Known for its warmth, crease resistance, and moisture-absorbing properties, wool is one of the most popular fabrics in the world. Its versatility and ability to be woven into a variety of weaves and designs makes it a staple for many garments.
Wool is a natural fiber clipped from sheep, goats, camels, llama, and other animals. Producers harvest the hair of these animals and spin it into yarn, which they then weave into textiles.
Sheep fleece is the most common raw material used for wool fabric production. However, producers may also use the wool of other animals such as yaks or camels, depending on their specific needs.
To start with, the shorn wool is rinsed to remove the greasy lanolin that can sometimes build up on the fibres of raw wool. This process is commonly performed using a process called carbonization, in which the wool is soaked in a strong, inorganic acid that breaks down the vegetable matter into carbon and leaves the wool fiber intact.
The shorn wool is then cleaned, sorted into bales and carded. The carding process involves brushing the shorn fibres to make them long and straight. Traditionally, this process was done by hand, but now it’s often performed with a machine that runs a series of rollers covered with wire bristles.
After carding, the shorn canadian merino wool is spun into yarn and woven into cloth. The resulting fabric can be used to make a wide range of clothing and other types of textiles, such as quilts and blankets.
When woven into a fabric, wool has a wavy surface pattern called “crimp.” This crimp contributes to its insulating properties, which help to keep the wearer warm during cold weather.
There are a few different kinds of wool, including boiled, fulled, and merino. All of these wools have their own unique qualities and applications.
Boiled wool is a special heavyweight felted wool fabric with excellent insulating qualities, making it perfect for coats and hats. It’s thick and durable and can be made from pure wool or a mix of wool and other fibres such as cotton or polyester.
Broadcloth is a type of wool fabric that was used throughout the centuries. These types of wool fabrics can be a great option for historical costuming and were particularly popular during medieval times.
Unlike traditional wool, merino is treated to reduce the prominence of its prickly scales that cause itchy skin. The scales are removed from the outer layer of the wool and replaced with small diameter fibres that absorb and repel water, allowing the skin to breathe while the garment is worn.
The resulting wool is soft to the touch, and it doesn’t itch or feel scratchy. It also has a natural odor-repelling property, meaning that it is less likely to become stinky when worn.
Sheep’s wool is also a versatile and versatile fiber that can be used to make anything from gauze to suits and coats. The crimp and thermal properties of this fabric make it ideal for winter clothing, but it is also lightweight enough to be used in summer.