Know Your Sheep – Know your sheep and understand your wool
Know Your Sheep – Know your sheep and understand your wool
Merino, BFL, Shetland, Falkland, Icelandic, Cheviot, Polwarth and Rambouillet – eight worlds of wool that could hardly be more different.
If you have ever held various wool yarns in your hands, you probably know the difference immediately.
Some wool feels incredibly soft and smooth. Other wool is bouncy and elastic, some has a beautiful sheen, while others feel more rustic, warmer or particularly robust.
But why is that?
The answer begins long before wool becomes yarn and yarn becomes a beautiful sweater, scarf or shawl.
It begins with the sheep.
Over centuries, various sheep breeds were adapted to their respective habitats. Some had to cope with icy winds and harsh weather, others were specifically bred for particularly fine wool. Still others developed particularly long, shiny or resilient fibers.
And it is exactly these properties that we find again later in our yarn.
That is why it is worth taking a closer look:
Which sheep is actually inside your wool?
Why the sheep breed is important for the wool
Not all sheep wool is the same.
The properties of a fleece are determined by factors including the following:
- Fiber diameter – usually stated in microns
- Fiber length
- Crimp
- Elasticity
- Strength
- Sheen
- Softness
- Natural color
- Structure of the fleece
These properties in turn influence how the wool can be spun, dyed, knitted and worn.
That is why two yarns, both simply labeled as "100% wool", can have completely different effects.
And that is exactly what makes the world of wool so fascinating.
1. Merino – the queen of fine wool
If there is one sheep breed worldwide that is associated with particularly soft wool, it is Merino.
The origins of the Merino sheep lie in Spain. From there, the breed spread across many countries and became an important component of wool production, particularly in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Australia eventually developed into one of the most significant Merino wool producers in the world. The first Merino sheep arrived in Australia as early as 1797.
What makes Merino wool so special?
Merino wool is known above all for its fine fibers and its pleasant softness.
Depending on the Merino breeding line, the fiber diameter can vary significantly. Particularly fine Merino wool is excellent for clothing that is worn directly on the skin.
But Merino can be more than just soft.
The fiber is:
- elastic
- breathable
- temperature-regulating
- moisture-regulating
- pleasantly light
- versatile
This is why Merino is found today in a huge range of products – from fine shawls to sweaters and socks.
Merino and hand-dyed yarn
Merino is also exceptionally interesting for hand-dyed wool.
The fine, even fiber can absorb colors beautifully and allows for intense tone-on-tone dyeing as well as vibrant speckles and color gradients.
At Irish Fairytale Yarns, Merino is currently available in various yarn weights and compositions – including 100% Merino as well as blends with silk.
👉 Discover our hand-dyed Merino yarns
In short:
If you are looking for a versatile, soft and elastic wool, Merino is an excellent starting point.
2. Bluefaced Leicester – BFL: long, shiny and elegant
Bluefaced Leicester, usually called simply BFL, is one of the best-known British wool sheep breeds.
The breed developed in Northern England and was bred as a crossbreed, among other things. Today, BFL is well-known in agriculture as well as among spinners, weavers and knitters.
And there is a good reason for that:
BFL wool has a character all its own.
How does BFL wool feel?
Bluefaced Leicester is one of the long-wool breeds, but possesses relatively fine fibers for a long wool.
Typical characteristics are:
- a relatively long fiber
- beautiful natural sheen
- good elasticity
- soft handle
- excellent drape
- good strength
The combination of fiber length and sheen is what makes BFL interesting.
Compared to Merino, BFL does not feel simply "softer" or "harder" – it feels different.
The longer fiber provides a beautiful drape and gives the finished knitted piece a characteristic handle.
BFL and hand-dyed wool
BFL is especially exciting for hand-dyers.
Due to the natural sheen of the fiber, colors can appear very vibrant. Tonal dyeings gain depth and speckles can develop a particularly interesting effect.
BFL is therefore excellently suited for:
- shawls
- scarves
- sweaters
- cardigans
- fine accessories
is suitable.
If Merino is the elegant queen of softness, then BFL is its shiny British cousin.
3. Shetland – wool from the northern islands
Far in the north of Scotland lie the Shetland Islands.
Conditions prevail there that one would not necessarily associate with particularly fine wool:
Wind, cold, rain and a barren landscape.
Yet it was precisely under these conditions that a remarkably versatile sheep breed developed.
Shetland sheep belong to the group of Northern European short-tailed sheep and have a long history on the islands. The breed is especially prized today for its versatile fleece.
What makes Shetland wool special?
Shetland wool is known for:
- fine fibers
- natural crimp
- elasticity
- warmth
- light weight
- good durability
However, the variety of colors is particularly fascinating.
Shetland sheep occur in numerous natural colors and patterns. The Shetland Sheep Society describes eleven main colors as well as numerous patterns and markings.
This means:
You can obtain an incredibly diverse color spectrum without even having to add dye to the wool.
Shetland and Fair Isle
Shetland wool is naturally closely linked to the traditional knitting culture of the Shetland Islands.
It plays an important role especially in Fair Isle knitting.
