For many thousands of years, wool fabric is the one that has always occupied some or the other fundamental position in human history. Wool has always been among the first-shear and finest natural fibers, be it the denationalizing processes of the first nomads to the high tech oriented textile date; wool always seemed to attain its vaulted structure. So, how may we understand wool fabric? How is it produced, and what is so special about it?
This guide is going to cover every detail regarding wool fabric from where it originates, its characteristics, where it is used, and how it is produced from sheep fleece to the clothes that we wear and fabrics that we use every day.
Introduction to Wool Fabric
Wool comes from one of the oldest materials that humans has surprised for years. Whenever you’re clad in a thick woolen sweater during some harsh weather conditions or snuggled under a warm and soft woolen blanket or using wool in some robust outerwear, it comes in handy every day in one’s life. This article will detail the history, the composition, the use and the environmental impact of wool in equal measure.
What is Wool Fabric?
Wool fabric is a sample of cloth that is woven or knitted out of the fleece sheared off sheep and also of the fleece of other animals such as goats (producing cashmere) and alpacas. What takes the fleece and raw skins reached in the harvesting stage into clothing fabric requires shearing, cleaning, spinning, weaving or knitting.
Wool is a natural fiber fabric which is different from synthetic fabrics in many ways. It is also environmental and very useful because it is biodegradable. Wool has microscopic scales which mean that the fiber texture can be smooth and fine or rather thick and course depending on the grade of wool and the fabrication application. Read “Natural Fiber and their veritas“
The Unique Properties of Wool Fabric
When it comes to filling any clothing, especially, the properties of wool are the one that help improve the value of the wool fabric. This is why the wool is still the favorite in many industries including fashion, and outdoor and home textiles applications. Let’s appreciate its features.
Insulation and Warmth
Wool’s greatest characteristic is its insulation. When the fabric is worn, the wool fibers form air pockets that can help to keep the body at the right temperature. This natural insulator explains why wool is favored in winter clothing, bedding, and thermal wear for outdoor activities.
Moisture Resistance
One of the characteristics of wool fibers is that they naturally resist moisture. In this regard, that makes out of wool fabric quite relevant – it is also quick drying with some good moisture management properties. It can hold at least 30% of its weight in water but never feeling damp, thus effective in wet environments. Be it woolen socks, sweaters or coats, all have this property and you don’t have to get drenched in sweat.
Durability and Resilience
Certainly, wool structure is economically speaking very robust. Wool fibers have a natural elasticity which permits them to elongate and return to shape without breaking. This spirit is the reason why wool clothes do not lose shape even with years of use, which is an advantage over many other materials.
Flame Resistance
Wool is a material that has a natural flame-resistant quality hence adept for use as home furnishings such as a rug and upholstery. The fibers resist getting caught up in flames or even in the event that they catch fire, they do not keep glowing but rather go off quite easily. This makes wool a much safer material for use than most synthetic materials that are prone to burning.
Softness and Comfort
Needless to say because of its type wool can also be soft and comfortable on the skin. Among the types of wool that exist, merino wool is well known to be fine, smooth and therefore more suitable for body hugging clothes such as underwear, scarves, sportswear and other intimate clothes that are close to the skin.
How Wool Fabric is Made: From Sheep to Cloth
Making woolen fabric from the raw fleece is quite an interesting procedure as it involves a lot of processes. Let us dig deeper into the wool fabric making process.
Shearing the Sheep
The first step in wool production is shearing. Each sheep is sheared at least once a year in spring for their fleece. The wool is cut off in one piece or fleece with the help of electric clippers, which dirt-free shearers perform in a hygienic manner without putting a strain on the animal’s body. This procedure causes no pain to the sheep and is also crucial for their survival. What is Fleece Fabric, Read detailed article.
Cleaning and Scouring
After a fleece is collected from sheep, it is usually filthy as it consists of lanolin, dirt, or plant matter such as vegetable matter. There follows a scouring of the wool, which is a washing of the wool in several baths in order to take out impurities. This cleaning procedure prepares the wool for more processing.
Carding and Spinning
On the other hand, after the cleaning of the wool, the wool fibers undergo a carding procedure. Carding is engaging all fibers in a brushing line up the fibers parallel to each other. This is done so as to prepare the fibers for spinning. The process involves twisting carded wool into yarn that becomes ready for weaving or knitting into fabric.
Dyeing
The dyeing of wool can be carried out at different production processes. For example, some yarns of wool are dyed when in the form of yarn, while some wools can be dyed even before they get spun. The dye better penetrates the fibers thus making the colors appear very vivid and bright.
Weaving or Knitting
Finishing
After weaving or knitting, the wool fabric undergoes various finishing processes, such as:
- Fulling: A washing process that shrinks the fabric slightly, making it denser and more felt-like.
