Merino Lyocell Top | Luxury Fibre Blend for Spinning, Weaving & Felting
Ashford Merino Lyocell Top combines the incredible softness of Merino wool with the silky sheen of Lyocell, a cellulose fibre made from wood pulp. This luxurious blend creates smooth, luminous yarns with beautiful drape, making it a favourite for hand spinners, weavers and fibre artists.
Made from 82% 22-micron Merino wool in natural white, grey and black, blended with 18% Lyocell, it offers exceptional softness, subtle shine and excellent spinning performance. It is equally suitable for spinning, weaving, felting and custom fibre blends.
One of the most exciting features of this blend is the way it responds to dyeing. The Merino fibres absorb Ashford protein dyes, while the Lyocell and natural black fibres remain undyed. The result is beautiful heathered yarns with unique depth and natural colour variation.
Quick overview:
✔️ 82% 22-micron Merino wool
✔️ 18% Lyocell (wood-based cellulose fibre)
✔️ Natural White, Grey and Black fibres
✔️ Ideal for spinning, weaving and felting
✔️ Creates beautiful heathered effects when dyed
✔️ Available in 100 g and 500 g
✔️ Ashford product
Why choose the Merino Lyocell blend?
This carefully balanced blend combines two complementary fibres. Merino provides exceptional softness and elasticity, while Lyocell contributes a silky sheen, fluid drape and added strength.
- luxuriously soft
- subtle natural sheen
- smooth drafting
- beautiful dye effects
- excellent drape
- suitable for beginners and experienced spinners alike
Perfect for a wide range of projects
This blend is ideal for creating yarns for knitting, weaving and crochet. It is also an excellent choice for felting projects and for fibre artists looking to achieve unique colour variations after dyeing.
- spinning wheel
- drop spindle spinning
- weaving
- felting
- fibre blending
- hand dyeing
Specifications
- Brand: Ashford
- Composition: 82% Merino wool (22 micron), 18% Lyocell
- Colours: Natural White, Grey and Black
- Available sizes: 100 g and 500 g
What makes this blend unique?
| Feature | Merino Lyocell |
|---|---|
| Softness | ★★★★★ |
| Lustre | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of spinning | ★★★★★ |
| Dye effects | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
Unlike a solid Merino top, this blend naturally develops beautiful tonal variation during dyeing. The Lyocell fibres and natural black wool remain unchanged, while the white and grey Merino fibres absorb the dye in varying intensities, creating rich, heathered colour effects.
Complete your fibre studio
Our opinion
This is one of the most distinctive fibre blends in the Ashford collection. It combines the luxurious softness of Merino with the elegant sheen of Lyocell, while producing stunning naturally heathered effects after dyeing. A wonderful choice for anyone looking to create truly unique handspun yarns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this blend create multiple shades when dyed?
Ashford protein dyes colour the white and grey Merino fibres, while the Lyocell and natural black fibres remain unchanged, producing beautiful tonal variation.
Is Lyocell the same as TENCEL™?
Lyocell is the fibre type, while TENCEL™ is the best-known trademark for Lyocell fibres made from sustainably sourced wood pulp.
Is this blend suitable for felting?
Yes. The Merino felts beautifully, while the Lyocell adds texture and a subtle sheen to the finished project.
Is this fibre beginner-friendly?
Yes. Its smooth preparation and soft Merino content make it easy and enjoyable to spin at any experience level.