Microns, also known as micrometers, are a unit of measurement used to express the thickness of very thin objects, such as sheets of paper or the fibres of wool. One micron is equal to one millionth of a meter, or about 0.000039 inches. It is a common unit of measurement in the textile industry, where it is used to express the fineness of wool fibres.
The thickness of wool fibres is an important factor in determining the quality and feel of the wool. Wool fibres that are thin and fine tend to be softer and more comfortable to wear, while coarser, thicker fibers may be more durable but may also feel scratchier against the skin. The micron measurement of wool fibers is used to evaluate the quality of the wool and to classify it into different grades.
For example, fine wool fibres may have a micron measurement of around 18-20 microns, while medium wool fibres may range from 22-24 microns, and coarse wool fibers may be 26 microns or more. The lower the micron measurement, the finer and softer the wool fibres are likely to be.
When creating yarn, wool fibres go through a process called spinning. In this process, the fibres are drawn out, twisted together, and wound onto a spindle or bobbin to create a continuous strand of yarn. There are several different methods of spinning wool, each of which can produce yarn with different characteristics and qualities.
To create finer wool fibres, there are a few different approaches that can be used. One method is to simply use wool fibres that are naturally finer to begin with. This may involve selecting wool from specific breeds of sheep that produce finer fibres, or using fibres that have been specially processed to remove coarser hairs and debris.
Another approach is to use a spinning process that is specifically designed to create finer yarn. One common method for producing fine wool yarn is called worsted spinning, in which the fibres are combed to align them in a parallel configuration before they are spun. This helps to create a smooth, uniform yarn with a consistent thickness. Other methods, such as woollen spinning, can also be used to produce finer yarn, although the resulting yarn may be less consistent and may have a more textured appearance.
This doesn't mean that finer wool is always better. When we tested fine Merino Wool in Blister Wool for example, it was too soft to stand up to a day of hiking or running. Sure, it was soft, but it didn't have the resilience of a slightly thicker micron which made it unsuitable for our product. In the end, we settled on a medium-micron wool that gives the perfect blend of softness on the skin, but hardy enough to get you through a day out on the trails!