Howard Hand Cards
Staple Lengths by Breed
Recommended TPI for Hand Carders/Carding Cloth by Sheep Breed
Fine Wool Breeds
Breed
Average Staple
Recommended TPI
American Merino
2 3/4"
120/190
Delaine Merino
2 1/2-3"
120/190
Rambouillet
2 1/4-3"
120/190
Crossbreed Wool Breeds
Breed
Average Staple
Recommended TPI
Corriedale
Over 4"
90/120
Columbia
3 1/2-5"
90/120
Panama
3-4"
90/120
Romeidale
3-4"
90/120
Targee
3"
90/120
Medium Wool Breeds
Breed
Average Staple
Recommended TPI
Southdown
2"
72/90
Sherpshire
2 1/2"
72/90
Hampshire
2-2 1/2"
72/90
Suffolk
2-2 1/2"
72/90
Dorset Horn
3-4"
72/90
Cheviot
3-4"
72/90
Oxford
3-5"
72/90
Long Wool Breeds
Breed
Average Staple
Recommended TPI
Leicester
7-9"
90/or less
Romney
5-6"
90/or less
Lincoln
8-12"
90/or less
Cotswold
6-12"
90/or less
Double Coated Breeds
Breed
Average Staple
Avg Yearly Staple
Navajo Churro
Longwool
Outercoat 4-14"
Undercoat 2-4"
Icelandic
Double Coat
Outercoat 4-10"
Undercoat 2-3"
Shetland
Slight Double Coat
2-5"
Finn
Slight Double Coat
3-6"
Clun Forest
Dual Purpose Down Type
2 1/2-4"