How Wool is made

Wool is one of the most popular types of material used across the world to make different clothing. Not everyone is aware of how this is made. It is normally made from the fleece or fur which is taken from certain animals.

Things you will need

• Caprinae animals (mainly sheep, goats or relatives of both)
• Shear
• Metal Teeth Comb
• Water
• Soap
• Soda ash

Instructions

1. The first process of making wool starts from shearing the fleece of the animal. The technique is very important; the movement of the shear should be swift and precise which prevents the animal from getting a lot of cuts and bruises.
2. When the fleece is cut off make sure all the pieces are kept in one place. Most of the weight of the fleece at this time will consists of dirt, sweat, sand and contaminants.
3. A certified wool classer would sort and inspect the raw wool to assess it for its quality. Then a series of alkaline baths created from water, soap and soda ash will be used to wash and scoured the material (wool).
4. Water is then squeezed from the fleece but not enough to let it completely dry out (oil is used sometimes to maintain and enhance its softness).
5. Next is the carding process where the fleece passes through a series of metal teeth that straightens the fleece fibers into silvers. This process also helps with removing dirt that may be left back in the fabric.
6. Now the fibers from the fleece will be spun into a yarn and this forms the thread by spinning the fibers together.
7. Now at this stage the wool can be weaved, knitted or dyed to get the desired look and texture of the fabric. (How this is done can affect the durability, warmth or value of the final product of wool.)

Do’s

• Always make sure the material is thoroughly cleaned before completing all the procedures.