What is wool and where does it fit in cut and sew manufacturing? Wool is a natural fiber that comes from the fleece of sheep and other animals. It has been used by humans for thousands of years. In fact, sheep are the oldest domestic animal species, dating back 10,000 years. This is also said to be when humans began using wool for warmth and protection.

Wool is one of the most versatile and valuable textile fibers, known for its unique properties and wide range of applications. Most wools are naturally off-white or ivory in color. However, it can be black, gray or brown. Resulting in of course: gray wool fabric, green wool fabric, etc.

The process of obtaining wool from an animal is called shearing. Through this process, skilled workers carefully remove the fleece from the animal's body which usually occurs in the spring. This relieves the animal of their thick winter coat in time for the warmer summer months. After shearing, the raw wool undergoes cleaning to remove impurities like dirt, oil, pests, vegetable matter, etc. To obtain a more pure white look, the wool will go through a bleaching process. A few woolen mills you may have heard of: Pendleton Woolen Mills and Faribault Woolen Mills.

Properties of Wool: Wool is known for its exceptional qualities:

• Warmth: Wool has excellent insulating properties, making it a preferred choice for winter clothing and blankets.

• Moisture Absorption: Wool can absorb and retain moisture, helping to keep the body dry and warm. More so than cotton.

• Breathability: The natural structure of wool allows for air circulation, regulating body temperature and reducing overheating.

• Elasticity: Wool fibers can stretch and recover their shape, making them resistant to wrinkles and deformation.

• Fire-Resistance: Wool is naturally flame-resistant, providing a level of safety compared to synthetic fibers.

• Odor Resistance: Wool has natural antimicrobial properties that can prevent odors from developing.

• Biodegradable: When wool is disposed of, it naturally decomposes, slowly releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth.

A few other characteristics, but these are less desirable: Wool tends to shrink when wet, it may irritate the skin, and mildew may develop when wool is wet or damp. Also, wool has a tendency to fade and/or weaken under constant sunlight.

Types of Wool:

Wool can come from various animals, with the most common being sheep. Other animals that produce wool include goats (cashmere and mohair), rabbits (angora), alpacas, llamas, and camels. Some less common animals: yak, muskox, vicuna.

• Merino Wool: You’ve more than likely heard the name.. so what is Marina Wool? Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is renowned for its softness and fine texture, . It is popular for premium garments, including high-quality base layers and luxury knitwear. The first Merino sheep were introduced into Australia around the late 1700’s. Australia remains the best breeder of Merino sheep.

• Lambswool: Obtained from the first shearing of young sheep, lambswool is exceptionally soft and often used in fine sweaters and accessories.

• Shetland Wool: From Shetland sheep, this wool is known for its durability, warmth, and natural colors.

• Cashmere: Comes from cashmere goats and is prized for its luxurious softness, lightweight, and warmth. Production of cashmere is rare and therefore considered very luxurious. Sometimes, cashmere may be mixed with other soft wools.

• Mohair: From Angora goats, mohair has a lustrous appearance and is often used in luxurious garments. Mohair is silky to touch with high sheen.

• Camel Hair: Camel hair is finer than most merino wools, placing it close in category to cashmere. A camel's hair is thermo-regulated to keep them warm in the cold and cool in heat, giving it properties that include both warmth AND breathabillity.

Wool in Use:

• Apparel: Wool is used in various apparel, including wool sweaters, coats, suits, scarves, wool beanies, and wool socks.

• Home Textiles: Wool is common in blankets (think of that Pendleton wool blanket your grandparents had), throws, rugs, and upholstery fabrics.

• Outdoor Gear: Wool is utilized in outdoor clothing like hiking socks, wool bags, base layers, and insulating mid-layers and outer layers like wool hunting pants and other heavy wool pants.

• Crafts: Wool is popular in crafting, such as felting, spinning, and knitting.

Many of the accessories we regularly manufacture from our St. Paul, MN facility include a delicate balance of wool and leather. Depending on the look you are going for, leather and wool look exceptionally well together with wool being used for the body, while leather used for trim and accent. Some examples: weekender duffle bags, wool totes, dopp kits, hunting accessories, etc.

Brands using putting wool to good use: Filson, Stormy Kromer, Woolrich, etc.

Sustainability: Wool is considered an eco-friendly fiber due to its renewable source and biodegradability. Sustainable practices, such as ethical animal treatment and responsible land management, contribute to environmentally friendly wool production. For a vegan alternative, consider hemp, bamboo and soybean as great alternatives to wool. There are also manufactured varieties like rayon, nylon, recycled polyester and linen (flax).

In conclusion, wool is a remarkable natural fiber with exceptional properties, making it a sought-after material for a wide range of applications. Whether it's for warmth, comfort, breathability, or durability, wool remains a favorite choice in the textile world and continues to be valued by consumers for its natural and sustainable qualities.

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