Merino wool

A special breed of sheep - merino - has an interesting history. Spanish cattle breeders developed this breed back in the 13th century and preserved it for five centuries, not allowing breeding in other places. Their removal 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.

Advantages of Merino sheep

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

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

Why is merino wool considered elite?

The main advantage of merino sheep is their unique wool.

Features and quality characteristics

Fine fleece. Sheep of this breed have very fine wool. Even human hair is several times thicker, and the thickness of the fiber of an ordinary sheep is twice as thick as merino.

Reference! 1 kg of wool is used to produce a large number of threads (1 kg - 600 km).

Therefore, among other fine-wool breeds, Merinos have an advantage.

Heat retention combined with hygroscopicity. Touching fine merino wool creates a pleasant impression. Among its qualities, smoothness, silkiness and tenderness stand out. At the same time, wool fibers do not absorb the smell of sweat, which makes them high quality.

Properties of the resulting fabric. Fabric made from merino yarn warms well, retaining the heat of the human body. This fabric is noticeably distinguished by its elasticity (5 times more elastic than cotton thread). At the same time, it is soft (three times softer than natural silks), thinness, and clothes made from such fabric do not look voluminous, 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 fillings 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.

Ability to repel odors. Merino yarn has an important quality - it does not absorb odors, so 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 environmentally friendly. The biological characteristics of fibers endow them with valuable capabilities. They contain a special substance - creatine, which can prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Fibers are not afraid of insects either: they are repelled by the natural repellent that appears on the surface.

The beneficial effects of merino wool on human health

Merino yarn and products made from it are hypoallergenic, do not cause irritation and can even be used for newborns. It can also be used by people suffering from bronchial asthma. In addition, fibers on the surface of which animal wax lanolin is formed have healing properties. In combination with the dry heat they create, the healing effect is enhanced.

Diseases for which merino products are especially useful:

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

Reference! Without a cover, a merino blanket can provide micro-massage to the back and other parts of the body, and it is also non-prickly.

Merino wool is also known to have a relaxing effect, which has a calming effect on humans.

The difference between merino wool and the wool of other animals (alpaca and cashmere)

Wool is not only sheared from elite sheep. Alpaca, a fiber from an animal resembling a llama, is also popular, as is cashmere, which comes from goats living in the Indian province of Kashmir. Merino wool has a number of advantageous differences from these types of wool.

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

Medicinal properties. Of the different types of wool, merino is the most hypoallergenic and antibacterial. It has no contraindications; on the contrary, it is used along with other medicinal products.

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

Practical applications of merino wool

What is merino fleece used for?

The properties of the fibers make it possible to use merino wool both for home textiles (blankets, rugs, pillows), and for outerwear, hats, and 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 items made from merino wool?

Having merino items in your wardrobe is useful for everyone. They will reliably protect you from the cold and at the same time allow you to look stylish and fashionable.

The use of elite wool is especially useful for the following 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 don’t have to worry that a baby dressed in such things will overheat and then catch a cold from a light breeze. This will not happen with merino clothing: clothing and heat exchange will create a comfortable atmosphere favorable for maintaining and promoting health.

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

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 finished items.

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

Product price:

• Yarn - from 200 rub. (skein 50 g) up to 750 rub.
• Blankets - from 2500 to 15000 rubles.
• Sweaters - from 4,000 to 8,000 rubles.
• Thermal underwear, children's clothing - from 2000 to 4500 rubles.

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