WHY KNITTERS LOVE MERINO WOOL

There’s a common theme to the feedback we get from knitters. “The best yarn I have ever worked with.” “Merino wool. Beautiful to knit with.” “Great yarn to work with.” What is it about Nundle merino wool that passionate knitters love?

EXTRAORDINARY SOFTNESS

The individual fibres are extremely fine (measured in microns). A merino wool fibre is 10-24 microns compared to human hair's 50-100 microns. This much smaller micron count makes merino wool softer and more flexible than other wools. The fibres bend rather than poke when they touch the skin, resulting in a luxurious, non-itchy feel. People who are sensitive to wool’s prickliness get none of that discomfort when wearing merino wool.

LIGHTWEIGHT WARMTH

Merino fibres naturally trap air, providing excellent insulation to keep you warm without adding significant weight or bulk to your knitted projects.

If you’ve seen a merino fleece, you’ll notice a waviness to the fibres. This natural crimp creates tiny pockets of still air between the fibres, acting as an insulator.

TEMPERATURE REGULATION

This trapped air, combined with merino wool's ability to manage moisture, creates a microclimate next to the skin. This helps regulate temperature by holding warmth in during cold weather and promoting evaporation when it's hot.

It's highly breathable and wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable in both hot and cold conditions.

SHAPE RETENTION

The natural crimp in merino wool fibres gives them elasticity. As a result of this, knitted garments stretch and bounce back to their original shape, resisting wrinkles and bagging.

ODOUR RESISTANCE

Merino wool's unique chemical structure absorbs and traps odour molecules. We won’t go too deep into chemistry, but it works like this: Merino wool contains keratin proteins that absorb and trap sweat-generated odour molecules. Because merino wool wicks moisture away, it keeps skin drier. It creates an environment where odour-causing bacteria cannot thrive. Residual lanolin in merino wool adds antimicrobial properties. Odorous compounds are locked inside until washing releases them. Garments stay fresh longer and require less frequent washing.

EXCELLENT DRAPE

Knitters who have used Nundle merino wool comment that finished garments hang beautifully throughout their lives. This is thanks to a combination of the softness, fineness and elasticity in merino wool fibres.

These properties make Australian merino wool ideal for a wide range of knitting projects, from delicate baby clothes and comfortable next-to-skin wear to warm sweaters and versatile garments for all seasons.

Check out the full range of Nundle merino wool yarns, in everything from 4 ply sock yarn to wool vine for chunky rugs.