No, it is barely itchy. Its fibres are much finer than those of a traditional wool, so they bend when they touch the skin rather than prick it. This is why it feels so comfortable in jumpers, scarves and garments worn directly against the body, even if you have sensitive skin. If you also check the information on each product page and choose a yarn with certification for sensitive skin, you will be making the right choice if you are looking for a soft wool to wear next to the skin.
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What is the difference between merino wool and pure wool?
Merino wool comes from merino sheep and stands out for the fineness of its fibres. It is softer, more elastic and more pleasant against the skin than many standard wools, which is why it is widely used for children’s garments, jumpers, snoods, hats and projects that need warmth without itchiness.
Pure wool does not define a specific breed, but rather the state of the fibre: it means the wool comes directly from the animal’s fleece and has not been recycled or reused from previous fabrics. It can come from different sheep breeds, so its softness, thickness and behaviour will depend on its specific origin.
In short, “merino” refers to the type of sheep and the fine quality of the fibre, while “pure” indicates that the wool is new and not recycled, as with the pure sheep wool from BC Garn or Erika Knight. A wool can be both merino and pure at the same time if it comes from merino sheep and has not been reclaimed from other textile products.
In this collection, you will find natural, untreated pure wool, alongside options in extra-fine pure merino wool. If you are looking for the most delicate feel, merino is your fibre; if you prefer a wool with body and a rustic look for jumpers and blankets, pure wool is perfect.
How to choose your merino wool: weight, superwash and composition
To choose the right merino wool, look at three things: weight, treatment and blend. The weight defines the garment and the needle size; the superwash finish means the wool can be machine washed; and the composition (100% merino or a blend) determines the feel and final durability of the fabric.
In fine weights such as fingering (a fine yarn, ideal for socks and lightweight garments), you have superwash merino wool from brands such as Gründl or Performance, which can be machine washed and works very well as a long-lasting sock yarn.
In DK weight (an intermediate weight and the most versatile), you will find extra-fine merino wool and dk merino wool blended with alpaca wool from DROPS, with a soft feel and good drape for jumpers and cardigans.
And if you prefer a more sustainable option, part of the collection is GOTS-certified organic wool from BC Garn, as well as a recycled wool of German origin.
Merino wool: softness and warmth for hand knitting
Merino wool is the softest option in the collection and is barely itchy, so it is wonderful for garments worn close to the body, such as jumpers, scarves or hats. It is warm yet breathable, regulates body temperature well and feels very pleasant to wear throughout the winter, even on sensitive skin.
If you are looking for merino wool for hand knitting, you will find skeins and balls in different weights, from the finest yarns to haloed, fluffy wools such as blends with mohair yarn from Gazzal. They are easy to work with, with good stitch definition and a beautiful finish in both knitting and crochet.
Merino wool balls for knitting and crochet
Our merino wool balls are just as suitable for knitting as they are for crochet, and you will find them in a wide variety of colours and formats, from large skeins to small 25-gram balls. This variety makes it easier to combine shades within the same project and calculate exactly the amount you need, without having too much or too little left over.
Here you can buy merino wool from European and Turkish brands: DROPS, Scheepjes, BC Garn, Erika Knight, Kremke Soul Wool, Gründl, Performance and Gazzal. Whether you need a single ball of merino wool for a swatch or several for a complete garment, you will find more than twenty options.
If you choose skeins, make sure you have the equipment you need to wind the pure wool before knitting more comfortably. At Garmon Yarns, we have a very useful collection of ball winders and swifts for this process.