Today, merino wool is considered one of the softest. It is obtained from a special breed of sheep, merinos, and has unique properties.
- What is merino wool
- A little bit of history of merino
- Why Merino Wool Is Considered Elite
- Properties of Merino Wool
- Useful properties of the material
- Variety of products and children's underwear
- How to choose correctly
- How to care
- How to Wash Merino Wool Thermal Underwear
- Cost of merino yarn and merino wool products
What is merino wool
Most people in the modern world do not know about merino wool, what it is and where it comes from. This is real wool of merino sheep, which is distinguished by the extreme fineness of the fibers, but at the same time it is very strong.
Products made from this material are soft, wear-resistant, have excellent thermal insulation properties and an attractive appearance.
A little bit of history of merino
Since ancient times, the Merino has been considered one of the most popular animals that can boast luxurious fine wool. The breed of sheep was bred in the 13th century in Spain. Subsequently, for several centuries, the Spaniards did not allow these sheep to be bred in other territories. This rule was very strict and those who violated it were threatened with the death penalty.
After Spain lost the war to Britain, a small number of animals were exported. Merinos began to be bred en masse in New Zealand and Australia.
Please note! Now these two countries are the main suppliers of yarn in the world.
Why Merino Wool Is Considered Elite
The wool cover of the merino is rightfully considered unique. Animals of this breed have thin wool, the touch of which causes only pleasant sensations. Among the features, it is also noted that the fibers do not absorb the smell of sweat at all, therefore they are classified as high-quality and elite.
Merino is an animal that provides people with yarn that perfectly warms and retains heat. Wool is also distinguished by its elasticity and softness. Finished products are thin but warm, look stylish and elegant, without adding unnecessary volume.
Properties of Merino Wool
Merino wool is so unique that it is simply impossible to find any negative qualities in it. Thanks to its cellular structure, it is capable of self-cleaning. The fibers repel dirt in a unique way when they interact and rub against each other. This property ensures that merino wool items remain clean for a long time.
The fiber has excellent thermostatic and hygroscopic properties. The fibers are able to hold large volumes of air inside, which ensures heat retention but does not cause overheating.
This durable and lightweight material has excellent elasticity, so it takes shape instantly. If the item is made of natural merino wool, it will last a long time and will look elegant and attractive for a long time.
Almost every woman knows about merino wool, what it is and knows how to use its properties correctly. They simply adore clothes made of this material, as it makes the body attractive and seductive.
Useful properties of the material
Some people know firsthand what merino is and what useful properties the material made from wool has. Most of them are residents of the areas where such unique animals are bred.
Others may even wear clothes but have no idea about their characteristics. Merino yarn has the following useful properties:
- Medicinal - has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. Wearing clothes made of merino wool is especially recommended for people suffering from gout, bronchial diseases, arthrosis and arthritis, osteochondrosis and those suffering from circulatory disorders.
- Air permeability - facilitates oxygen access to the skin, helps prevent the greenhouse effect and prevents the occurrence of colds.
- Thermal conductivity - allows the body to breathe, neutralizes toxins and warms.
- Hygroscopicity - effectively absorbs moisture, keeping the body dry and the skin elastic.
- Eco-friendly - the items have excellent performance qualities, parasites never appear in them and the smell of sweat does not appear.
Merino fiber also has a calming effect. It is recommended to put children with a body weight deficit to bed in wool or cover them with a blanket made of this material. With systematic rest in such conditions, children begin to noticeably gain weight and feel great.
Important! Merino wool is used to care for premature babies.
Variety of products and children's underwear
There are many merino products available in stores. The fine yarn is often used to make children's clothing, which protects babies from the cold and prevents sweating.
The raw material is also used to produce thermal underwear and other types of underwear. Real merino wool is used to make blankets and quilts that keep all family members warm during the cold season. They not only retain heat, but also create a unique feeling of comfort and coziness.
The following clothes are also made from this material:
- skirts;
- costumes;
- coats and other outerwear;
- scarves and hats;
- sweaters;
- socks.
Items knitted with large knitting needles are especially attractive. In addition, merino wool is used to make yarn for felting.
How to choose correctly
To appreciate all the unique properties of merino wool, it is important to choose the right product. The following information indicates the quality of the yarn:
- The presence of a special sign of the international union and registration number.
- Before buying, it is recommended to run your palm over the surface. If the wool is natural, then it will not have shine or silk, otherwise its presence will indicate synthetic impurities in the composition.
- With 100% natural wool, after charring, a dusty ash is formed, which, after a slight blowing or shaking, leaves no traces behind.
It is recommended to purchase merino wool products only from trusted manufacturers.
How to care
Woolen items made from merino yarn are of excellent quality. But despite this, they are very capricious in care. It is recommended to wash the items only by hand, and use only soft powders specially designed for woolen items.
You can rinse the items in cool water with some grape vinegar. As for soaking, it is possible, but not for a long time. After washing, it is forbidden to wring out the items, they should be blotted, wrapped in a terry towel. You can dry the items horizontally.
How to Wash Merino Wool Thermal Underwear
The process of caring for merino wool thermal underwear does not require any specific skills or knowledge. It is not recommended to wash the products too often, as they have a unique self-cleaning property.
Important! After wearing, it is best to hang the underwear on the balcony or outside so that it is well ventilated. Thermal underwear must be washed carefully, at a water temperature of no more than 35 degrees, wringing is prohibited. Iron only at the minimum temperature.
Cost of merino yarn and merino wool products
Merino yarn mixed with acrylic costs between 1,200 and 1,300 rubles* for a thin 100-gram skein. This is relatively expensive. Natural merino wool is even more expensive. You will have to pay about 2,000 rubles for a skein. Merino wool is a very good and high-quality material, but due to its high cost, it is recommended that only experienced craftswomen purchase the yarn. Since it will be very annoying and expensive to spoil even one skein.
It is important to understand that merino is a material that, despite its high cost, fully justifies it. The price of goods depends on the manufacturer and the wool used. For example, a quality blanket will cost from 1,300 rubles.
Merino wool is a unique material for the whole family. Compared to common cashmere or alpaca, merino fiber provides a feeling of comfort during heavy sweating and warms in the winter cold.
