Churro

Churro (Navajo-Churro) sheep have long been raised by the Navajo people. However, their numbers have diminished greatly over the years due to cross-breedings and government-sponsored herd reductions. Now they are now one of the rarest breeds in North America.

Churro sheep are a double-coated breed, with an softer inner coat and a coarser, hair-like outer coat. The inner layer of a Churro fleece will have staple length of approximately 3-5 inches with a micron count of about 10-36 microns (more typically in the range of 28-36). The outer coat of a Churro fleece can have a staple length as long as 6-12 inches, but it is much coarser than the inner coat, with micron counts above 35 (typically in the range of 48-56). Churro wool can be spun “in the grease” more easily than some other varieties of wool, due to its low amount of lanolin. Churro fiber has a silky texture, and has little crimp.

If there are any current auctions on eBay for Churro fleece or rovings, you’ll find them listed below. Click a picture or description to get more information or to place your bid.

gray-and-white-navajo-churro-sheep-wool-roving-9-5-oz Gray and White Navajo-Churro sheep wool roving 9.5 oz
US $17.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 19:22:53 PST
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navajo-churro-wool-roving-brown-and-white-18-6-ounces Navajo-Churro wool roving Brown and White 18.6 ounces
US $30.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 19:28:57 PST
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white-navajo-churro-wool-roving-for-spin-weave-7-9-oz- White Navajo-Churro Wool Roving for Spin/Weave 7.9 oz.
US $13.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 19:32:27 PST
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navajo-churro-raw-wool-5-lbs-white-low-kemp Navajo Churro Raw Wool 5 lbs White Low Kemp
US $30.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Mar-17-2010 11:08:49 PDT
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gray-navajo-churro-wool-roving-spin-weave-16-2-ounces Gray Navajo-Churro Wool Roving Spin/Weave 16.2 ounces
US $27.99
End Date: Monday Mar-22-2010 20:21:19 PDT
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gray-black-navajo-churro-wool-roving-for-spin-weave- Gray/Black Navajo-Churro Wool Roving for Spin/Weave
US $11.49
End Date: Monday Mar-22-2010 20:28:42 PDT
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gray-and-white-navajo-churro-wool-roving-combo- Gray and White Navajo-Churro Wool Roving Combo
US $25.99
End Date: Monday Mar-22-2010 20:37:47 PDT
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tan-navajo-churro-wool-roving-9-7-ouces-great-color! Tan Navajo-Churro Wool Roving 9.7 ouces GREAT color!
US $17.00
End Date: Monday Mar-22-2010 20:49:39 PDT
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gray-and-white-navajo-churro-sheep-roving-17-5-oz Gray and White Navajo-Churro Sheep Roving 17.5 oz
US $28.00
End Date: Wednesday Apr-07-2010 20:12:37 PDT
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Churro wool is strong and durable, and is probably most often used for weaving rugs. However, Churro fiber with a lower micron count works well for socks and outer garments. Navajo-Churro fleeces can be found in a huge variety of natural colors, including white, various shades of brown (ranging from light beige and tan to reddish brown and dark brown), light and dark grey, and black.