Wool, a natural fiber, is a fundamental material for textiles worldwide. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations that recognized its ability to provide warmth and protection. This versatile fiber is widely used in clothing, blankets, and other products due to its insulating properties, breathability, and ability to regulate temperature.
The Primary Source: Sheep
Sheep are the primary source of wool globally, contributing the vast majority of the world’s supply. Different breeds yield distinct types of wool, each with characteristics suitable for specific uses. For instance, the Merino sheep, originating from Spain, is known for fine, soft wool, typically 11-24 microns. Merino wool is used for next-to-skin garments due to its comfort.
Romney sheep, developed in England, produce coarser, more durable wool, often exceeding 29 microns. Romney wool is used for carpets, upholstery, and outer garments where strength is prioritized. Wool quality and quantity are influenced by breed, diet, age, and environmental conditions. A single sheep can yield 2 to 30 pounds (0.9 to 13.6 kg) of raw wool annually.
Other Wool-Producing Animals
Beyond sheep, other animals also contribute fibers categorized as wool or used similarly in textile production. Alpaca, native to the Andes Mountains, produces a soft, luxurious fiber known for its warmth, lightness, and hypoallergenic qualities. Alpaca fiber typically measures between 15 and 36 microns, comparable to fine sheep’s wool but with a smoother texture. Llamas yield a coarser fiber, often used for outerwear and rugs, ranging from 20 to 40 microns.
Cashmere wool comes from cashmere goats, primarily found in the Gobi Desert region, and is prized for its softness and insulation. The fine undercoat of these goats yields fibers typically ranging from 14 to 19 microns. Angora goats produce mohair, a lustrous, durable fiber known for its sheen and strength, with typical diameters between 25 and 45 microns. Angora rabbits also provide a very fine, fluffy fiber, often less than 16 microns, which is soft and warm but lacks elasticity.
From Fleece to Fiber
The journey of wool from animal to usable fiber begins with shearing, the process of removing the fleece. This is typically done once a year, often in spring, using electric shears to efficiently remove the entire fleece.
After shearing, the raw fleece undergoes skirting. This process removes less desirable parts, such as stained or coarse wool from the legs and belly, to improve the overall quality of the usable fiber.
Following skirting, the wool enters the scouring stage. This thorough washing process removes lanolin, dirt, sweat, and vegetable matter from the raw fleece using warm water and detergents, preparing the fibers for further processing.
The final step before spinning is carding. Here, cleaned and dried wool fibers pass through machines with wire teeth that disentangle and align them. This forms a continuous, untwisted strand called a roving or sliver, which prepares the fibers for yarn production.