Rare Breeds Fibre
Karakul Cross Sheep
Sometimes a breed of sheep is so distinctive that it leaves its mark on all offspring – crossbred or pure bred. The Karakul is one such breed. To create first crosses, it is necessary to maintain pure lines which helps achieve the goal of preserving valuable genetics.
With a breed as rare as the Karakul in New Zealand, breeder Tony Stuart had to start a grading-up programme, and from this programme a number of most interesting fleeces have emerged. It’s not just the feel of the wool but also the colouring that makes these fleeces unique.
Some Karakul cross fleeces are as fine as merino and can be made into garments. Most even have crimp and can be made into very lofty garments.
Photograph on the right: Hat with a sample of the
Karakul cross fleece from which it was made.
Three different colours from Karakul cross sheep.
Karakul cross fleece. Machine carded on left,
hand carded on right.
Washed Karakul cross fleece.
Detail of knitted Karakul cross fleece.
