From fleece to fibre, from yarn to something handmade.
EVERY BALL OF WOOL STARTS SOMEWHERE
Every Woolyknit yarn tells a story. For our wool yarns, that story begins with the sheep.
From the fleece that grows naturally on the animal, through fibre preparation and spinning, to the yarn that eventually finds its way into your hands, there is a whole journey behind every ball.
At Woolyknit, we carefully select our fibres for their natural qualities, considering characteristics such as micron, fibre length and colour to create wool with their own individual character.
From fleece to favourite. Let's follow the journey.
“Living and working in an area surrounded by hills and heather clad moors where sheep and lambs roam freely, reminds us on a daily basis of the importance of sustaining our traditional craft but adapting it for modern times and needs”. - Roger Shepley
There isn't just one kind of wool
Meet The Sheep
Different breeds produce fleeces with different natural characteristics. From fine and exceptionally soft fibres to stronger, more textured wools with plenty of rustic character.
At Woolyknit, we work with a variety of breeds, carefully selecting wool according to the qualities we want from the finished yarn.
Here are just some of the sheep behind our wool yarns.
Suffolk sheep have evolved from crossing a Southdown ram with a Norfolk Horn ewe, resulting in a breed prized for its dense, fine fleece. Known for their striking black faces and feet, Suffolk sheep produce wool that is both strong and soft, making it perfect for durable, high-quality knitting and crochet projects. Their fleece grows densely, providing excellent insulation and structure, ideal for sweaters, scarves, and blankets.
Jacob sheep are easily recognised for their naturally patterned fleece, which can range from creamy whites to deep blacks. Some Jacob sheep feature two horns, while others grow four, adding to their distinctive appearance. Their wool is prized for its beautiful variegated colours and slightly coarse texture, which adds character and rustic charm to hand-knitted garments and home décor projects.
Merino sheep are world-renowned for producing one of the softest, finest wools available. Their fleece is so gentle that it can be worn directly against the skin without irritation, making it ideal for luxury clothing and next-to-skin garments like socks, baby items, and delicate sweaters. The fine fibers of Merino wool also provide excellent elasticity, breathability, and warmth.
MICRon
How fine the fibre is
FIBRE LENGTH
The length of the individual fibres
Colour
The natural tones and character of the wool
WOVEN INTO OUR LANDSCAPE
BRITISH WOOL
Woolyknit is a family-run business nestled in the Pennine hills of northern England an area with a long history of wool processing.
Our home, Warth Mill, was built over 150 years ago on the banks of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Once used to transport fleeces, yarns and fuel, the mill now has a rather fitting new chapter as the home of Woolyknit.
Our founder, Roger Shepley, has years of experience in the spinning and wool processing industry. That experience continues to shape the way we create our yarns today: respecting traditional skills while adapting them for modern makers.
We specialise in manufacturing British wool yarns and are proud to be British Wool registered, with British wool sourced from farms across the UK.
For us, British wool is about more than where a fibre comes from. It connects the yarn in your hands with the farmers, landscapes, traditional skills and textile heritage behind it.
TURNING NATURAL FIBRE INTO SOMETHING TO MAKE WITH
FROM FIBRE TO YARN
The journey doesn't stop with selecting the fibre.
At Woolyknit, we carefully curate each yarn, selecting the raw fibre, spinning it to our specifications and developing the colour palette.
The result is yarn with its own character. Whether that's the softness of Merino, the distinctive qualities of British wool or the natural characteristics of another fibre.
And because different fibres behave differently, there is a yarn for all sorts of makers, projects and ways of creating.
British wool
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Merino wool
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Cotton
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Linen-Cotton
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FROM YARN TO HANDMADE
AND THEN IT BECOMES YOURS
After all those miles, processes and decisions, the yarn eventually arrives where the story becomes personal: in your hands.
A ball of yarn can become a jumper, a blanket, a pair of socks, a gift, something for your home. Or simply the project you've been looking forward to making.
That's the beauty of natural fibre. It starts with something grown, becomes something spun, and finally becomes something entirely your own.
From sheep to fleece. From fibre to yarn. From yarn to handmade.
And the next chapter is yours.
OUR COMMITMENT
BRITISH WOOL REGISTERED
British wool yarns made with wool sourced from farms across the UK.
MULESING FREE MERINO
This is verified by Standard Wool, giving you peace of mind that every Merino wool product you buy is ethically produced and of exceptional quality.
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