Its combination of warmth, lightness, elasticity and variety of colors makes it ideal for:
- traditional patterns
- colorwork
- Fair Isle projects
- lace
- sweaters
- hats
- gloves
Shetland wool does not try to be Merino.
And that is precisely its strength.
It possesses a character all its own.
4. Falkland – not a sheep breed, but an origin
This is where it gets interesting.
Because although Falkland wool is often mentioned alongside names like Merino or Shetland, Falkland is not a sheep breed.
Rather, Falkland refers to the origin of the wool – the Falkland Islands.
Sheep farming has existed there for more than 150 years. Historically, Corriedale sheep, among others, played an important role. Today, the sheep population consists primarily of Polwarth/Merino crosses with an increasing Merino share.
What makes Falkland wool special?
The Falkland Islands offer good conditions for wool production.
Large quantities of wool are produced there annually. Official data currently cites fiber diameters of approximately 16.8 to 28 microns, depending on the animal and the stock.
Falkland wool is often prized for its:
- brightness
- cleanliness
- softness
- good fiber length
- good spinnability
- excellent dyeing properties
The bright fiber base is particularly interesting for hand-dyers.
Colors can appear clear and luminous, which makes Falkland yarn an excellent foundation for intense hand-dyed color worlds.
So: What is Falkland wool?
Quite simply:
Falkland is a designation of origin, not a sheep breed.
And that is precisely why "Falkland wool" is a beautiful example of the fact that with wool, not only the sheep matters, but also the place where it lives and the wool is produced.
5. Icelandic – the wool with two layers
Icelandic wool is one of the most fascinating types of wool of all.
Icelandic sheep came to Iceland with the Norse settlers and developed there over many centuries in a harsh climate.
And this climate has left its mark.
The fleece of the Icelandic sheep consists of two different fiber types.
Tog – the outer layer
The long outer fibers are called Tog.
They are:
- longer
- stronger
- relatively shiny
- resilient
- weather-resistant
In a sense, they form the sheep's protective coat.
Þel – the soft underlayer
The shorter inner fibers are called Þel.
They are:
- finer
- softer
- shorter
- particularly warming
Thus, the Icelandic sheep essentially possesses two different wool qualities in one fleece.
These fibers can be processed separately or spun together.
What makes Icelandic wool so versatile?
Depending on how it is processed, it can be used for very different projects:
- warm sweaters
- hats
- gloves
- socks
- blankets
- felt work
- weaving projects
The natural colors are also fascinating.
From white through various shades of gray and brown to black and various patterns, Icelandic sheep wool offers an impressive natural color palette.
Icelandic wool is more rustic than fine Merino wool – but that is exactly where its special charm lies.
6. Cheviot – robust, elastic and made for harsh weather
Cheviot sheep take their name from the Cheviot Hills on the border between England and Scotland.
Their history is closely linked to the rugged landscape of the British north.
The animals were specifically bred for difficult conditions and are known for their robustness.
And it is exactly these properties that you also find in their wool.
Cheviot wool
Cheviot wool is typically:
- white
- elastic
- resilient
- bouncy
- relatively strong
- textured
It is not necessarily the first choice if you are looking for the absolute softest wool for a garment worn directly on the skin.
But it offers something else instead:
Structure and durability.
Cheviot is therefore especially suitable for:
- sweaters
- socks
- outdoor clothing
- robust accessories
- traditional knitting projects
- blankets
Cheviot shows very beautifully that good wool does not automatically have to be the softest wool.
Sometimes strength, elasticity and longevity are more important.
7. Polwarth – the Australian blend of Merino and Lincoln
The history of Polwarth sheep begins in Australia.
The breed was developed in Victoria from Merino and Lincoln.
The goal was interesting:
They wanted to combine the fine, high-quality wool of the Merino with the properties of the Lincoln breed.
The result was a breed with approximately 75% Merino and 25% Lincoln content.
What is Polwarth wool like?
Polwarth produces a fine, bright and well-crimped wool.
Typical properties are:
- soft
- elastic
- bright
- even
- rich in crimp
- fine
- versatile
The ideal fiber fineness is stated by the Polwarth Sheep Breeders Association as approximately 20–24 microns.
This places Polwarth in an interesting range between extreme fineness and a bit more structure.
Polwarth and Falkland
And this is where the circle closes:
Polwarth/Merino crosses also play an important role today on the Falkland Islands.
This means that behind a yarn labeled "Falkland", there can indeed be genetics that go back to Polwarth and Merino.
The world of wool is just full of such connections.
8. Rambouillet – France's answer to Merino
The history of the Rambouillet sheep begins in France.
In 1786, selected Spanish Merino sheep were brought to France and further bred on the royal sheep farm at Rambouillet.
From this, the Rambouillet breed developed – which is why it is also regarded as a kind of French relative of the Merino.
Rambouillet wool
Rambouillet is a classic fine wool breed.
Its wool is characterized, among other things, by:
- fine fibers
- softness
- pronounced crimp
- elasticity
- dense fleece
- good wool quantity
The breed later became particularly significant in the USA and remains an important fine wool breed to this day.
Rambouillet or Merino?
The two breeds are closely related, but not identical.
Both offer fine and soft wool.
