100% Peruvian Wool Yarn — Highland Fleece, Ethically Sourced
Peruvian Highland wool or Peruvian Wool is the wool of Corriedale × Merino crossbreed sheep that graze in the Peruvian Andes at altitudes above 4,000 meters. Extreme temperature fluctuations —hot days and freezing nights— have shaped a fiber of unique strength: it is simultaneously breathable, warming, and highly resistant to pilling. A micron count of 22.5–28.5 microns makes it soft enough to wear directly against the skin, while the long staple length of the fiber provides perfect stitch definition —from intricate jacquard to classic Fair Isle.
Interesting fact: the sheep of this breed descend from a cross between the New Zealand Corriedale, known for its hardiness, and the Spanish Merino, famous for its silkiness. The result is a wool that withstands years of wear without losing its shape or color vibrancy. Another secret of the highlands: the pastures here are ecologically pure, free from industrial pollution, which is why the fiber remains natural and hypoallergenic.
Highland Fleece is available in raw white and the natural, undyed shades of the Eco line —free of chemical dyes, showing only the color of nature itself. It is the choice for those who value ethical origin, durability, and the authentic texture of handmade craft.
What Makes Peruvian Highland Wool Different?
Not all wool is the same. Here's what sets this one apart.
Born above 2,000 meters
These sheep live high in the Peruvian Andes, where days are hot and nights freeze. That extreme environment grows fleece that's dense and resilient — wool literally shaped by the mountains.
A deliberate crossbreed
Corriedale gives strength and long staple. Merino gives softness. The result is wool you don't have to baby: tough enough for daily wear, gentle enough against skin.
Stitches stay where you put them
This wool has a natural grip — a slight toothiness that holds every loop in place. Fair Isle, cables, textured patterns: they all keep their crisp definition after blocking.
Matte, not glossy
The finish is muted and earthy. It dyes beautifully but never looks factory-made. Even machine-knit fabric feels like something handmade.
It handles real life
The fiber structure sits in a sweet spot — fine enough to feel good, sturdy enough to resist pilling. Wash it with care and it outlasts seasons, trends, and probably your next project queue.
Peruvian Highland Wool doesn't try to impress. It just works — warmer, longer, and more honestly than most yarns you'll cast on.
Our Peruvian Wool Collections
FACES — Super Bulky for Bold Knits
For chunky sweaters, statement cowls, and fast weekend projects. FACES is our super bulky Peruvian wool, spun thick for dramatic texture and immediate results. Knitters who want the satisfaction of finishing a garment in a single evening reach for FACES first.
BEME — Fine Weight for Delicate Projects
BEME is spun finer for knitters who prefer lightweight fabrics with excellent drape — think shawls, lace borders, and layering pieces. Despite the finer weight, BEME retains every characteristic of our highland fleece: warmth, elasticity, and long-term durability.
NOVA — Everyday Worsted Weight
Our bestselling yarn. NOVA is a smooth, round-spun Peruvian highland wool in worsted weight — the universal yarn weight that works for sweaters, scarves, hats, blankets, and almost every pattern written in the last twenty years. If you are starting with Peruvian wool for the first time, NOVA is the place to start. Available in 8 colours including the perennial favourite, NOVA OLIVE.
How We Source Our Peruvian Wool
The Woolcatcher works with the finest mills in Peru —a factory that has been turning Andean fiber into real yarn since 1931. We visit, test, debate, and decide exactly what our yarn should be.
The fiber. Peruvian wool comes from crossbreed sheep that live in the Andes at altitudes above 4,000 meters. The cross of Corriedale and Merino breeds gives us exactly what we look for: durability for daily wear and enough softness to be worn directly against the skin. A micron count of 22.5–28.5 microns is our sweet spot.
The colors. The mill has decades of experience in dyeing. We choose the palette ourselves: earthy tones, deep neutrals, colors that age beautifully. We don't chase fleeting trends —we look for nuances that remain beautiful even after many washes.
The yarn. Staple length, twist, weight —we define it all. We want a yarn with a good grip that holds stitches perfectly in most knitting patterns. We test it, send it back for adjustments, and fine-tune it until it knits up exactly as we imagined.
The labels. We design them ourselves. Every label we make is a small reflection of the character and passions of our customers, who are all brought together by one common hobby: knitting.
Peruvian Wool FAQ
Where is the yarn produced — in Peru or in another country?
The yarn is produced in Peru at a mill that has been a pioneer in the alpaca industry since 1931. The Corriedale × Merino crossbreed sheep graze in the Peruvian Andes above 4,000 meters, and the fiber is fully processed in its country of origin.
Is it easy to knit with — does it split?
Yes, the fiber has a long staple length and a natural crimp, so the yarn glides smoothly, does not split, and offers excellent stitch definition. This makes it a pleasure to work with, whether for simple or complex patterns.
How should the garments be washed — hand wash only or machine washable?
Hand wash only. Soak the garment in lukewarm water with a specialized wool detergent, without agitating or wringing. Dry it flat on a towel, shaping it gently.
What is this yarn best suited for?
It is perfect for sweaters, cardigans, hats, mittens, blankets, and any colorwork projects like Fair Isle, jacquard, or cables. Its natural "toothiness" locks every stitch into place, while its durability withstands daily wear.
Is the wool scratchy, or can it be worn next to the skin?
It depends on your skin sensitivity. However, it is generally suitable: the micron count of 24.5–28.5 microns sits right on the sweet spot between crisp and soft wool, and thanks to the Merino blend, the fiber is gentle enough for next-to-skin comfort for most people.
What makes Peruvian Highland Wool better than regular store-bought wool?
It is denser, retains its shape longer, resists pilling, and holds intricate patterns much better due to its long staple length and balanced fiber structure. Plus, it originates from pure high-altitude pastures free from industrial pollution.
Is it worth paying extra for alpaca when this wool is available?
Not always. Peruvian Highland Wool provides a great balance of price, durability, and softness — it is warmer than regular wool, more affordable than alpaca, and yet gentle enough for most projects. While alpaca wins in terms of being hypoallergenic and offering luxury softness, this wool is a smarter and more practical choice for everyday garments.
Do you ship Peruvian wool worldwide?
Yes. We ship to the USA, Europe, UK, Canada, Australia, and most countries internationally. Shipping rates and timescales are shown at checkout.
What needle size should I use with Peruvian wool yarn?
- NOVA (worsted): 5–8mm recommended
- BEME (fine weight): 6–8mm recommended
- FACES (super bulky): 10–20mm recommended
Always knit a gauge swatch — Peruvian wool has excellent stitch definition and responds well to blocking, so your gauge may shift after washing.