believe the Berbers and other peoples from the region brought the sheep to the Spanish peninsula soon after, and for centuries the Merino breed was a closely guarded industrial secret -- those who tried to export the breed risked the death penalty!

In modern times, flocks of Merino sheep can be found around the world, and many cross-breeds have been developed. The merino is a highly adaptable sheep and an excellent forager. However, they must be shorn at least once a year, as their wool does not stop growing, and overgrowth can cause health issues.

Original: User:Fir0002 Derivative work: Charles Esson at en.wikipedia, GFDL 1.2, via Wikimedia Commons