19 Micron Merino Wool Top | Superfine Combed Wool for Spinning & Felting
The Ashford 19 Micron Merino Wool Top is a premium superfine combed wool made from 100% New Zealand Merino wool. Renowned for its exceptional softness, beautiful drape and natural elasticity, it is one of the world's most popular fibres for hand spinning, felting, dyeing and fibre preparation.
With a fibre diameter of approximately 19 microns, this Merino produces incredibly soft yarns and luxurious felt that are comfortable enough to wear directly against the skin.
Prepared as a natural white combed top, it drafts smoothly and absorbs dyes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for both natural and hand-dyed projects.
Quick overview:
✔️ Superfine Merino wool top
✔️ 100% New Zealand Merino wool
✔️ Approximately 19 microns
✔️ Staple length: 5–7.5 cm (2–3")
✔️ Ideal for spinning, felting, blending and dyeing
✔️ Available in 100 g and 500 g
✔️ Premium Ashford quality
Why choose 19 micron Merino?
Merino is widely regarded as the softest and finest of all wool breeds. Its exceptional softness, resilience and elegant drape make it the preferred choice for luxury garments and fine handspun yarns.
- exceptionally soft against the skin
- beautiful drape
- excellent natural elasticity
- dyes brilliantly
- felts easily
- ideal for fine, smooth yarns
Perfect for a wide range of fibre arts
This superfine Merino wool top is suitable for spinning on both spinning wheels and drop spindles, as well as wet felting, needle felting, blending and hand dyeing.
- hand spinning
- drop spindle spinning
- wheel spinning
- wet felting
- needle felting
- fibre blending
- hand dyeing
Specifications
- Brand: Ashford
- Fibre: 100% New Zealand Merino wool
- Colour: Natural White
- Fibre diameter: Approximately 19 microns
- Staple length: Approximately 5–7.5 cm (2–3")
- Available sizes: 100 g and 500 g
How does Merino compare to other fibres?
| Feature | 19 Micron Merino |
|---|---|
| Softness | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of spinning | ★★★★☆ |
| Felting | ★★★★★ |
| Dye uptake | ★★★★★ |
| Elasticity | ★★★★★ |
Compared to Polwarth, 19 micron Merino is even softer but has a slightly shorter staple length. It requires a little more drafting control while rewarding spinners with beautifully refined yarns.
Complete your fibre studio
Our opinion
If softness is your top priority, it's difficult to find a better fibre than 19 micron Merino. It may require slightly more control than longer-stapled fibres such as Polwarth, but the resulting yarn is exceptionally soft, elegant and luxurious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 19 micron Merino suitable for beginners?
Yes. While its shorter staple requires a little more drafting control, beginners can absolutely learn with Merino. Those looking for an easier drafting experience may also enjoy Polwarth.
Why choose 19 micron instead of 21 micron?
The lower the micron count, the finer and softer the wool. Nineteen micron Merino offers an exceptionally soft handle, making it ideal for garments worn next to the skin.
Can I dye this fibre?
Yes. The natural white fibre absorbs Ashford dyes and other protein fibre dyes beautifully, producing vibrant, even colours.
Is it suitable for felting?
Absolutely. Merino is one of the most popular fibres for both wet felting and needle felting thanks to its fine fibres and excellent felting properties.