There are so many different types of wool out there it can be hard to keep track sometimes. Now you might be thinking, a sheep’s a sheep, right? But there are actually key differences between the distinct types of wool. Want to know what the best wool sheep breeds are? Let’s find out!
One quick note, here at Living Dreams Yarn we only use wool from non-mulesed flocks of sheep. What is mulesing? It’s the outdated practice of removing strips of skin from the backside of sheep to prevent blowfly infestation. Rest assured, all of the wool products we offer are cruelty free!
Merino Wool
There’s a good reason that this prized wool is often talked about (and also, not coincidentally, the breed we use for the majority of our wool yarns and fibers). Merino wool is very soft and its temperature regulating and moisture wicking properties make merino wool yarn and fiber perfect for projects worn against bare skin.
Fast Facts
- Raised in these countries: Spain, Australia, United States, New Zealand, and South America
- Micron count ranges from 15-40
Pros
- Antibacterial properties protect products against odors
- Highly resistant to wrinkling
- Absorbs water without feeling wet or clinging to the skin
- Eco friendly and biodegradable
- Anti-static properties don’t attract dirt and lint
Cons
- Not super durable
- Attracts moths
- Takes a long time to dry
- Can be expensive
FAQs
- How to wash merino wool? The safest way to wash merino wool is by hand washing it with gentle detergent. Although there are superwash merino wool options that can be machine washed on the gentle cycle.
- Does merino wool shrink? Because it has the ability to stretch and bounce back, merino wool doesn’t shrink.
- Is merino wool itchy? Merino is much more soft and fine than regular wool.
- What is superfine merino wool? This type of wool is even softer than regular merino wool thanks to it’s small micron count of 15-18.
Falkland Wool
Falkland wool is named after the Falkland islands where the sheep are raised. It’s pooled from a number of different sheep breeds like Corriedale, Polwarth and Merino. Since there are no known sheep diseases in the Falkland Islands, the sheep are never dipped. So Falkland wool fiber is guaranteed to be chemical free.
Fast Facts
- Raised in the Falkland islands off the coast of South America
- Micron count ranges from 18-33
Pros
- Extra bright white in color making it a great base for dyeing
- Chemical free and nearly organic naturally
Cons
- Crimp can vary due to the fact that the wool is pooled from different breeds
BFL Wool
Bluefaced Leicester is a longwool with a fine diameter. BFL wool fiber is both sturdy and soft, making it the best of both worlds. It’s an excellent choice for first time spinners, which is why we’re so excited to announce our new BFL Wool Spinning Kits!
Fast Facts
- Raised in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States
- Micron count ranges from 24-28
Pros
- Yarn is resistant to pilling
- Blends well with other fibers
- Long staple length between 3-6 inches
- Good for beginner spinners
What are your personal favorite sheep breeds of wool? Do you know any other fun facts about wool that you’d like to share with us? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources:
The Unconventional Route, Switchback Travel, Wool Gatherings, Flora & Fiber, Yarn and Knitting, Fillory Yarn