What is Merino lambswool, and why is it the perfect material for your winter scarf?

Emma Baker
Aug 2
4 min read

During the cold winter months there is nothing quite like wrapping yourself up in a soft and cosy scarf, shawl or snood, and as a weaver I often make the choice to wear and weave with merino lambswool. This blog outlines this choice, explains what merino lambswool is and explains why I believe it creates the best handwoven accessories.

Colorful yarn spools in blue, green, and white with red and yellow cores sit on a wooden table. Blurred background suggests a weaving setup.

Why do I weave with merino lambswool to create my winter scarves and snoods

As a weaver I most often weave with merino lambswool when creating scarves, shawls and snoods. There are a number of reasons for this choice but the main reason is that the final fabric is beautifully soft and cosy. You may be surprised to learn that the yarn on the cone doesn't feel very soft at all! It is supplied coated in spinning oils which gives the fragile yarn a little more strength which is helpful when it is being woven. However, once the woven fabric is washed it transforms into a soft airy fabric with a lovely drape creating a beautiful accessory.

Over last few years I have learnt how to weave this yarn and I am now confident that my weaving will be successful - this was not always the case so having perfected my skills with this yarn it is now nice to weave with it. In addition, I now have quite a stash of this yarn in a range of colours so I am able to weave bright and colourful designs often with little accents of colour and this gives me joy which I hope other people will love too! I often wonder if other weavers are like me with respect to only wanting to weave things which they themselves love?

Woman weaving on a loom with colorful yarns in a bright room. She is smiling, creating a relaxed and content mood.

What is Merino lambswool?

To begin, let’s break the term down:

Merino refers to a breed of sheep known for producing some of the finest and softest wool in the world. Originally from Spain and now predominantly raised in Australia and New Zealand, merino sheep yield fleece that is highly prized in the textile industry.
Lambswool is the wool sheared from a lamb's first shearing typically when the animal is around seven months old. This wool is incredibly fine, soft and silky with less itchiness than traditional wool.

So, merino lambswool is the ultra-soft first shearing of a merino lamb — making it one of the most luxurious natural fibres available.

Close-up of hanging fabrics with geometric patterns in blue, green, and white. The intricate designs create a textured, vibrant display.

Why merino lambswool is perfect for a handwoven Winter scarf

Beautifully soft: One of the most immediate benefits of merino lambswool is how soft and gentle it feels against the skin. Unlike coarser wools that can feel scratchy, merino lambswool is smooth, with a low micron count. The micron count is a measure of the fibre diameter, the lower the count, the finer and softer the wool will be. Merino wool has a micron count of 10-24 and a fibre count of between 20-22 is considered very fine and soft making it perfect for scarves and snoods which are worn close to sensitive areas like the neck and face.

Colorful plaid wool scarf draped on white mannequin. Scarf features red, blue, green, and purple hues, creating a cozy, warm feel.

Natural warmth, Breathability and Temperature Regulation: Merino fibres are naturally insulating, meaning they trap heat efficiently — yet they’re also breathable. This unique ability to regulate temperature keeps you warm without overheating. Merino wool fabric provides this perfect balance for winter wear.
Lightweight: Merino lambswool is fine and lightweight, yet it has excellent loft and resilience. When handwoven, it creates scarves that are elegant in drape but still feel cosy.

Mannequin draped in a green, white, and blue geometric-patterned fabric against a dark background, creating a modern, artistic look.

Sustainable and biodegradable. As a natural fibre, merino lambswool is renewable and sustainable. Wool can be recycled, composted and is biodegradable so it is ideal for designers or consumers who who value using ethical and environmentally conscious materials.
Holds dye beautifully: Merino lambswool has excellent dye absorption, resulting in rich, deep hues that stay vibrant. For designer scarves, this means you can get a good colour depth and tonal variation that elevates the finished scarf.

The handwoven touch

A scarf made from merino lambswool is already luxurious — but weaving it by hand takes it to another level. In my work I take time to design the woven structure and also take care over the choice of yarn colours. The fabric for a handwoven scarf or snood is a result of planning time, thought, care and design skills even before the first shuttle has been thrown.

It is this combination of beautiful fibres, woven design and traditional skills which makes a handwoven merino lambswool scarf or snood not just a winter essential, but a statement of quiet luxury.

Pink and gray patterned scarf draped on a mannequin with a white top, set against a plain dark background.

Final Thoughts

In a world of fast fashion and synthetic blends, a merino lambswool scarf stands apart. It’s soft yet strong, warm but breathable, luxurious while sustainable. Whether worn for comfort, elegance, or both, a designer handwoven merino lambswool scarf isn’t just winter wear — it’s an heirloom in the making and the perfect luxury gift.

Brown box with "Emma Baker Handwoven Textiles" in gold. Inside, a plaid scarf in pink, gray, and white with a tag on pink tissue paper.

My handwoven scarves and snoods are available for purchase in my website for UK delivery.

If you are interested in knowing what is on the loom, off the loom and workshop dates then do sign up to receive my weaving news emails by clicking here.