Description
Contents: 100% Cormo Wool
Micron: 23mic
Staple Length: 90 – 100mm
Weight: 100g
Crafting: Dyeing, Wet Felting, Needle Felting, Spinning, Weaving, Jumbo Knitting, Jumbo Crochet
Care: Hand Wash Only
Cormo Sheep and Their Wool
Cormo sheep are a modern, fine-wool breed developed in Tasmania, Australia, in the 1960s. They were created by crossing Superfine Saxon Merino rams with Corriedale ewes, resulting in a breed that produces exceptionally fine, soft wool with better elasticity and loft than traditional Merino. Today, Cormo sheep are found in Australia, the U.S., and small flocks in the UK and Europe, primarily raised for their luxurious fleece.
Characteristics of Cormo Sheep
- Appearance:
- Medium-sized sheep with a white face and clean legs (no wool on the face).
- Wool covers most of the body, producing a dense and uniform fleece.
- Hardiness:
- Bred for adaptability, thriving in diverse climates, from Tasmania’s cool conditions to the dry landscapes of the western U.S.
- Meat Production:
- Primarily raised for wool, but their lean, well-muscled carcass makes them a dual-purpose breed.
- Temperament:
- Docile, intelligent, and easy to manage, making them ideal for small farms and fiber-focused breeding programs.
Cormo Wool: Characteristics and Uses
Cormo wool is exceptionally fine and elastic, combining the softness of Merino with the crimp and loft of Corriedale.
- Fibre Length: 3–5 inches (7–13 cm), making it a medium to long staple fine wool.
- Micron Count: 17–23 microns, placing it in the fine to ultrafine wool category (softer than Corriedale but slightly stronger than superfine Merino).
- Texture:
- Soft, bouncy, and elastic, with a fine crimp that enhances loft.
- Less slippery than pure Merino, making it easier to spin.
- Matte, not lustrous (unlike BFL or longwool breeds).
- Uses:
- Hand-spinning & luxury knitting: Great for next-to-skin garments like shawls, baby clothes, and fine knitwear.
- Weaving & fine textiles: Excellent for lightweight, insulating fabrics.
- Felting: Due to its fine crimp, Cormo wool felts beautifully and evenly.
- Blending: Often blended with silk, alpaca, or cashmere for ultra-soft yarns.
Cormo Wool in Ireland and the UK
- Australia & U.S.:
- The largest Cormo populations are in Tasmania, Australia, and the U.S. (Montana, Wyoming, and New England), where it’s a favourite among artisan fibre producers.
- UK & Ireland:
- Less common than native breeds, but small flocks exist in speciality fibre farms.
- Some mills and indie dyers source Cormo fleece for hand spinners and luxury yarn production.
Modern Uses and Demand
- Gaining popularity in sustainable, ethical wool production, as Cormo offers Merino-like softness without intensive farming practices.
- Its natural elasticity and softness make it highly desirable for hand-spinning, fine knitting, and high-end textiles.
- Used in luxury wool blends and premium hand-dyed yarns, especially by independent fibre artists and boutique mills.
