Merino Wool Jersey

• Super soft against the skin
• Hypoallergenic
• Cool in summer, warm in winter
• Moisture wicking
• Machine washable
• A resilient fibre with a natural elasticity
• Odour resistant
• Quick drying
• Naturally static resistant

Sewing merino is easy, even for a beginner with little experience. As opposed to cotton knits and synthetic knits, merino is stable and holds its shape really well making it a great option for first-timers. The natural elasticity and ease of the merino fibre allows for beautifully smooth and well-finished seams and hems. Because knitted fabrics move and stretch with our bodies, we need to treat them quite differently to woven fabrics and use slightly different sewing techniques and equipment.

• Make sure you pre-wash you merino fabric. As is standard with all natural fibre fabrics, merino wool jersey may incur some shrinkage upon first wash.
• Use ballpoint pins and a ballpoint machine needle to avoid damaging knit fabric while cutting and sewing.
• Always reserve a few scraps to test your needle and machine settings. Test stitches with the stretch of the fabric and against it. Both directions of the fabric will behave differently and may require slightly different settings.
• Do not stretch your fabric as you sew, as this may cause your sewing to pucker. Make sure you support the weight of your project while you sew. Letting it fall to the ground may cause your fabric to stretch out and put stress on your sewing machine, causing an uneven stitch.
• If you do not have access to an overlocker or serger, use a stretch stitch on your seams, and finish your hems with a zigzag stitch. Using a standard stitch on merino jersey will cause your seams to pop, as soon as you place any stress on them.
  

There are loads of great patterns out there, which are ideal for merino/jersey knit first timers. Absolute beginners could start with a simple DIY project, such as our easy merino baby blanket while those with a little experience could try whipping up a merino t-shirt or turtleneck or a few merino baby essentials.

One of the great things about merino wool jersey is that it can be machine washed! Although hand washing is always preferable when possible, as it places less stress on the garment, merino can generally be washed on a gentle cycle – as long as you follow a few simple rules*.

• Use a gentle, wool-specific soap. Merino jersey requires an extremely gentle washing agent, that will help prevent colour bleeding and damage to its fine fibres. We suggest a natural detergent such as Ecostore wool wash (available in New Zealand & Australia), or Soap Nuts (available in the U.S.A.)
• Use your most delicate cycle to wash your merino jersey. For those with a top loader, using a delicates bag will make sure that your merino doesn’t get stretched around the agitator, which may cause damage.
• Do not use fabric softener as it will coat the merino fibres, reducing their natural ability to breathe and regulate your temperature.
• Dry your merino flat, and in the shade. This will help your garment maintain its shape and avoid fading. In general, merino jersey garments do not require ironing as their natural drape and elasticity means they rarely show creasing. However, if you do wish to iron your merino, make sure it is on a cool, wool specific setting.

* Advice is given in relation to our own range of premium merino jersey fabrics. For short-end or deadstock fabrics, please refer to their own labelling.