​The Magic of Steaming Merino Wool: Why It Puffs Up

Handspun merino yarn is a popular choice among knitters and crocheters for its softness, warmth, and luxurious feel. However, many fiber artists may notice that their handspun merino yarn puffs up when steamed. In this blog post, we'll explore why this phenomenon occurs and how you can use it to your advantage to create beautiful, fluffy, finished projects.

The Importance of Finishing Handspun Yarn

Before diving into the reasons behind the puffiness of handspun merino yarn, it's essential to understand the importance of finishing handspun yarn. Just like with a finished knit or woven piece, most handspun yarn should be "finished" before putting it to its intended use. Finishing involves washing, setting the twist, and allowing the yarn to dry, which helps even out the tension and create a more uniform final product.

Why Handspun Merino Yarn Puffs Up When Steamed

Now, let's discuss why handspun merino yarn puffs up when steamed. This fascinating characteristic of merino yarn can be attributed to the unique properties of merino wool fibers.

1. Finer Grade Wool: Merino wool is a finer grade wool, which makes it more expensive and sought after than other wool yarns. The fine fibers in merino wool have a natural crimp and elasticity, which allows them to expand when exposed to steam.
2. Felting Potential: Merino wool has a higher felting potential than other types of wool. This means that the fibers can lock together more readily when exposed to heat and moisture, like steam. The felting potential, combined with the elasticity of merino fibers, contributes to the puffiness that occurs when steaming handspun merino yarn.
3. Steam Relaxing the Fibers: Steaming your handspun yarn can help the fibers relax and even out any inconsistencies in the spinning process. The heat from the steam helps the fibers release tension, allowing them to expand and fluff up. This process can give your handspun merino yarn a more consistent and voluminous appearance.

Using the Puffiness to Your Advantage

Embracing the puffiness of steamed handspun merino yarn can lead to some fantastic finished projects. The added volume can create a more plush, cozy feel in knitted or crocheted items like blankets, scarves, and hats. Steaming your handspun merino yarn before starting your project can also help improve the overall consistency of your work, resulting in a more professional-looking finished piece.

In summary, handspun merino yarn puffs up when steamed due to the unique properties of merino wool fibers, such as the finer grade, higher felting potential, and the steam's ability to relax the fibers. Embracing this puffiness can help you create beautiful, voluminous projects with a professional finish. So next time you work with handspun merino yarn, give it a good steam and watch the magic happen!