Fiber Facts

Fibers that can be spun into yarn can come from various sources. Keep reading to learn about some popular synthetic and natural fibers.

Alpaca

24 Micron

Alpaca is an excellent long staple natural fiber. The Baby Alpaca we spin with comes from the Andes Mountains in Peru and from the Huacaya breed.

The alpaca, whose scientific name is Lama Pacos, is the most numerous of the four South American camelid species. With a population of approximately 4 million in Peru, representing 75% of the world’s alpacas, they provide the main sustenance for thousands of families living in the higher parts of the Andes.

There are two varieties of alpaca: the Huacayo and the Suri. The Huacayo is the most numerous type in Peru and represents 93% of the alpaca population. Its natural fiber is relatively short, crimped, dense, and bulky; it covers almost the entire body, leaving exposed only the face and feet, which are covered with short fur.

Cashmere

14 Micron

Our cashmere natural fiber comes from Pashmina goats, sourced from the Alashan area of the Inner Mongolia Province, China. Like our Yak fiber, cashmere is considered a “down” fiber — coming from the soft, downy undercoat of the cashmere breed goats. Generally considered warmer than wool on an ounce-per-ounce basis, this material has long been a favorite of the fashion industry. Fun fact: Cashmere’s natural fabric measures 7 times finer than human hair.

Cotton

4.2-4.5 Micronaire

We receive cotton natural fibers from cotton plants in the Eastern and Memphis regions of the U.S. Our supplier only purchases top-of-the-crop cotton. We can easily request organic cotton plant fibers that the same supplier receives from Texas.

Cotton – Mercerized

Mercerization is a chemical treatment that causes the natural fibers to plump up and straighten to give more luster than conventional cotton. The yarn is stronger and takes dye more easily. The production process was invented by John Mercer in 1834.

Our mercerized cotton is also gassed to remove excess fuzz and lint, resulting in a brighter, smoother appearance.

CS Clima(TM)

19.5 Micron

A cellulosic fiber with an integrated phase change material (PCM), CS Clima synthetic fiber originates from China. This synthetic material absorbs excessive heat (from the body or environment), accumulates it, and releases it under certain conditions. The physical properties of this synthetic fiber allow temperature regulation that gives the user extraordinary wearer comfort and an excellent microclimate.

Flax – Belgium

100% dew-retted natural flax fibers from Belgium or France. Processors use the uppermost part of the flax plant for finer softer natural fibers.

Nylon – Cashstyle

2-3 Denier

A fine super soft and bulky nylon synthetic fiber gives a cashmere feel to the yarn, making it one of the best synthetic materials for achieving a more luxurious feeling synthetic fabric throughout the entire textile industry.

SeaCell™

19.5 Micron

SeaCell™ production occurs in Europe. SeaCell™ is a cellulosic natural fiber derived from one of the ocean’s most plentiful natural resources: seaweed. SeaCell™ develops using the Lyocell process. This fiber has all the power of the seaweed’s natural materials and physical properties in a fiber. Production takes place in a closed loop, limiting environmental impact. Its reputation for minimal climate impact results from production not releasing chemicals as waste.

Silk – Mulberry

10-14 Micron

Silk fiber comes to us from a trusted supplier from the region of Jiangsu Zhejiang in China. Silk production owes its existence to one of the oldest natural fibers known to man. Mulberry silk comes from silkworms that are fed only mulberry leaves. Silk production is arguably the most natural of all. The silkworm spins a cocoon of silk that our supplier processes into fiber which we use to make our luxury yarns. Due to its unique feel and natural luster, it has long been a favorite within the fashion industry which keeps silk production a vibrant and profitable business.

WOOL

Shaniko Wool – U.S. Merino/Rambouillet Responsible Wool Standard Compliant

19-25 Micron

Our first (and only) completely traceable American branded wool! We offer a wide range of non-superwash and superwash wool. This untreated fiber is grown, sheared, scoured, and combed in the U.S. It is available in 19, 20.4, 25 microns. Each of the nine ranches are certified under the RWS (Responsible Wool Standard), located in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada.

Shaniko Wool – U.S. Merino/Columbia Responsible Wool Standard Compliant

24.5 micron

Shaniko Wool Company is now offering Merino/Colombia wool in 24.5 micron. It is available as non-superwash and superwash.

U.S. Merino

21.5 Micron

Our premier, 100% American wool – a true melting pot of Merino breeds! Untreated fiber is grown, sheared, scoured, and combed in the U.S. before being spun into yarn at Meridian for our mill house line. We offer both superwash and non-superwash wool for the manufacturing of clothing materials.

U.S. Mercerized Merino Wool

20.1 Micron

100% American wool undergoes mercerization in South Carolina at 20.2 microns, but it has a feel of 18 microns due to processing. Mercerized wool proves superior to Superwash regarding laundering and smoother hands for next-to-skin wear. Additionally, the knitted fabrics feel less prickly next to the skin because the smooth fiber surface, along with the silicone “lubricant”, allows protruding fibers which might create prickles to slide back into the fabric surface on contact with the skin, making it an ideal choice of clothing materials.

56’s Territorial Wool

28 Micron

We receive this wool from Chargeurs. Its natural fibers come from mixed breeds of sheep raised mainly in Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. 56’s wool registers as a coarser animal fiber than our Merino fiber, providing a good base for knitting yarns with more structure.

Value Wool

40 Micron

We import this wool from the same processor as the Carpet/Rug Wool. The Value wool has excellent physical properties for projects that need sturdier yarns. Though coarser and more rigid, the fiber allows for more structure and greater cost-effectiveness.

Contact Meridian Mill House today to learn more about our various services and products!