The Suffolk

  • A Suffolk Sheep standing in a grassy field with a blurred background

The Suffolk is a classic British lowland breed, instantly recognisable by its black, wool-free face and legs. Developed in the 18th century in East Anglia, it is the result of crossing Norfolk Horn ewes with Southdown rams. Today, it is renowned worldwide for its versatile fleece.

Region

England (East Anglia)

Wool Characteristics

  • Texture

    Medium, with a fine, springy handle. 

  • Colour

    White fleece, free from kemp and coloured fibres, contrasting with the breed’s black points. 

  • Quality

    Softer than typical hill breeds; valued for comfort while retaining strength. 

  • Uses

    Knitwear, socks, lightweight fabrics, and hand-spinning. 

Distinctive Qualities

* Highly recognisable appearance, with a bare black face and legs. 
* Produces well-balanced wool: not as coarse as hill breeds, not as fine as luxury fibres, making it versatile for everyday textiles. 
* Consistently produces even fleeces of medium staple length, popular among hand spinners and small-scale weavers. 

Summary

The Suffolk combines an iconic look with balanced utility. Its wool offers a practical compromise between softness and durability, making it a valued fibre for knitwear and everyday textiles.

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