As we embrace Wool Month here in the Hebrides, it feels only right to shine a spotlight on one of Britain’s most fascinating heritage breeds — the Jacob Sheep. At Harris Tweed Hebrides we are delighted to highlight how this unique sheep and its fibre play a starring role in our Naturals Collection, alongside our usual heathered Cheviot‑blend.

Why the Jacob Sheep is a wool‑lover’s dream

The Jacob sheep is striking, with its piebald fleece (white base with distinct dark patches), and the possibility of two or four horns, it’s impossible to ignore.

But beyond the visuals lie wool qualities that are a real gift for textile producers. It comes in a natural palette of colours — you’ll find everything from creamy whites to deep charcoals, browns and greys — without any artificial dye needed. The medium‑grade fleece size (micron counts around 25‑33 in some cases) and staple length is suitable for weaving, perfect for Harris Tweed®.

It’s a heritage breed with character and story — raising Jacobs isn’t just about mass production, it’s about craft, heritage, and individuality. Jacob wool means embracing texture, natural colour, and narrative.

From hill‑grazing to fabric: how Jacob wool comes into the Harris Tweed process

At Harris Tweed Hebrides we are deeply rooted in the traditions of our islands, a wind‑whipped, salt‑sprayed heritage. When we look for fibre that aligns with those values, Jacob wool ticks so many boxes: a local historic breed, natural colour, and a story to tell.

Here is how our Naturals Collection comes together:

• Source & Blend: We use Jacob wool alongside our standard Cheviot‑blend tweed base. The Cheviot gives structure, durability, and the classic Harris Tweed handle; the Jacob contributes natural colour variation.
• Colour Variation: Thanks to the Jacob’s natural palette, we can offer tweeds in gorgeous “raw” shades — greys, charcoal, cream, brown speckle — that do not rely on dyeing.
• Island Production: Harris Tweed® produced in a time-honoured way.
• Story: With the Naturals Collection, we combine the story of this rare breed, the Hebridean landscape, and textile heritage all in one.

Wool Month: an invitation to appreciate what lies beneath the cloth

This Wool Month, we invite you to linger a little longer on your favourite jacket or scarf. Feel the weave. Observe the subtle variations in tone. Think of the sheep grazing on hillsides and the hands at the loom turning fibre into cloth.

The Jacob sheep reminds us that wool is more than fibre. It is character. It is natural colour. It is a connection to land, climate, and craft. And when we pair that heritage fibre with our Hebridean weaving traditions, something extra special emerges, tweed that whispers rather than shouts.

So, this Wool Month, we raise a metaphorical (and wool‑laden) toast to the Jacob sheep.

Whether you are selecting a piece from our Naturals Collection for its texture, its colour story, or just because you appreciate something a little different — thank you for honouring the journey from sheep to staple to style.

Here’s to wool, heritage, and weaving tradition — together.