Features of merino yarn and its choice

The variety of yarns in modern shops is sometimes amazing. Moreover, they differ not only in colors and shape, but also in composition. Skeins, bobbins, balls of coarse or soft yarn can be found in any city. Creates modern yarns from different materials. Linen, cashmere, goat, cotton yarn is in great demand. Each type has its pros and cons, including merino yarns.

Merino yarn bears this name due to a special breed of sheep, which the Spaniards bred in the 13th century. Before the onset of the 18th century, animals were bred exclusively in Spain, and after that they already began their triumphal march across Europe and the world. Currently, the maximum number of these sheep is bred on the Australian mainland. It is the predominant breed in the country.

Merino is valued for its unique properties - there are no more animals on the planet that possess at least approximately such a subtle rune. A hair is thinner than a human, and significantly. Wool is combed out very carefully, it has properties such as softness, tenderness, smoothness. This breed is bred solely for the sake of wool. First, the sheep is shaved, then the material goes through the combing stage. After that, the raw materials undergo a standardization procedure, during which the quality level is determined. At this stage, the material is tested for parasites, then the fibers are twisted and thermally processed.

Among the advantages of this yarn are the following:

• softness, fluffiness and length of the coat, unique subtlety make the yarn incredibly comfortable to wear, it does not prick at all;

• structure the yarn is porous and sinuous, so it can be easily stretched;

• clothes made of this wool protects well from negative weather conditions, thermoregulation at a high level;

• things help from a medical point of view, since they give dry useful heat, although the effect of this kind is not pronounced;

• wool, and therefore yarn, absolutely safe, they make clothes for children from it;

• merino rarely causes allergic reactions, very useful for the skin, it can even have a slight massage effect;

• the shade of the coat is initially beautiful, white, but changed by appropriate processing;

• the yarn is quite comfortable to work with, elastic, it is comfortable to knit from it;

• clothes of such a plan warm perfectly, but does not interfere with air exchange, while absorbing moisture;

• and here aromas products from such wool will not absorb;

• dirt is perfectly washed offas dirt does not get deep into the fibers.

There are also disadvantages that should also be taken into account:

• the cost is not budgetary;

• yarn is not consumed economically;

• things made of merino require special treatment, special care is needed;

• dries for a long time after washing.

As far as durability is concerned, this quality is very relative. Much depends on how the product is looked after, whether the rules of washing and drying are followed.

Yarn types are classified according to different categories. For example, depending on where the hair is cut: Australian, New Zealand, Brazilian, Italian material. And the method of processing also plays a role, the thickness is thin or large. There is a classification by composition: wool is 100% merino and with additives - with cotton, silk, cashmere, artificial raw materials. Another category is the form of knitting yarn: bobbin, in skeins, balls, and so on.

This classification is considered one of the most common.

• Extrafine. Translated, this is a very fine yarn, which is classified as luxury. It is distinguished by the highest quality level, the price corresponds to the premium level. It is combed from young animals, and only from the withers. The coat turns out to be incredibly soft, the color is white. The yarn receives a special "superwash" treatment, which gives the material many advantages.

• Virginia... Unlike the previous version, this variation is not processed additionally. She, too, is sheared from young animals, but not lambs, but one-year-olds.

• Geelong and Super Geelong. Named for the place of the geographical location of the production. The wool is sheared from young sheep. The yarn is obtained without the slightest glossiness, absolutely matte.

• Luster. This yarn is processed in a special way, which gives it a unique softness. It does not prick at all, does not roll in the sock, no pellets are formed.

• Cashwool. Another type, named by the type of processing. It is produced in bobbins and skeins, and is presented completely smooth at first. However, after 2-3 washes, the product fluffs slightly, and the most delicate spectacular pile is obtained.

The thickness of the merino hair varies from 15 to 25 microns in diameter. The size of the thread is also influenced by additives - type and quantity. This criterion formed the basis for the following classification.

• "Merino". Quite thick yarn, it is made for knitting by hand. Three quarters of the entire assortment is represented by this variety. Thickness can vary from 20 to 22.5 microns.

• "Super thin". This species is produced in small quantities, the diameter varies from 18 to 22 microns.

• "Extra thin"... An even rarer variety, the thickness of which fits into the parameters from 16 to 17 microns.

• Summer. The thinnest one, which is incredibly rare, as a percentage of the entire assortment, it is no more than one hundredth of a percent. Diameter from 14 to 15 microns.

Among the countries producing yarn for knitting from merino wool, Italy definitely stands out. You can buy yarn from the following Italian companies in many online and ordinary stores:

• Casagrande - produce 100% skein yarn;

• Lineapiu - there are options in bobbins, mixed and one-piece;

• Gitibi filati - they produce 50/50 mixed versions with polyamide.

Also, the market is in demand for the products of the Swiss manufacturer LANG, which produces yarn with polyamide. The Russian company Pekhorka produces acrylic-merino yarns.

A variety of finished products are created from merino, which you can also create yourself... For children's clothing, thin varieties are most often taken. For children, such yarn qualities as hypoallergenicity and protection from the cold are very important. A huge amount of thermal underwear is produced from this raw material, which will be useful to almost all family members, regardless of age. Wool is suitable for creating a blanket, blanket, which turns out to be very cozy.

As for clothing, you can find skirts, sweaters, outerwear, hats, accessories and socks made of this type of wool on sale. Models of large knitting, created using large-diameter knitting needles, look very aesthetically pleasing. This yarn is suitable for both hand and machine knitting.

As already mentioned above, one of the conditional disadvantages of yarn and products made from it is considered the need for delicate handling. There are a number of rules that must be followed in the care:

• hand wash only;

• if threads of a bright color are present, do not soak the product;

• if it is impossible to bypass the soaking stage, do not increase the procedure time by more than half an hour;

• gently squeeze out the thing;

• use non-hard water, both when washing and rinsing;

• washing and rinsing are carried out in water of the same temperature - ideally 30 degrees, in any case not hot;

• avoid the use of granular powders, bleaches and other harsh chemicals.

It is very important to ensure not only proper washing, but also drying. A lot also depends on this stage. The yarn is prone to stretching, so refuse to dry it on heating devices, clothespins, dryers. Most likely, the fabric will repeat the relief of the drying places, and it will not be easy to get rid of it. The product is laid out on a flat surface, for example, a table covered with a towel. Another towel is placed on top, both are changed to dry ones as they get wet.