Australian merino is a breed of sheep that conquered the world with incredibly soft, thin, elastic, elastic wool.
Merino
This breed of herbivores with a thin fleece was bred in Australia. Over time, several subspecies of the breed were bred, the wool of which varies in quality.
In order for the Australian Merino wool to remain high-quality, they are grown in meadows characterized by increased grassiness and perfect environmental friendliness. To achieve this, animals are often grazed on alpine pastures with a unique climate. Only under these conditions, the wool will gain the necessary amount of lanolin, which provides a therapeutic effect. This substance kills bacteria and microorganisms. High quality, valued all over the world, merino wool owes to the ideal conditions of detention. These conditions include feeding the animals in time, covering with blankets, keeping them in clean rooms, and following a diet.
Shear the sheep at one time when the fleece becomes perfect. Interestingly, a more expensive, soft coat is obtained from the withers. The Australian Merino gives snow-white airy coat, which undergoes many stages of cleaning.
Wool
The main indicator determining the method of processing wool is the length of the fibers. Suitable wool is divided into several categories, among which there are Australian Merino yarn, crossbreds, carpet wool and so on - depending on the quality of cleaning. Each of the categories is divided into varieties. Merino wool has a thin diameter and small length, while carpet wool is long-fiber, with a rough pile. In modern production, synthetic fibers are mixed with natural fibers, processed in the same way. In the production of wool, the wool of other animals is also important - goats (mohair), llama, camel (alpaca and cashmere), etc.
To obtain high-quality natural wool, the Australian merino must be cut alive and healthy. Only then will the coat retain its healing qualities.
Yarn production
The technology for the production of wool involves two methods of processing, which result in worsted or woolen fabrics. Similar processes are used in these processes, but their objectives differ. In general, the production of worsted fabric requires the use of long hair, while combing and other procedures, the fibers are parallel, short hairs are rejected. When torsion, other thin yarn is obtained, from which later light fabric is used, used in men's suits. In the manufacture of woolen fabric, fibers are mixed and weaved, producing fluffy and soft yarn. It is woven into a voluminous fabric, whose surface is unclear - tweed, woolen blankets, fabric for making a coat. Since fiber homogeneity is not required, the production mixes new and old wool, fibers of different lengths, rejects, reconstituted wool, and more.
At the same time, it is important to know that the production of Australian merino yarn is a complex of measures for obtaining a high-quality product.
Value
Products made from merino wool are so thin that they are not scratchy. Manufacturers of products from wool appreciate this yarn, they are ready to pay big money for high-quality raw materials. One of the highest prices paid for this wool was 420 thousand dollars per 100 kg.
Australian merino brings a large number of threads: from only 10 kg of wool, 6 km of thread are produced. Of this amount, they weave a cloth and sew several pieces of women's costumes.
Fashion houses, elite manufacturers of fabrics participate in auctions in order to obtain the necessary quantity and quality of wool.
Dyeing
Merino wool is dyed in various colors. In the store you can buy balls of various colors, but you can buy natural yarn. To get the necessary color out of it, you can dye your own wool, which gave the Australian merino. Colors will fully meet the needs of the user. It is not difficult to do this, so even inexperienced knitters can do it.
Interesting Facts
The wool of these animals is the most mysterious material with a fascinating history. Its exclusivity can be proved with just a few facts.
- Until the 18th century, the export of animals of this breed was punishable by death. The first individuals were exported only at the beginning of the 18th century.
- The thickness of the merino wool is 14-23 microns. In ordinary sheep, their thickness is 30-35 microns. This parameter is very important because allergies and irritations are possible with a thickness of over 25 microns.
- For pulmonary diseases, the coat of these animals is used. For bronchitis or coughing, you should go to a sweater made of merino wool to weaken the symptoms of the disease.
“These animals give more hair than any other breed.” Ram merino gives 15 kg of wool annually, while ordinary, even the most "wool" sheep, only 7 kg each.
- The record holder for the amount of wool removed from one animal is merino. Shrek - a sheep of this breed - at one time gave 27 kg of the highest quality rune. The fibers contained in this rune were more than 40 cm.
- Merino wool is softer than silk three times.
- The only material in the world that cannot be reproduced artificially is merino wool. Most of the characteristics of this product are so unique that they cannot be deduced.
- This yarn has unique antibacterial and healing properties. Merino fiber contains lanolin, an element with a high emollient and anti-inflammatory effect. This substance is used in medicine and cosmetology.
The animal’s coat is unique in everything: it is a practical, comfortable to wear material, it is durable, not prone to deformation, does not lose its qualities.
Application area
Threads made from the wool of sheep of this breed are used for knitting by individuals and for the production of various fabrics used in the manufacture of clothing. On sale you can find beaver, boucle, gabardine, ratin, carpet, boston, velor, plaid, diagonal, cheviot, drape and other fabrics from this wool.
The yarn "Australian Merino" ("Pehorka") is widely used for knitting children's things and clothing for adults. Even for babies they knit little things from such wool. It does not cause allergies, does not rub the skin. At the same time, it does not interfere with air circulation, warms perfectly, invariably remains light and weightless.
Reviews
Australian merino, whose wool reviews are available on every knitters site, is the best supplier of high-grade yarn.
Buyers note the lightness of things made from the wool of this sheep. It is enough for children to tie a thin blouse or overalls so that they do not freeze. This yarn does not cause allergies, does not rub the delicate skin of babies, does not cause irritation. Children who are covered with merino rugs are less likely to get sick, they can better tolerate diseases, and recover faster.
This unique material makes it possible to wear natural, eco-friendly clothing that helps get rid of ailments. You can buy yarn not only at world auctions, but also in ordinary stores selling high-quality materials for knitters. Whatever you decide to make from the purchased material, this thing will be durable, comfortable, warm, safe and useful.