QUICK SPECS: Composition: 100% Extrafine Merinos Wool 19 micron | Weight: 50g (guaranteed) | Length: 145m | Recommended needles: 3.0-3.5 | Recommended crochet hook: 3 | Treatment: Superwash non-shrink | Certification: Mulesing Free | Spinning: Multi-ply coral twist | Origin: 100% Made in Italy

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TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: What are you really buying?

Justin Baby by Tessiland stands out for certified technical features that make it unique in the extrafine merino landscape. Let’s break down what makes this yarn an outstanding choice for those seeking quality, sustainability and superior performance.

1. Why choose 19-micron extrafine merino wool

The fibre fineness is the key parameter for assessing the quality of merino wool. Justin Baby sits at 19 certified average microns, with analyses confirming peaks of excellence down to 18.2 microns. This means each fibre has a diameter under 19.5 thousandths of a millimetre, placing it in the extrafine category, which represents just 15% of annual global production.

Sourced from the Australian plains, it benefits from premium pastures where merino sheep develop higher-quality wool. Extreme fineness translates into real advantages: exceptional softness that won’t irritate even sensitive newborn skin, the ability to bend against the skin without itch, and a structure so fine it feels silky to the touch.

Merino’s characteristic crimp shows about twelve curls per centimetre, versus one or two in common wools. This creates micro-spaces that trap air, generating natural thermal insulation that protects from both intense cold and excessive heat. The fibre can be bent up to 20,000 times without breaking, ensuring exceptional durability in finished items.

The wool’s complex protein structure provides unique properties: hydrophilic fibres absorb up to 35% of their weight in moisture without losing insulation, while naturally present keratin helps eliminate odour-causing bacteria. For Tessiland, selecting this quality reflects a commitment to excellence with no compromises.

2. Mulesing Free certification and ethical production

Tessiland chose to officially certify Justin Baby as Mulesing Free, going beyond a simple company pledge by obtaining verification from relevant bodies. Mulesing is an invasive practice involving the removal of skin from sheep to prevent parasitic infestations, widely considered ethically unacceptable.

Justin Baby’s Mulesing Free certification guarantees that:

• Shearing is carried out using fully manual and painless methods for the animals
• Sheep come from controlled farms that follow animal welfare practices
• Wool collection respects natural cycles, with one or two shearings per year
• No coercive or painful methods are used during the process

This choice reflects Tessiland’s ethical values, where animal respect is a non-negotiable requirement in raw material sourcing. The certification lets makers using Justin Baby pass on these values through their creations—especially meaningful when making items for newborns and children.

Full supply-chain traceability, from selecting Australian pastures to Italian spinning, ensures verifiable ethical standards at every step. Tessiland maintains direct relationships with raw material suppliers, removing intermediaries that could compromise quality and ethical control.

3. Superwash treatment and multi-ply coral twist

The Superwash treatment applied to Justin Baby is an innovation that combines modern practicality with environmental sustainability. The process makes the fibre non-shrink, allowing machine washing on gentle cycles without compromising the garment’s shape or size.

The treatment changes the surface of the wool fibre scales, which normally tend to lock together during washing and cause felting. With Superwash, fibres keep their smooth movement even in a damp environment with mechanical agitation. Tessiland has selected Superwash processes with strong eco-sustainability focus, using technologies that reduce environmental impact compared to traditional treatments.

The multi-ply coral twist gives Justin Baby distinctive advantages:

• Workability versatility: ideal for both knitting and crochet
• Stitch definition: the twist highlights pattern details
• Controlled elasticity: the yarn holds memory without becoming stiff
• Even surface: similar to the best plied cottons for uniformity

This special spinning is also called “pearl” for its visual effect, making each stitch slightly raised and well defined. For crocheters, it helps the hook glide in easily and makes stitches easier to read; for knitters, it ensures elegant drape and a stable structure over time.

4. Guaranteed weight and Tessiland quality control

A distinctive feature of Justin Baby is its guaranteed weight above standard. Wool is a living natural fibre, and humidity fluctuations can affect the ball’s real weight. While industry norms allow variations up to 3% (and more), Tessiland chooses to wind a little extra product compared to the stated amount.

This means every 50g ball of Justin Baby:

• Never drops below tolerance thresholds, even with humidity changes
• Ensures an effective meterage of 145m or more
• Delivers real value beyond the price paid
• Eliminates the frustration of “light” balls

This reflects Tessiland’s philosophy of transparency and respect for makers. Common industry practice relies on wide tolerances that protect margins but penalise customers. Tessiland reverses that logic, choosing to give more rather than lean on tolerance limits.

Direct quality control at every production step allows Tessiland to constantly monitor weight, meterage and technical characteristics. Italian production under Tessiland technical supervision ensures consistent standards across different batches, minimising variations that could affect your finished results. For projects requiring precise meterage calculations, this guarantee is a real advantage for planning and material management.

5. Natural merino fibre properties: antibacterial and temperature regulating

Extrafine merino wool has exceptional natural properties that Justin Baby expresses at the highest level. Its natural antibacterial action comes from a combination of factors: the fibre’s complex protein structure, its ability to absorb moisture, and its natural lanolin content. Keratin present in the fibres helps neutralise odour-causing bacteria, keeping garments fresh even after extended wear.

Its natural temperature regulation is one of the most appreciated qualities:

• Cools in summer: fibres absorb moisture and release it as levels drop
• Warms in winter: crimp traps air to create insulation
• Keeps warmth even when wet: proteins generate heat when interacting with moisture
• Dries quickly: the structure supports evaporation

Its moisture management is impressive: hydrophilic fibres absorb up to 35% of their weight in water vapour without feeling wet to the touch. This means sweat is captured by the fibre and moved away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. Unlike synthetics, which can feel cold and unpleasant when damp, merino maintains warmth and comfort.

Its natural UV protection absorbs part of ultraviolet rays, offering an extra shield for the skin—particularly useful in summer garments or children’s accessories. Its natural anti-static behaviour reduces static build-up that attracts dust and dirt, keeping garments cleaner for longer. All these properties are intrinsic to the fibre, not the result of chemical finishes, and they last for the entire life of the piece made with Justin Baby.

Care: how to keep your items looking great over time

Caring for Justin Baby is easy thanks to the Superwash treatment, but a few initial steps ensure the best results and long-lasting wear:

• First hand washes: do the first 2 washes in lukewarm water (max 30°C) with a small amount of mild neutral soap, allowing the fabric to settle and achieving the best result from the start
• Machine washing: after the first washes, use a wool or delicate cycle at 30-40°C, placing the garment in a protective laundry net to avoid excessive mechanical stress
• Low spin: set a minimal spin (400-600 rpm) or skip it entirely, gently pressing by hand to remove excess water
• Natural drying: dry flat on a towel on a level surface, away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight, gently reshaping to original dimensions
• Suitable detergents: use neutral detergents specifically for wool or delicate fabrics, avoiding bleach, harsh softeners and enzyme-based products that could damage the fibre proteins
• Air between washes: take advantage of merino’s natural antibacterial properties by airing items after wear, reducing wash frequency and extending lifespan
• Proper storage: store clean, dry items in ventilated spaces, protecting from moths with natural remedies like lavender and avoiding airtight containers that prevent the fibre from breathing
• Remove any pilling: gently remove with a fabric shaver or debobbler any surface pills that may form in high-friction areas—this is normal for premium natural fibres

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