Ashford 100% Merino 4 Ply (Non-Superwash) Wool - 100g & 1kg
When you're ready to create your own colours from scratch, finding a yarn that’s both dye-friendly and soft enough for wearables is essential. Ashford’s 100% Merino 4 Ply (Non-Superwash) gives you a natural, undyed base with beautiful bounce and warmth, ready to absorb your palette and bring your vision to life.
It can be surprisingly tricky to find an undyed yarn that’s soft, natural, and truly ready for your own colours. Some bases don’t take dye evenly, others feel coarse, and too many compromise on softness to meet technical needs. You want something you can trust, to dye well, knit or weave beautifully, and still feel wonderful against the skin.
This merino does just that. Made from 100% non-superwash wool with a fine 21–22 micron count, it’s a versatile 4 ply yarn that welcomes colour and keeps its integrity. Because it hasn’t been treated, it behaves more naturally, blooming gently after washing or steaming and holding dye with richness and nuance. It’s an ideal base for makers who value both creative control and tactile beauty.
And once you've finished your piece, whether it's hand-dyed socks, woven shawls, or a one-of-a-kind gift, you’ll feel proud knowing it started with fibre you shaped from the very beginning. From blank slate to finished piece, this is yarn that grows with your creativity and lets you put more of you into every stitch.
For added convenience, we also offer a ball winding service, taking care of the prep so you can dive straight into creating.
Key Features & Benefits
- Ready to dye – Undyed, natural white merino wool absorbs colour evenly
- Soft and fine – 21–22 micron merino for a smooth, wearable handfeel
- 4 ply versatility – Ideal for knitting, weaving, and custom dye projects
- Unbulked and natural – Blooms after washing or steaming for a plumper finish
- Non-superwash – Holds structure and reacts organically to water and dye
Available in 100g or 1kg – Choose the right quantity for small or large projects
1 x 100g skein or 1 x 1kg cone of Ashford Merino 4 Ply (Non-Superwash) Yarn
- Fibre Content: 100% Merino Wool (Non-Superwash)
- Yarn Count: Approx. Nm 40/4 (estimated from 4000m/kg)
- Ply: 4 ply / fingering weight
- Micron Count: 21–22 microns
- Yarn Weight: Fingering
- Length per Unit: 4000m / 4400yds per kilo
- Unit Size: 100g skein or 1kg cone
- Care Instructions: Hand wash only, dry flat
- Yarn Delivery: Skein or cone
Yes, non-superwash merino wool is ideal for felting, as it retains its natural ability to interlock fibers when exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation. It can be used for wet felting, needle felting, and fulling knitted items to create dense, warm, and durable textiles.
Non-superwash wool has not been chemically treated to prevent felting, allowing it to retain its natural texture, elasticity, and insulating properties. Unlike superwash wool, which has been processed for machine washability, non-superwash wool requires gentle handwashing and is excellent for felting and traditional wool applications.
Typically, 2.75–3.25 mm (US 2–3) needles are recommended for knitting with this 4-ply fingering weight yarn. The exact needle size depends on the desired fabric density—smaller needles create a firm, structured fabric, while larger needles produce a softer, more flexible drape. Swatching is advised.
Yes, this yarn is soft and warm, making it suitable for baby garments, blankets, and accessories. However, since it is non-superwash, it requires handwashing and gentle care to maintain its softness and prevent felting. It is an excellent choice for heirloom-quality baby knits.
To block items made with this yarn, gently hand wash in lukewarm water, reshape while damp, and lay flat to dry. Avoid excessive stretching, as non-superwash wool retains its elasticity. Blocking enhances stitch definition and ensures the final shape is maintained in lace, cables, and textured patterns.
Yes, this yarn can be used for weaving, particularly in weft applications. Its elasticity makes it ideal for creating warm and soft woven textiles such as scarves, shawls, and blankets. When using it as warp, proper tensioning is required to accommodate its natural stretch.
Non-superwash merino wool absorbs dye well, producing rich, vibrant colours. Pre-soaking the yarn before dyeing helps achieve even colour penetration. Since it retains its natural scales, the dye binds effectively, making it an excellent choice for hand-dyed projects with deep and lasting hues.
Ashford’s merino wool typically has a micron count of around 22, classifying it as fine merino. This makes it soft, smooth, and comfortable for wear against the skin. The fine fibre diameter contributes to the yarn’s luxurious feel and suitability for delicate garments and accessories.
Store this yarn in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Since it is a natural fiber, it is susceptible to moth damage. To protect it, consider storing it in an airtight container with cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter pests while keeping it fresh.
Yes, this yarn blends well with fibers of similar weight, such as alpaca, silk, or other wools. When combining it with different fibers, ensure that all components have similar care requirements to prevent shrinkage or felting inconsistencies. Blending it with silk enhances drape, while pairing with alpaca adds warmth and softness.