Natural White Polwarth Wool Top | 21 Micron Combed Spinning Fiber
Ashford Polwarth Wool Top is made from 100% New Zealand Polwarth wool. With its fine 21-micron fibres and exceptional softness, it is an excellent choice for spinning, felting, carding and dyeing.
Its staple length of approximately 10 cm (4") provides an ideal balance between softness, elasticity and ease of spinning. Polwarth is easier to control than many ultra-fine wools while still producing beautifully soft yarns that are comfortable to wear.
Its natural white colour also makes it an outstanding base for Ashford dyes, custom fibre blends and high-quality handspun yarns.
Quick overview:
✔️ 100% New Zealand Polwarth wool
✔️ Approximately 21 microns
✔️ Staple length: approximately 10 cm (4")
✔️ Excellent for spinning, felting, carding and dyeing
✔️ Easier to draft than many ultra-fine fibres
✔️ Available in 100 g and 500 g sizes
✔️ Ashford product
Why choose Polwarth wool?
Polwarth sits between ultra-fine wools such as Merino and slightly more robust breeds such as Corriedale. It offers exceptional softness, a comfortable staple length and an enjoyable spinning experience.
- soft enough for next-to-skin garments
- comfortable staple length for spinning
- excellent natural elasticity
- ideal for fine and medium-weight yarns
- good plying strength
- excellent fibre for hand dyeing
Perfect for
Polwarth Wool Top is suitable for both singles and plied yarns. It produces soft, elastic and slightly lofty yarns for knitting, crochet and weaving.
- wheel spinning
- drop spindle spinning
- yarns for knitting, crochet and weaving
- wet felting
- needle felting
- carding and fibre blending
- hand dyeing
An ideal fibre for dyeing
Its natural white colour produces bright, vibrant shades with Ashford dyes. Whether you prefer soft pastels or rich, saturated colours, Polwarth provides an excellent foundation for creating custom colourways for spinning and felting.
Specifications
- Brand: Ashford
- Fibre: Polwarth
- Composition: 100% New Zealand wool
- Colour: Natural white
- Fibre diameter: Approximately 21 microns
- Staple length: Approximately 10 cm (4")
- Available sizes: 100 g and 500 g
Why choose Polwarth?
| Feature | Polwarth |
|---|---|
| Softness | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of Spinning | ★★★★★ |
| Elasticity | ★★★★☆ |
| Felting | ★★★★☆ |
| Beginner Friendly | ★★★★★ |
Polwarth offers an excellent balance of softness, spinning ease and versatility. It is an outstanding choice for anyone who loves the softness of Merino but prefers a fibre that is slightly easier to control while spinning.
Not sure which fibre is right for you?
Explore our Spinning Fibre Guide to compare Polwarth, Merino, Corriedale, silk, plant fibres and many other spinning fibres to help you choose the best fibre for your next project.
Explore the Spinning Fibre Guide
Our opinion
If you appreciate the softness of Merino but would like a fibre that's a little easier to draft, Polwarth is an outstanding choice. Its longer staple length makes spinning more forgiving while producing remarkably soft, elegant yarns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polwarth suitable for beginner spinners?
Yes. Its approximately 10 cm (4") staple length makes drafting easier and gives beginners excellent control while spinning.
Is Polwarth a soft fibre?
Yes. At approximately 21 microns, Polwarth is exceptionally soft and comfortable against the skin.
Is Polwarth softer than Corriedale?
Yes. At around 21 microns, Polwarth is generally finer and softer than Corriedale while remaining easy to spin.
Can I use Polwarth for felting?
Yes. It performs beautifully in both wet felting and needle felting and also blends well with many other fibres.
Can this fibre be dyed?
Yes. Its natural white colour accepts Ashford dyes beautifully, producing bright, vibrant and long-lasting colours.
What is the difference between Polwarth and Merino?
Polwarth generally has a longer staple length than Merino, making it easier to draft while still producing exceptionally soft yarns.