Ashford Merino Wool Top | 100% New Zealand Merino Wool
Ashford Merino Wool Top is made from 100% New Zealand Merino wool. With its fine 22-micron fibres, soft handle and closely spaced crimp, it spins into exceptionally smooth, lightweight yarns that are a pleasure to wear.
Its staple length of approximately 5–7.5 cm (2–3") makes it suitable for both woollen spinning using a long draw and worsted spinning using a short draw. It is especially appreciated for creating fine yarns for knitting, crochet and lacework.
Once spun, Merino produces soft, elastic yarns with excellent next-to-skin comfort, making it an outstanding choice for garments and accessories.
Quick overview:
✔️ 100% New Zealand Merino wool
✔️ 22 micron fibre
✔️ Staple length: approximately 5–7.5 cm (2–3")
✔️ Ideal for fine handspun yarns
✔️ Perfect for knitting, crochet and lace
✔️ Available in a wide range of colours
✔️ 100 g and 500 g sizes
✔️ Ashford product
Why choose Merino wool?
Merino is renowned for its exceptional softness and fine fibre diameter. Its regular crimp creates elastic, lightweight yarns that are comfortable to spin and beautiful to wear.
- exceptionally soft
- fine fibre diameter
- excellent elasticity
- ideal for fine yarns
- superb next-to-skin comfort
- perfect for luxury garments
Perfect for
Merino is an excellent choice whenever softness, fineness and comfort are the priorities.
- wheel spinning
- drop spindle spinning
- lace knitting
- fine knitting
- crochet
- lightweight weaving
Premium New Zealand wool
Ashford Merino wool comes from New Zealand sheep raised on non-mulesed farms. After washing, the wool is carded, combed and prepared in Ashford's own mill to produce a clean, consistent wool top ready to spin. The coloured fibres are dyed using environmentally responsible dyes that comply with the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.
Specifications
- Brand: Ashford
- Composition: 100% Merino wool
- Origin: New Zealand
- Fibre diameter: 22 microns
- Staple length: Approximately 5–7.5 cm (2–3")
- Available sizes: 100 g and 500 g
Why choose Merino?
| Feature | Merino |
|---|---|
| Softness | ★★★★★ |
| Fineness | ★★★★★ |
| Elasticity | ★★★★★ |
| Fine Yarn Potential | ★★★★★ |
| Beginner Friendly | ★★★★☆ |
Ashford Merino is the ideal fibre for spinners seeking softness, fineness and elegance. It produces refined, comfortable yarns that are perfect for delicate garments and accessories.
Not sure which fibre is right for you?
Explore our Spinning Fibre Guide to compare Merino, Corriedale, Polwarth, silk, plant fibres and many other spinning fibres, helping you choose the perfect fibre for your next project.
Explore the Spinning Fibre Guide
Our opinion
Merino is a true classic for hand spinners who appreciate fine fibres. Its exceptional softness and natural elasticity produce elegant yarns that are ideal for garments, shawls and projects worn next to the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merino suitable for beginners?
Yes. Although its staple length is shorter than Corriedale, it is still an approachable fibre that quickly rewards careful drafting with beautifully even yarns.
Why choose Merino instead of Corriedale?
Merino is finer and noticeably softer, while Corriedale is more versatile and generally easier for complete beginners to spin.
Is this wool already dyed?
Yes. The coloured Ashford Merino wool tops are dyed using environmentally responsible dyes that comply with the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.
Which size should I choose?
The 100 g size is perfect for sampling the fibre or completing a single project, while the 500 g size is ideal for larger projects and regular spinners.