Best Wool for Spinning: Rambouillet, Merino & Corriedale Compared
After making a recent comparison video of these braids ( linked below) I felt the need to jot down some comparisons for notes. Here you go!
How These Fibers Actually Behave at the Wheel
Not all wool is created equal — and if you’ve ever wondered why certain fibers draft effortlessly while others feel fussy, grabby, or inconsistent, the answer almost always lives in the fiber itself.
In this comparison, we’re looking at Rambouillet, Merino, and Corriedale wool braids side by side, focusing on how they perform in real spinning conditions — not just how they’re described on paper. Micron counts and breed reputations only tell part of the story. What matters most is how a fiber behaves in your hands.
This breakdown is designed to help you choose fiber with intention instead of guesswork.
What Actually Matters When Comparing Wool for Spinning
compare rambouillet , merino , corriedale wool
Before diving into each fiber, it helps to understand what affects spinning experience the most:
Staple length – how long the individual fibers are
Crimp – the wave or elasticity of the fiber
Fiber alignment – how neatly the fibers lie together in a braid
Grip vs. glide – how the fibers hold each other during drafting
Bounce vs. structure – softness alone isn’t the goal
Different combinations of these traits create very different spinning experiences.
Rambouillet Wool
Balanced, Forgiving, and Quietly Luxurious
Rambouillet is often described as a sturdier cousin to Merino, but that undersells its elegance. It offers softness with structure — a balance that many spinners don’t realize they’re looking for until they feel it.
What you’ll notice when spinning Rambouillet:
Medium-long staple with consistent crimp
Smooth, controlled drafting
Fibers stay together without feeling sticky
Easy to maintain even twist
Why spinners love it:
Rambouillet gives you time. It drafts evenly without collapsing or rushing into twist, making it an excellent choice for learning fiber control or refining technique.
Best uses:
Everyday garments
Shawls and sweaters
Heirloom pieces that need softness and longevity
Merino Wool
Soft, Elastic, and Demanding of Technique
Merino is famous for its softness, but softness comes with trade-offs. High crimp and fine micron fibers create elasticity that can either feel dreamy or frustrating, depending on your experience level.
What you’ll notice when spinning Merino:
Sometimes shorter staple length
High crimp and elasticity
Strong fiber grip
Can draft quickly and unexpectedly
Why it can feel tricky:
Merino likes to grab itself. Without consistent drafting rhythm, it can compact or slingshot twist into the fiber, especially for beginners.
Best uses:
Next-to-skin garments
Baby items
Lightweight accessories where softness is the priority
Corriedale Wool
Structured, Stable, and Beginner-Friendly
Corriedale is often recommended for beginners for good reason. It’s cooperative, predictable, and incredibly versatile without feeling dull or coarse.
What you’ll notice when spinning Corriedale:
Longer staple length
Moderate crimp
Clear drafting zone
Strong yarn formation
Why it’s so reliable:
Corriedale doesn’t rush. It gives clear feedback through your hands and holds together well during drafting, making it excellent for building confidence.
Best uses:
Accessories and outerwear
Durable garments
Practice spinning and sampling
Choosing the Right Fiber for Your Project
Instead of asking “Which wool is best?”, ask:
Do I want ease or elasticity?
Am I prioritizing softness or durability?
Is this for learning, refining, or producing yarn?
Matching fiber to purpose is what transforms spinning from trial-and-error into a skillful, satisfying process.
Spin with Clarity, Not Guesswork
Understanding why fibers behave the way they do changes everything. When you choose wool with intention, spinning becomes calmer, faster, and far more rewarding.
If you want to learn spinning as a system — understanding fiber before you ever sit down at the wheel — this comparison is a strong foundation.
Helpful links:
Fiber braids and spinning resources: https://feralscene.com
Learn to spin with structure (Dream Yarn): https://feralscene.com/landing-dream-yarn
Get some small farm braids of your own with my monthly fiber clubs
