Our story

Most Norwegian raw wool is sold on the international commodity markets, while imported wool yarn has become the standard input for Norwegian weaving and knitting mills. Wool from old Norwegian breeds rarely comply with the industry demand for uniform fibres and a thorough sorting of the raw wool is necessary in order to separate the good wool from the bad. As a result, wool from old breeds and pigmented wool in particular has been undervalued and poorly utilized.The old Norwegian breed Grey Trønder sheep has been close to extinction, but the population is now rising due to its fine wool and beautiful shades of grey.

Norway Cloth wool textiles are developed by Norwegian textile company Varp & Veft AS, established with private and government funding in 2013. Our mission is to source and manufacture specialty wool from old Norwegian breeds of sheep. Our Grey Trønder sheep collection is a sustainable product based on the natural colours of the sheep, with no chemicals, bleach or dyestuff added. The making spans a time period of several months, encompassing every stage from a special hand sorting of the raw wool to textile design and the weaving of cloth. Our production facilities are situated all along the west coast of Norway, from Bergen to Molde and Trondheim. Local production allows for custom orders and supply chain transparency.

Major national projects, such as “KRUS” and “Valuing Norwegian wool” are funded by The Research Council of Norway, The Norwegian Genetic Resource Center and Norilia to increase knowledge and improve the use of Norwegian wool. The characteristics of wool from different breeds are examined, and we use these findings as we develop new textile qualities. Grey Trønder sheep has the finest wool fibre available in Norway. We have had it spun into a fine one ply yarn with just the perfect twist to ensure light textiles with great drapability. While rich in texture and details, the textiles are delicate and neutral with lightweight qualities for residential and commercial interiors, or even for apparel.

Norwegian wool is cradle to cradle certified by the official Nordic ecolabel the Swan and thus documented one of the world's most sustainable textile fibres. Norwegian wool has a beautiful luster, excellent crimp and great durability. The wool fibre generates heat when wet, it is anti-bacterial, water and stain repellent and naturally flame resistant without the use of chemicals. 

We can special order any out-of-stock items, and are happy to discuss customization – please call 0047 99 60 75 95. We welcome your request.

News is published on our Facebook page / @norway_cloth on Instagram