The Beauty of New Zealand Merino Blends

|Tracey Bowen
Flock of New Zealand Sheep in front of the Southern Alps

New Zealand Merino Yarn is loved around the world for its softness, breathability, and natural warmth. Merino is fine, smooth, and gentle on the skin - the kind of fibre that feels as good as it looks. But when Merino is blended with other natural fibres like Alpaca, Mohair or Possum, it transforms into something even more special. Each blend highlights Merino’s natural strengths while adding unique character, texture, and a touch of luxury. These yarns are beautiful to knit with, easy to wear, and made to last.

Alpaca and Cria enjoying the day

Merino + Alpaca Yarn

This blend is all about comfort and drape. Alpaca fibre, prized for its silky smoothness and warmth, adds a luxurious softness that feels buttery against the skin. It’s slightly heavier than wool but incredibly breathable, making it perfect for pieces you want to snuggle into. Blended with Merino, it gains structure and elasticity, helping garments hold their shape while keeping that beautiful Alpaca drape. The result is yarn that’s soft, cozy, and versatile; it's ideal for scarves, shawls, and relaxed sweaters.

Merino + Possum Yarn

A uniquely New Zealand combination, this blend captures the best of local innovation and natural performance. Possum fibre is incredibly light and warm, with a downy texture like  Cashmere. The hollow structure of the Possum fibre traps warmth without adding weight, while the Merino keeps the yarn breathable, elastic, and durable. Together, they form a fabric that’s soft, pill-resistant, and unbelievably warm. Possum + Merino blends are perfect for snug winter knits like hats, gloves, and sweaters that feel feather-light but offer incredible insulation. It’s warmth you can feel instantly.

Australian Brushtail Possum eating a bird egg
Close up of Face of an Angora Goat

Merino + Mohair Yarn

When fine New Zealand Merino meets lustrous Mohair, the result is a yarn full of life and light. Mohair comes from the Angora goat and is known for its silky sheen and strength. This blend  combines Mohair's sheen with Merino's soft, springy base to create a yarn that is comfortable to wear and full of bounce. The fibres work beautifully together with Merino adding structure and stretch, while Mohair brings resilience and a touch of glamour. The result is yarn that’s warm without being heavy and has a lovely, light-catching shimmer. Ideal for delicate lace projects, cozy wraps, or soft sweaters that look as good as they feel.

New Zealand Merino Yarn

Across all these blends, Merino is the common thread, the foundation that brings balance and versatility. Merino's base qualities of strength, stretch, and breathability ensure every blend performs beautifully in both knitting and wearing. Each fibre adds something special: Mohair for sheen and texture, Alpaca for drape and softness, and Possum for exceptional warmth.

New Zealand’s Merino yarn blends truly showcase what happens when nature and craftsmanship come together. They’re sustainable, luxurious, and  comfortable to wear. Whether you’re creating something for yourself or someone you love, these yarns invite you to slow down, enjoy the process, and knit a little piece of New Zealand into every stitch.

New Zealand Merino Sheep and Lamb in the meadow