BREED SPECIFIC WOOL ILLE DE FRANCE - WHITE, SOFT, BOUNCY

Île de France – a productive breed with high-quality white wool

The Île de France sheep breed was developed in France in 1832 by crossing the Dishley Leicester (also known as English Leicester) and the French Rambouillet Merino. The original aim was to improve meat production at a time when the price of wool had fallen significantly. Nevertheless, the breed has also retained interesting characteristics in terms of wool production, which are currently being rediscovered by textile artisans.

The Île de France is a medium to large breed, hornless, with a typical white fleece and light skin. In the 1990s, it was exported to Canada and is currently bred in many countries, including the USA, South Africa and Australia.

Wool characteristics

The wool of this breed belongs to the fine to medium-fine types. The fiber diameter ranges from 23-30 microns, which corresponds to the 50s-60s classes. For every bit of distance it has gained from the softness of its Merino ancestor, it has gained in durability, while retaining much of its elasticity and fluffiness.

The weight of the fleece ranges from 3 to 4.5 kg, while in rams it can reach up to 5.9 kg. The fibers contain a higher proportion of lanolin (fat), which reduces the net yield, but at the same time provides good protection for the fiber during processing.

The length of the staple (fiber) ranges between 7 and 9 cm, which is suitable for spinning by beginners and advanced spinners. The wool has a regular curl (curvature) and well-defined strands that are easily separated. It combs well on a carder, crampons, and longer fibers also on combs. The fibers are less blocky than in Rambouillet wool and often have slightly tapered tips.

Textile use

The wool of the Île de France breed is easy to process using various techniques. The crimped preparation is noticeably fluffy and has excellent insulating properties, suitable for the production of warm yarns. Worsted wool retains a certain elasticity and volume, which makes it suitable for finer knits. It is easily spun into both thicker and thinner yarns, the fiber is neither too short nor too long, so its range of variability is really very high.

It is a good choice for those who want to start working with finer wools, but do not want to immediately reach for a demanding merino. The fibers tolerate twisting well, which allows you to create strong and durable threads without losing elasticity.

When knitting or crocheting, the yarn behaves stably, holds its shape well and perfectly emphasizes patterns - for example, structured knits or combinations of plain and purl stitches. It is also suitable for weaving, especially where suppleness, elasticity and a clear weave are required.

Wool from the Ille de France breed is excellent for felting, as it retains the Merino trait in this particular trait.

Color and dyeing

The Île de France produces pure white wool, without yellow undertones - although in places the wool is creamy when aged for a longer period, it is still less yellowish than other breeds. This characteristic is particularly valued in dyeing, as it allows for clean and bright shades to be achieved. The fibers accept the dye evenly and without unwanted color distortions.

Summary

The Île de France is a breed that offers a versatile wool suitable for various textile techniques - from spinning, to knitting and weaving, to felting. Its white color, elasticity and easy processing make it an attractive choice for those looking for a material with a balanced ratio of softness, durability and workability. Despite the fact that the breed is primarily bred for meat, its wool also deserves attention in the textile craft. In Slovakia, it is among the imported breeds with the finest wool that can be found in our country.