Spinning with Merino wool top
Merino is the benchmark fine wool for hand spinning. Our combed top runs 21–23 microns with a springy crimp that drafts smoothly on both wheel and spindle, and its natural moisture-wicking makes it a strong choice for next-to-skin garments once spun.
There are three ways to buy it here: solid dyed combed top from 1 oz to 16 oz for matching a planned project, undyed natural top as a dye-it-yourself base, and pre-curated variety packs — Pretty Pastels, Purple Disco, Autumn Leaves and a dozen more — sold as 250–500 gram bundles for gradient and coordinated-color spinning without hand-picking individual colors.
Merino's fine micron count means it felts fast and dense, so expect quicker results than coarser breeds in both needle and wet felting. Its shorter staple compared to longwools like Corriedale gives a gentler, more controlled draft that most beginners find forgiving once they adjust to the fiber's slight stickiness. Worsted-style spinning from the fold gives the crispest stitch definition for garments; a more open draw traps air for a lighter, warmer yarn. Either way, Merino rewards a light hand at the wheel more than it forgives fast treadling.
Looking for something different? Polish Merino and superwash Merino are stocked separately.
