There’s something special about knitting with yarn that comes from this country. Australian wool has a global reputation for quality - fine, strong, and beautifully consistent - and yet so many Australian knitters reach for imported yarn by default, simply because they don’t know what’s available closer to home.
We’d love to change that. Here’s our guide to the best Australian-made and Australian-grown yarns we stock at the Woolshed, and why we love them.
Why choose Australian wool?
Australia is one of the world’s great wool-producing nations. Australian Merino in particular is prized internationally for its extraordinary fineness and softness - much of it ends up in high-end European fashion before it ever reaches an Australian knitter. Buying Australian-made yarn means that fibre stays closer to home, supports local industry, and often means a shorter, more transparent supply chain.
There’s also the simple pleasure of knowing that the yarn in your hands was grown in a paddock somewhere in this country - that the sheep grazing outside Bungendore or in the highlands of New South Wales contributed to the beautiful thing you’re making.
Millpost Merino - grown in Bungendore, NSW
This is the one that means the most to us. Millpost Merino is grown and produced at Millpost Farm in Bungendore, just outside Canberra. The merino wool is grown on the farm, milled, and spun in Australia - a genuinely paddock-to-skein story that is extraordinarily rare in the current yarn market.
The yarn itself is beautiful: fine, soft, and with the slight character of a naturally produced fibre. It knits up into garments with wonderful warmth and wearability. For Canberra knitters especially, there is something deeply satisfying about wearing a jumper made from wool grown down the road.
We are proud to be full stockists of the Millpost Merino range, and we love introducing knitters to it. If you haven’t tried it, it deserves to be your next skein.
✨ Woolshed tip: Millpost Merino is available exclusively through specialist yarn shops - you won’t find it in big box craft stores. Stocking it is one of our favourite things about being an independent shop.
Cleckheaton Echo - Australian made, with recycled Merino
Cleckheaton is one of Australia’s most enduring yarn brands, and Echo is one of their most exciting recent releases. This 10ply yarn blends 52% recycled Australian Merino wool with 45% pure new wool - a genuinely eco-conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on quality.
At 100g and 176 metres per ball, it’s excellent value. It has a satisfying springy handle, knits up beautifully on 4.5mm needles, and comes in a lovely range of colours. For everyday garments, accessories, and homewares, it’s hard to beat.
The fact that it incorporates recycled Australian Merino makes it a particularly thoughtful choice for knitters who care about the environmental footprint of their craft.
Bellissimo - Australian extra fine Merino
Bellissimo is an Australian brand producing some of the finest and most beautiful merino yarn available at an accessible price point. Their extra fine merino has a buttery soft handle and a gentle sheen that makes finished garments look genuinely luxurious.
We currently stock Bellissimo in the 4ply weight, which can be used for fine shawls and next to skin garments. The colour range is consistently excellent - classic neutrals alongside beautiful seasonal shades.
Bellissimo is a particular favourite for baby garments and next-to-skin pieces. Superwash treated for machine washability, it’s as practical as it is beautiful.
Heirloom Merino Magic - a reliable Australian classic
Heirloom is a name many Australian knitters grew up with, and Merino Magic 8ply remains one of the most reliable and beloved yarns we stock. Soft, machine washable, and available in a comprehensive colour range, it’s the dependable choice for everything from school jumpers to heirloom baby shawls.
It’s also one of the yarns we most often recommend to beginners - affordable enough that you’re not precious about it while you’re learning, but beautiful enough that your finished object will genuinely delight you.
Shepherd Merino DK - soft, smooth, and Australian
Shepherd is another proudly Australian brand producing high-quality superwash merino at an accessible price. Their DK (8ply) is smooth, consistent, and deeply satisfying to knit with - it has just the right amount of elasticity and beautiful stitch definition that makes cables and colourwork pop.
It’s a particularly good choice for colourwork projects, where consistent tension and clear stitch definition matter.
A note on locally dyed yarns
In addition to these commercially produced Australian yarns, we also stock a rotating selection of hand-dyed yarns from Australian indie dyers. These small-batch, artisan-dyed skeins are produced in limited quantities and represent some of the most beautiful yarn available anywhere. No two dye lots are ever exactly alike, which means every skein is genuinely unique.
If you love colour and the idea of owning something truly one-of-a-kind, ask us in store what indie-dyed yarns we currently have in stock. They come and go, and the beautiful ones don’t last long.
Come and feel them in person
Every yarn described in this post is available in store at the Woolshed in Manuka, and most are available in our online shop too. If you’re not sure which Australian yarn is right for your next project, come in and hold them - our team will help you find the perfect match.
Address: Shop 2B, Manuka Court, 11-17 Bougainville Street, Griffith ACT 2603
Phone: (02) 6295 0061
Email: shop@woolshed.com.au