Merino Yarn
Merino wool is the fibre knitters come back to again and again — soft against the skin, beautifully drapey, and a pleasure to knit with. Our merino yarn collection brings together carefully selected merino wools from trusted brands alongside our own Orry Yarn, a 100% British-made merino DK spun by Laxtons of Bradford. Available in DK, 4ply and aran weights, in a wide range of colours, there's a merino here for every project and every knitter.
Why Knitters Love Merino Wool
Merino wool is widely regarded as the gold standard of knitting yarn, and for good reason. It comes from Merino sheep, whose fleece produces unusually fine fibres — typically under 24 microns — that sit softly against the skin without the scratchiness associated with standard wool. The result is a yarn that feels luxurious, performs beautifully across a huge range of projects, and wears well over time.
Merino also has excellent natural elasticity, which means knitted fabric holds its shape after blocking and repeated wear. It is breathable and temperature-regulating, making finished garments comfortable across seasons. For knitters moving on from acrylic or basic wool, merino is often the yarn that changes everything.
What Can You Knit with Merino Yarn?
Merino's softness makes it an ideal choice for anything worn close to the skin. Garments like jumpers, cardigans, vests, and baby clothing are natural fits. The fibre's drape and stitch definition also make it well suited to accessories — hats, cowls, mittens, and scarves — as well as lightweight blankets and shawls.
In DK weight, merino knits up at roughly 22 stitches to 10cm on a 4mm needle, making it one of the most popular weights for both beginner and experienced knitters. 4ply merino works beautifully for fine shawls, socks, and detailed colourwork. Aran weight merino is a faster knit that still retains all the softness and wearability of the fibre.
Merino Yarn Weights Explained
Choosing the right weight depends on your project and the pattern you're working from. As a general guide:
4ply merino — fine and lightweight, ideal for socks, shawls, baby garments, and detailed colourwork. Typically knits on 2.5–3.25mm needles.
DK merino — the most versatile weight. Works for garments, accessories, and home knits. Typically knits on 3.75–4mm needles.
Aran merino — a chunkier, faster knit. Great for outerwear, cushion covers, and cosy accessories. Typically knits on 4.5–5mm needles.
If you're unsure which weight to choose, our Yarn Weights Guide walks you through the differences with practical examples.
British-Made Merino: Orry Yarn
Alongside our carefully chosen selection of brand merino yarns, we stock our own Orry Yarn — a 100% merino DK developed here at The Orry Mill and spun by Laxtons of Bradford, one of Britain's most established spinning mills.
The palette is inspired by Scottish landscapes — granite, heather, moorland, and sea light — and designed so colours work harmoniously together for colourwork and tonal knitting. Every ball is 50g and approximately 115 metres, knitting to a standard DK tension.
If you're looking for a merino yarn with a genuine story, traceable British production, and a colour palette built for modern knitting, Orry Yarn is a natural starting point. Shop Orry Yarn →
How to Care for Merino Yarn
Merino wool requires a little more care than synthetic fibres, but the results are worth it. Most merino yarns are best hand washed in cool water with a wool-safe detergent, then gently pressed (not wrung) and dried flat to maintain shape. Some superwash merino yarns are machine washable — always check the ball band before washing.
Blocking merino after knitting is highly recommended. Wetting the finished piece and pinning it to measurements dramatically improves stitch definition and gives garments their final shape.