Fibre Types Guide

Every fibre has its own personality. Here's what we work with and what each one does best.

Choosing yarn starts with choosing fibre. Different wools suit different projects. A chunky outdoor cardigan needs something different from a lace-weight shawl. This guide covers the main fibres I spin with, where they come from, and what they're good for.

Raw wool fibre in various natural colours

Lincoln Longwool

Our local breed. The staple length is exceptional, often 15cm or more, and the locks have a natural lustre you don't find in shorter-stapled breeds. It spins into yarn with gorgeous drape and a subtle sheen. The fibre comes from a farm about eight miles from the workshop.

Best for: Scarves, wraps, woven projects, anything where drape matters.

Blue Faced Leicester (BFL)

Fine, soft, and takes dye beautifully. BFL is my go-to for colourwork yarns because the colours come out clear and vibrant. The micron count is low enough for next-to-skin wear but the fibre has enough tooth to hold twist well.

Best for: Colourwork, garments, socks, anything that needs good stitch definition.

Merino

The softest fibre I regularly spin. Merino has a very fine crimp and low micron count, so it's comfortable against even sensitive skin. On its own it can pill, so I often blend it with silk or bamboo for added strength and sheen.

Best for: Baby garments, cowls, anything next-to-skin, luxury projects.

Corriedale

A genuine all-rounder. Corriedale has enough softness for comfortable wear but enough body for structured projects. It's springy, hardwearing, and takes texture well. My Wold Green yarn is pure Corriedale.

Best for: Outerwear, accessories, hats, bags, anything that needs to hold its shape.

Alpaca

Incredibly warm without weight. Alpaca fibre has hollow cores that trap heat, so even thin yarn feels warm. I use it sparingly in blends because it lacks elasticity on its own. Mixed with wool it gives a gorgeous halo effect.

Best for: Winter accessories, blankets, blended with wool for warmth.

Silk

I add silk to blends for strength and sheen. It doesn't felt, it's incredibly strong, and it catches the light in a way no plant or animal fibre can match. Usually 20-30% of a blend, combined with merino or BFL.

Best for: Luxury blends, shawls, special occasion projects.

Close-up of soft wool fibre being prepared for spinning

Sourcing

I buy British wherever possible. The Lincoln Longwool comes from a farm I can see from the top of our lane. The BFL comes from a flock in the Yorkshire Dales via a small mill in Bradford. Corriedale I source from a spinner's co-op in the Midlands.

Merino and silk are harder to get locally, so those come from ethical suppliers I've worked with for years. I know where the fibre comes from and I'm comfortable with how the animals are kept.

Learn About Natural Dyeing