THE STORY OF SHETLAND WOOL. WHAT MAKES SHETLAND WOOL SPECIAL?
24/08/2023
To understand the history and origins of Shetland sheep, we need to rewind time back 4500 years when the first farmers of Shetland introduced small flocks of sheep. These sheep were slightly smaller than the Soay breed and did not have the wool we are familiar with today. They were compact, agile, and hardy, thriving in the harsh environment and climate.
Shetland Sheep
The History of Shetland Wool
The use of Shetland wool in weaving dates back to around 500 BC. By the 5th and 9th centuries, Norwegian and Viking settlers had joined and become natives of Shetland. Shetland residents crossbred the Shetland sheep with other short-tailed Scandinavian breeds, resulting in longer and heavier wool with a wider range of colors.
Soon after, the number of sheep outnumbered the human population on Shetland. One of the most significant exports of the Shetland Islands became the genuine Shetland wool.
Breeding wasn’t the sole method to produce high-quality wool. Shetland farmers realized that achieving the perfect fleece involved numerous factors: survival skills, adaptability, care requirements, and feed consumption, all played crucial roles.
Shetland, situated in the North Sea just 130 miles north of mainland Scotland, is separated partially by the North Sea. The wandering sheep on the vast hills and expansive coastlines of Shetland experience a wide array of weather throughout the year, from warm summers to freezing snowfalls in winter, with few shelters other than cliffs, caves, and crevices. To withstand these conditions, the sheep developed a thick coat to cope with the changing weather.
Shetland Wool
Shetland Wool Applications of Shetland Wool
Traditional Shetland wool possesses sharp and distinct crimps, lending elasticity and loftiness to the fibers. The crimps make Shetland wool suitable for spinning, weaving, and knitting, while the loftiness creates bulk in knitting while maintaining lightness, imparting unique insulation properties. The sheep’s bodies naturally produce enough wool to match their size. Spinners enjoy using the slightly greasy fibers for custom spinning, while knitwear manufacturers find the short fiber length perfect for knitting and weaving projects. Shetland wool’s renown in the textile industry has left an indelible mark; it was widely used in Viking sails, traditional fishing net lines, specialized mountaineering wear for Sir Edmund Hillary, and his 1953 Everest expeditions.
However, Shetland wool has long been cherished by spinners and knitters alike. Traditional fibers used in producing Shetland lace and Fair Isle knitting continue to be popular across generations, not only locally but also worldwide!
