Description
Contents: 100% Faroe Island Wool
Micron: 34 – 36mic
Staple Length: 90 – 100mm
Weight: 100g
Crafting: Dyeing, Wet Felting, Needle Felting, Spinning, Weaving, Jumbo Knitting, Jumbo Crochet
Care: Hand Wash Only
Faroe Island Sheep and Their Wool
Faroe Island sheep are an ancient, hardy breed that has roamed the Faroe Islands for over 1,000 years, descended from Viking-era Nordic sheep. They are a small, self-sufficient, dual-purpose breed, primarily raised for meat and wool, and their fleece is known for its rugged durability, natural colours, and ability to withstand harsh weather.
Due to the remote and isolated nature of the Faroe Islands, the breed has remained genetically distinct and is well adapted to the extreme wind, rain, and rocky terrain of the North Atlantic.
Characteristics of Faroe Island Sheep
Appearance:
– Small to medium-sized sheep with a short tail and coarse fleece.
– Naturally coloured wool, including white, grey, brown (moorit), and black.
Hardiness:
– Exceptionally resilient, capable of thriving in harsh, wet, and windy environments.
Faroe Island Wool: Unique Double-Coated Structure
Like Icelandic wool, Faroese wool is dual-coated, consisting of:
1. Outer Coat (Tog-like fibers)
– Coarse, long, and water-resistant, measuring 4–7 inches (10–18 cm).
– Provides protection against rain and wind.
– Suitable for weaving, rope-making, and durable outerwear.
2. Inner Coat (Thel-like fibers)
– Shorter, finer, and warmer, around 2–4 inches (5–10 cm).
– Used for soft yarns, felting, and insulation.
Micron Count:
– Outer coat: 30–35 microns (similar to Icelandic Tog or Shetland long fibers).
– Inner coat: 20–25 microns (closer to medium-fine wool breeds like Shetland or Corriedale).
Texture:
Springy, warm, and somewhat rough, but blends well with other wools for softening.
Less soft than Merino or BFL, but stronger and highly weatherproof.
Uses of Faroe Island Wool
– Traditional Faroese Knitting:
– Faroese wool is famous for its heavy, durable, and warm sweaters (similar to Icelandic Lopapeysa but denser).
– Weaving & Rug Making:
– The coarse outer fibres are ideal for rugs, outerwear, and sturdy textiles.
– Felting:
– Easily felts, making it great for hats, mittens, and decorative felting projects.
– Blending:
– Often blended with softer fibres (such as Alpaca or Merino) to improve softness while retaining strength and durability.
Modern Uses and Demand
– Less common in the global market, but highly valued by heritage textile enthusiasts, historical reenactors, and sustainability-focused knitters.
– Its natural resilience and weatherproofing qualities make it an eco-friendly alternative for outdoor woollen garments.
– Due to limited supply, Faroe Island wool remains a niche, speciality fibre primarily used in traditional Faroese knitting and weaving.