- Brushing: Raising the surface fibers to create a softer texture, often seen in woolen blankets and coats.
- Pressing: The fabric is pressed and steamed to smooth out any wrinkles and give it a refined appearance.
Different types of wool fabric
There is more than one fiber in the wool. Each category of wool has a unique fiber of its own. Some of the common types of wool fabric are discussed below.
Merino Wool
A soft and fine fleece of sheep can be regarded as the figure of the Merino sheep whose wool is called merino wool. Due to its lightweight, soft and great heat-retaining capabilities, it has gained notoriety as one of the best types of wool. This creates a perfect use in high-end sportswear and even normal clothing.
Cashmere Wool
Cashmere is made from the hair found beneath a cashmere goat’s outer coat and it is an expensive kind of wool. Compared to sheep’s wool, this type of fabric is much finer and softer which is why it has a great appeal in the fashion world. On the other hand, cashmere isn’t as strong and should be treated well.
Lambswool
Cut from a young sheep, jockey lambswool is wool from a newly shorn sheep, usually its first shearing. It is light, stretchable, and skin-friendly tending to allergies which its why it is used in construction of high end clothe like sweaters and scarves.
Shetland Wool
Shetland wool, sourced from sheep, is mostly raised on the Shetland Islands in Scotland. It is coarser than cashmere and merino but not harsh and strong instead. Furthermore, shetland wool is used in knitwear for example fair isle sweaters.
Flannel Wool
Soft, medium-weight, and brushed for a slightly fuzzy texture. Wool flannel is warm and comfortable, often used in casual shirts, pajamas, and trousers.
Wool Fabric and it's blends.
Gladly, Here you can read Popular wool blend the their uses.
Woolen fabrics and their applications
Wool is useful it has so many applications. In what areas do you think wool fabric is used mostly?
Apparel and fashion
Wool is used for clothing because of its warmth and beauty and it also has persistence. Wool is present in every aspect of the fashion industry such as winter coats, scarves, business suits, and high fashion knitting wear. By the way, if you are going to lunch a Hoodies brand you should know that what is the best fabric for hoodies.
Home Textiles
This fabric is often used in home furnishings like blankets, cushions, and upholstery. It is useful for bedding because of its warmth and is useful as cushioning and carpets because of sturdiness.
Outdoor and Sports gear
Wool, because it’s fast drying and warm, is very popular for active outdoor and sportswear. Base layers, socks, and various other performance wears made for hiking, skiing, and all sorts of outdoor activities are mostly made of Merino wool.
Carpets and Rugs
Carpets and rugs are made of wool as it is comparatively more resilient towards tearing, and even burn loads. These woolen carpets feel nice, soft under feet, and can survive many years of wear and tear.
Industrial Applications
Wool, aside from fabrics for clothing and home goods, is also utilized in several industrial purposes. For example, wool, because it is dense and fluffy, can effectively be used for sound insulation and industrial thermal insulation.
Appreciated as Sustainable
Wool has also made a name for itself as being sustainable. It’s a renewable resource since sheep naturally produce fleece every year. There is also no problem with the usage of wool since it is biodegradable and it means that there will not be any unnecessary waste in the landfill when the product is disposed of. Moreover, the wool industry has started incorporating some changes aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability, such as sustainable sheep husbandry and lower power consumption during wool processing.
Available certification for this sustainable Fabric.
- Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
- Cradle to Cradle Certified™
- EU Ecolabel
- Soil Association Organic
- Fair Trade Certified
- Wool mark Certification
- ZQ Merino Standard
- REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals)
- BLUESIGN® Certified
- Carbon Neutral Certification
How to Take Care of Wool and Wool Blended Fabrics
People who wear wool garments and other wool-made textiles need to take care of them properly, if they want the wool to last longer than usual. Here are some tips on how to take care of wool:
Laundry
Wool garments should be cared for when washing. Although there are some wool products that are safe to wash with washing machines, most of the delicate pieces should be hand washed in cold water and a detergent made for wool fabrics. Squeezing the fabric is not recommended since these fibers are liable to stretching.
Drying Wool and Storage
Lay wool flat in its natural shape while drying in order to keep one’s shape. It is also necessary to keep wool garments in a cool and dry area when not used and to keep the woolens away from moths that are fond of natural fibers. If you are still confused where to start your clothing brand or choose the best fabric for your outfits you may visit this article. How to choose perfect fabric for your clothing brand.
FAQ
Is wool environmentally friendly?
Yes, wool is a renewable, biodegradable material. Sustainable farming and production practices make it an eco-friendly choice.
How long does wool fabric last?
With proper care, wool fabric can last for many years. Its natural durability and resilience contribute to its long lifespan.
What makes Merino wool different from other types of wool?
Merino wool is finer, softer, and less itchy compared to traditional wool, making it ideal for next-to-skin garments.