Nevertheless, the yarn can differ significantly depending on the fiber, breeding line, processing and spinning method.
If you love fine wool, it is worth trying Rambouillet for yourself.
The eight types of wool compared
| Wool type | Typical character | Particularly interesting for |
|---|---|---|
| Merino | fine, soft, elastic | sweaters, shawls, socks, clothing directly on the skin |
| BFL | long, soft, shiny | shawls, sweaters, cardigans |
| Shetland | light, warm, elastic | colorwork, Fair Isle, lace |
| Falkland | bright, clean, versatile | hand-dyeing, shawls, sweaters |
| Icelandic | warm, robust, two-layered | sweaters, outdoor, felting |
| Cheviot | robust, bouncy, durable | socks, sweaters, outdoor |
| Polwarth | soft, elastic, fine | sweaters, shawls, versatile projects |
| Rambouillet | fine, soft, crimp-rich | shawls, clothing, fine knitted pieces |
But which wool is the best?
This cannot be answered in general terms.
Because the best wool depends on what you want to knit.
Which wool fits which knitting project?
For particularly soft clothing
Merino and Rambouillet
If your project is worn directly on the skin, fine fibers are particularly interesting.
For beautiful shawls with drape
BFL
The long, slightly shiny fiber can give a shawl a particularly beautiful drape.
For colorwork and Fair Isle
Shetland
Light, warm, elastic and with a fascinating natural color variety.
For robust winter sweaters
Icelandic and Cheviot
When warmth, texture, and durability are more important than maximum fineness, these wool types become particularly interesting.
For soft, elastic all-round projects
Polwarth and Merino
Both combine fine fibers with good elasticity and are suitable for a wide range of projects.
Why the fiber is so important for hand-dyed wool
When we think of hand-dyed wool, we often think of the color first.
Red or blue?
Speckles or tonal?
Bright or subtle?
But the fiber underneath is at least as important.
Because the same color can look completely different on different types of wool.
A matte, finely crimped fiber reflects light differently than a long, shiny fiber.
A very absorbent fiber can take up color differently than a smoother fiber.
And an elastic wool behaves differently when knitting than a particularly long-staple fiber.
That is why the combination of
Fiber + Spinning method + Yarn weight + Dyeing
is crucial for the final appearance of a yarn.
This is exactly what makes hand-dyed wool so exciting.
From sheep to hand-dyed yarn
The next time you pick up a skein of yarn, a little change in perspective is worth it.
Before it became a beautiful shade, there was:
a sheep.
And before this sheep existed, there were generations of breeders who passed on certain traits.
A sheep that had to cope with wind and rain in the Shetland Islands.
A Merino that has been selected for fine fibers over generations.
An Icelandic sheep with its unique double fleece.
A BFL with its long, lustrous fibers.
A Cheviot suitable for the harsh conditions of the British Highlands.
A Polwarth, which originated from crossing Merino and Lincoln.
Or a Rambouillet, whose history dates back to the Spanish Merino sheep of the 18th century.
All these stories are embedded – at least a little bit – in the yarn we hold in our hands today.
Know Your Sheep – and rediscover your wool
At Irish Fairytale Yarns, we don't just love wool for its colors.
We love the stories behind them.
The fibers.
The origin.
The different characteristics.
And of course the opportunity to create something completely unique from them.
Because once you know which sheep is behind your wool, you suddenly see a skein of yarn through different eyes.
You are no longer just buying 400 meters of blue yarn.
You are buying a specific fiber.
With a specific feel.
A specific elasticity.
A specific story.
And perhaps even exactly the qualities your next favorite project needs.
So: Know your sheep.
And then:
Pick your yarn, choose your colour and create your own fairytale.
Frequently asked questions about sheep breeds and wool
Which sheep's wool is particularly soft?
Fine Merino wool is among the best-known types of particularly soft wool. However, it is not just the breed that is decisive, but above all the actual fiber diameter and the processing.
What does BFL mean in wool?
BFL stands for Bluefaced Leicester. This British long-wool breed is known for relatively long, fine, and lustrous fibers with a beautiful drape.
Is Falkland a sheep breed?
No. Falkland is not a sheep breed. Falkland wool refers to wool produced in the Falkland Islands. Among others, Polwarth/Merino crosses and Merino sheep are kept there.
What is special about Icelandic wool?
Icelandic wool has two different fiber types: the longer, more robust tog and the softer, finer þel. This allows the wool to be processed in very different ways.
Is Shetland wool soft?
Shetland wool can be very soft and is known for its fine, elastic, and lightweight fiber. At the same time, it has enough character and structure for traditional knitting techniques.
What is Polwarth wool?
Polwarth is an Australian sheep breed developed from Merino and Lincoln. Its wool is fine, soft, light, and elastic.
What is Rambouillet wool?
Rambouillet is a French fine-wool breed whose history goes back to Spanish Merino sheep. The wool is fine, soft, and highly crimped.
Discover the world of hand-dyed wool
Would you like to experience for yourself how differently high-quality fibers and hand-dyed colors combine?
Discover the hand-dyed yarns from Irish Fairytale Yarns and find the fiber that fits your next project.