Wool Yarn

Wool yarn is one of knitting's most enduring materials — naturally warm, elastic, and beautiful to work with. At The Orry Mill, our wool yarn edit brings together the finest British and international brands, from Rowan and West Yorkshire Spinners to Knitting for Olive and Noro — spanning lace weight through to super chunky, all chosen by knitters, for knitters.

What types of wool yarn does The Orry Mill stock?

The Orry Mill stocks over 50 wool yarns from leading British and international brands including Rowan, West Yorkshire Spinners, Knitting for Olive, Sandnes Garn, Noro, Schoppel, and Jamieson & Smith. The range covers all standard weights from lace and 4-ply through to DK, Aran, chunky, and super chunky. Many yarns are 100% wool; others are wool blends incorporating merino, mohair, silk, cashmere, or alpaca.

Where can I buy wool yarn in Glasgow?

The Orry Mill is an independent yarn shop based in Eaglesham, on the outskirts of Glasgow in East Renfrewshire. The full wool yarn range is available to browse in-store as well as online at theorrymill.co.uk. The shop carries premium and everyday wool yarns from Rowan, West Yorkshire Spinners, Knitting for Olive, and more, with expert advice available from the team in-store.

What is the best wool yarn for beginners?

For beginner knitters, a DK or Aran weight wool yarn is usually the best starting point — the stitches are easier to see and count, and the fabric grows quickly. West Yorkshire Spinners Bo Peep DK and WYS Pure DK are popular choices at The Orry Mill for new knitters. Both are smooth, affordable, and widely used in beginner-friendly patterns.

Is wool yarn machine washable?

It depends on the yarn. Some wool yarns — particularly superwash-treated merino wools — can be machine washed on a wool or delicate cycle. Others, including traditional Shetland wools like Jamieson & Smith, should be hand washed in cool water and laid flat to dry. Always check the ball band of your specific yarn before washing. If in doubt, hand washing is the safest option for any wool knit.

What is the difference between wool and merino wool yarn?

All merino is wool, but not all wool is merino. Merino refers specifically to yarn spun from the fleece of Merino sheep, which produces a finer, softer fibre than standard wool. Merino yarns — such as Knitting for Olive Merino — are less likely to feel scratchy against the skin, making them well suited to garments worn close to the body, including baby knits and next-to-skin layers. Standard wool yarns may have a coarser handle but are often more hardwearing and better suited to outerwear, socks, and colourwork.