Earlier we dipped in the environmental impact of wool and discovered that behind that apparently sustainable wool there is quite a footprint (paw print?). Fortunately, more and more clothing brands are selling more sustainable wool, the nicest sustainable wool brands we have listed for you before. But what about wool from Dutch sheep? You rarely see those on the shelves, we also discovered. Unless... you get to work yourself! Because balls of wool from Dutch sheep are plentiful. We have checked it out for you and listed the most beautiful home-grown knitting yarns. This way, you will not only knit a warm scarf, a fine cardigan or a cool hat, but also a nice story.Â
Little sheep, little sheep, do you have sustainable wool?
Can you knit a bit? Then we have good news! Dutch sheep wool comes in all shapes and sizes, and the great thing is: most Dutch sheep live comfortably outside in flocks all year round. From the vast heathlands of Limburg to the green meadows of the Green Heart and the windy dunes of Texel, sheep graze everywhere, not only contributing to nature management but also providing beautiful wool. The wool we came across is processed locally and often even dyed by hand. Some yarns come from sheep roaming on nature reserves such as the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, while other wool comes from the polder, complete with a wrapper of roadside grass. How local and sustainable do you want it?
Sustainable knitting yarn: balls of wool from Dutch sheep
- At Ecotex you can buy wool from the Kempen heath sheep. Herds of these sheep graze in National Park De Meinweg near Roermond, Limburg. The wool (from this almost three-country point) is washed in Belgium and then spun just across the border, in Germany.
- Sheep's wool from the Troll wool shop in Driebergen comes from Dutch wool, sourced from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and from Lutjebroek. The wool is also hand-dyed by Atelier Sarah Jane from Doorn. That sounds almost fairytale-like, doesn't it?
- Green Heart-wool comes from Texelaars, sheep that graze in - the name says it all - the Green Heart.
- Polder wire is wool from North Holland, Heerhugowaard, to be precise. It is spun in Friesland and even the wrapper is natural: namely from roadside grass.
- Wool from Texel sheep, in all kinds of natural wool shades, is for sale at Renske van Texel Sheep Wool. Or at Skéépe.
- Fair wool, straight from the farmer, at Pure Wool is all about local, sustainable wool. They collect sheep's wool from Dutch farmers and turn it into beautiful yarns. Perfect for anyone who likes to knit, crochet or weave their own with a truly honest product.
- At Holland Wool you will find beautiful Dutch fur wool, ideal for those who want to get started with felting, spinning or chunky knitting themselves. The wool comes from domestic sheep and is available in various natural shades.
- At Wool farm Blij Bezuiden the entire wool chain is managed in one place: from shearing their own merino sheep to processing the wool into yarn, felt and other craft products.
Knit a nice story to it with sustainable knitting yarn
Are you looking for sustainable knitting yarn for your knitting project? Then go for wool from Dutch sheep that graze happily outdoors all year round! That way, without being long-winded, you will knit a better story. Do you have another good tip for Dutch wool? Let us know! We will gladly add to this list!
More DIY tips with clothes
- Also see: Make a zero waste garland from old fabrics.
- Also see: Make a kek bag out of an old pair of jeans.
Photo credits: photo 1: Polderdraad, photo 2: Pavel Danilyuk (Pexels), photo 3: Vlada Karpovich (Pexels).
