Shetland

Shetland sheep are considered to be a down wool breed. Shetland wool has a relatively long staple length, averaging about 4 inches, and is soft, with a micron count that typically varies from abut 23-30, making it an excellent fiber for spinners. Shetland wool also felts a bit more easily than other down wools, so you will be able to use it successfully for felting projects.

Auctions for Shetland roving and top, as well as raw Shetland fleece and blends, are often found on eBay. Any current auctions are listed below – click a picture or link to get more information or place a bid.

shetland-wool-hand-dyed-combed-top-s-1 Shetland Wool Hand Dyed Combed Top S-1
US $10.00
End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 14:11:55 PST
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grey-shetland-mohair-roving-wool-spin-knit-felt-8oz Grey Shetland Mohair Roving Wool spin Knit Felt 8oz
US $8.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 18:20:21 PST
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-grey-or-black-shetland-wool-sale-buy-3-get-one-free Grey or Black Shetland Wool Sale Buy 3 Get One Free
US $10.00
End Date: Monday Mar-15-2010 22:55:30 PDT
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shetland-corriedale-heather-green-wool-batts-spinning Shetland/Corriedale heather green wool batts/spinning
US $2.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 6:54:48 PDT
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shetland-top-8-oz-soft-spinning-fiber Shetland Top -8 oz Soft Spinning Fiber
US $11.75
End Date: Thursday Mar-18-2010 7:14:45 PDT
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black-shetland-top-8-oz-new-fine-spin-fiber-shawls Black Shetland Top -8 oz New Fine Spin Fiber Shawls
US $11.75
End Date: Thursday Mar-18-2010 8:54:32 PDT
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You’ll also find Shetland wool for spinning at Paradise Fibers, in white and other natural colors.

Although white is the most frequently found natural color for Shetland fiber, you’ll find it in a wide variety of other natural colors, including shade of brown ranging from fawn and golden brown to reddish brown and dark brown, black, and shades of grey ranging from a light grey to a dark silvery grey. The quality of crimp found on a Shetland wool fleece is somewhat variable – from almost straight to slightly wavy to fairly strongly crimped.

If you’re interested in processing your own wool from a raw fleece, you’ll be happy to know that Shetland wool does not have a very high lanolin content. This means that it will be easier for you to clean and that the clean yield you’ll get from a raw Shetland fleece is quite high.