Also known as the Type C Merino, Delaine Merino wool is fine, soft, and highly crimped. With dense, blunt, heavily greased locks that are often weathered or dirt-caked at the tips, raw Delaine requires careful cleaning with hot water. Don’t agitate, though — like all Merinos, this fleece is eager to felt! The breed’s characteristic crimp contributes elasticity, but can make the wool challenging to handle. You can spin from the lock, comb, or card using fine-toothed combs, carders, or fine-fiber carding cloth. Delaine Merino wool lends itself to being spun fine, so if you want a thicker yarn, ply together a number of thin strands.
Effect of dyes. White fleeces dye well, yielding clear colors.
Best uses. Delaine wool, with its softness and resilience, is a classic fiber for shawls, camisoles, and baby garments. It felts easily.
Like other Merinos, Delaines have long, productive lives of a decade or more.