If you have been knitting for a while, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Merino wool. What type of wool is it? Why do people prefer Merino wool? In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits and uses of Merino wool in knitting.
Merino wool is a type of wool that is collected from sheep, primarily found in Australia. It has a long and smooth fiber, that’s both warm and lightweight, soft but durable. Merino wool is high-quality wool. It is smooth, warm, and soft to wear, as it is less likely to irritate. One can feel the difference between Merino wool yarn from ordinary yarn just by holding both types of yarn in your hands. You can make different types of patterns with Merino yarn as it is stretchable and durable. The best part is that it isn’t itchy to the skin because it has fine fibers. This advantage makes merino wool premium and luxurious. Superwash wool is often more soft and durable than non-superwash wool.
Advantages Of Knitting With Merino Wool:
1. Matchless Softness: One of the defining characteristics of Merino wool is its unique softness. It is smooth and refined, unlike other traditional wools, which are irritating and scratchy in nature. It is perfect for knitting cozy baby items and garments, and other accessories. When you knit with merino wool, you will feel how it is gliding through your fingers, creating a truly exceptional piece.
2. Exceptional Insulation: Merino wool is renowned for its warmth and insulation. It is warm but light in weight, so it can be suitable for babies as well, making it an ideal choice for chilly winters. It has a natural ability to regulate body temperature and ensures you stay warm and comfortable on frosty nights and chilly days.
3. Easy To Wash: Merino wool knitting items can easily be washed. The scaly surface of this wool allows you to machine wash at 30-40C. Its special fibers protect it from severe shrinking.
4. Moisture Regulation: Merino wool has hydrophilic fibers. These fibers can absorb up to 30% of their body weight in moisture without feeling wet to the touch. It dries the wool surface, and the moisture moves to the fiber core. These fibers don’t block the natural cooling process of sweating. Merino wool fibers are breathable in nature and can dry quickly, maintaining freshness in summer.
5. Temperature regulation: Merino wool fibers are temperature regulators in nature. They are warm in winter and cool in summer. They maintain the body temperature and freshness of the body.
What You Can Knit With Merino Wool: Knitting is a creative art for those who love to try something new. If you are worried about what type of yarn you should use, merino wool is the best to try. You can do projects like cardigans, socks, baby items, mittens, gloves, or pullovers. Merino wools have soft fibers and are best for babies, as they don’t irritate the skin. You can make cozy blankets or beanie hats with chunky merino yarn. Merino wool offers a plethora of color options. The natural luster of merino yarn enhances the visual appearance of the knitting project.
Soft Cardigans: There’s nothing like a hand-knit cardigan for winter to get cozy effects. It will be a very good experience if it is made of merino wool. Knitting a cardigan is not as difficult as it seems. With a bit of practice and focus, you can make a beautiful cardigan, even if you are a beginner. For a start, you can go for a Garter or stockinette stitch. You can create a seamless cardigan with circular needles, or knit flat pieces and seam them accordingly.
Baby Blankets: Making baby blankets is a relaxing, easy-to-complete project. Suitable knitting needles sizes 5mm to 8mm, are best for beginners. Use basic knitting stitches with colorful Merino wool yarn and achieve a beautiful blanket for your baby.
Scarves and Cowls: Scarves and Cowls are as easy-made projects as blankets. You don’t need any complex techniques or invest a lot of time. Merino wool scarves will provide comfort and warmth to your neck as they don’t irritate the skin. Opt for a basic knit and purl technique and flat needles for this project. You can use circular needles in cowl making.
Baby Mittens and Booties: Merino wool yarns are best for babies. They provide a soft and comfortable feeling. Use fine threads and matching needles to craft mittens and booties for your newly born. Straight needles of size 4.5mm are ideal.
Knitting with merino wool is an exquisite experience that combines the joy of creativity with luxurious comfort. With characteristics like exceptional softness, remarkable insulation, and color variety, merino yarn is your best choice to complete beautiful and comfortable knitting projects. Go for cozy blankets, baby items, beanie hats, socks, mittens, and gloves. Select the best hand-dyed yarns, suitable knitting needles, and a beautiful pattern to create unique masterpieces.
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