Wool Facts

Some interesting facts about the world of wool

• There are 1.1 billion sheep in the World
• 78 million merino sheep in Australia, 34 million merino sheep in New Zealand, and 140 million in China
• A merino sheep’s fleece will weigh approximately 4k, which will give approximately 3 kilos of clean wool. This will knit approximately 9 to 10 jumpers at 300 grammes/jumper, or weave 7 metres of worsted cloth at 400 grammes/metre.
• The Saxony Merino is a smaller breed introduced to Australia in 1822, which will produce 2.5 to 3 kilos of wool, enough for 6 jumpers, or 5 metres of cloth.
• There are approximately 150 million Cashmere goats in the world, so supply and demand indicates why cashmere is more expensive than merino wool.
• It is estimated that on average yearly production per goat is 1.5kg per year.