Merino Wool Under 18 Microns: What It Feels Like
Merino wool under 18 microns feels fine, smooth and light to the touch. The number describes the average diameter of the wool fibres, not the thickness or weight of the finished knit. On the current Pamuuc cardigan and crew neck sweater, it is the specification behind a clean, soft surface that layers without feeling heavy.
What does under 18 microns tell you?
A micron is one millionth of a metre. In wool, the measurement refers to the width of each fibre. Under 18 microns means the fibres used for the yarn average less than 18 millionths of a metre across.
That number is useful because fibre diameter strongly influences how wool feels. It is not a complete description of the finished knit. Yarn twist, knitting tension, stitch structure and finishing also affect the final surface.
What is extrafine merino wool?
Merino is a type of sheep wool known for relatively fine fibres. Extrafine describes the finer end of that range. The current Pamuuc merino product records specify extrafine merino under 18 microns for both the cardigan and the crew neck sweater.
Woolmark’s explanation of fibre softness notes that finer wool fibres bend more easily. That flexibility is why a fine merino yarn can feel smoother and less wiry than a coarser wool yarn.
How does fibre fineness change the feel?
Run your fingers over a fine gauge merino knit and the first impression should be an even, compact surface rather than a thick or hairy one. The fibres flex with light pressure, so the knit feels supple instead of stiff.
Micron count does not tell you whether a piece is heavy, loose, dense or warm. Those qualities depend on how much yarn is used and how it is knitted. Two pieces made with fibres of the same diameter can still feel different because their yarn and construction are different.
Where does this merino work best?
A fine gauge merino cardigan works when you want a neat layer that can sit over a T shirt or under a jacket. A crew neck sweater gives the same smooth surface in a simpler closed shape. Both can be worn alone or layered without adding a bulky line.
Choose between them by shape rather than by micron count. The cardigan opens through the front and gives you more control over layering. The sweater keeps an uninterrupted line through the body.
How should you care for it?
Follow the care instructions on the exact product page. For the current Pamuuc merino pieces, use a gentle wool cycle and wool detergent. Do not wring or tumble dry. Reshape the piece while damp, dry it flat, then fold it for storage rather than hanging it. For the fuller method, read Merino Yarn, Care and Local Production.
See the current merino pieces
Compare the Extra Fine Merino Wool Cardigan with the Extra Fine Merino Wool Crew Neck Sweater. Their product pages are the source for the current fibre specification, colours, measurements, care and availability.
