Wool is one of the oldest known fabrics that date back to 7,000 BC. The secret to its popularity? It’s washable, durable, warm without being too heavy, and it can be dyed in many different colors!
Whether you’re looking for sturdy wool, felt or soft wool to knit with, there’s definitely a type of wool out there that will be perfect for your needs! I did some research to uncover all the types of wool and here is what I found.
There are many different types of wool, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular types include sheep’s wool, alpaca wool, cashmere wool, and merino wool. Each type of wool has its own unique set of benefits, so it’s important to understand the different types when you’re shopping for wool products.
Lets explore the various types of wools
Contents
Merino wool
Merino wool is a type of wool that comes from Merino sheep. This type of wool is prized for being incredibly soft, lightweight, and comfortable. It’s also good at regulating body temperature, making it a great choice for clothing to be worn in all seasons. As an added bonus, merino wool is also naturally anti-odor, so you don’t have to worry about your clothes smelling bad after wearing them for a day.
Cashmere
Cashmere wool comes from the Cashmere goat and is a type of wool that is prized for its softness. The Cashmere goat lives in very cold climates, and the fine undercoating it grows to protect itself from the harsh environment produces a cashmere fiber that is lighter than sheep’s wool and has a silky texture. As a result, cashmere fiber is very expensive and is often used to make luxury items such as sweaters, scarves, and shawls.
Gabardine
Gabardine is a type of fabric that consists of a weave which typically contains cotton and wool. Gabardine has such a close weave as to prevent it from allowing air through, making this fabric water-resistant. One of the popular choices in men’s suit fabrics, gabardine is also popular with hunters because it protects against wind and water while maintaining breathability.
Alpaca wool
Alpaca wool is stronger than sheep’s wool, which makes it more durable. It also has the same softness as sheep’s wool and even more loft (fluffiness). Alpaca can withstand extremely cold weather because of its hollow hair structure that traps body heat. It’s hypoallergenic, flame-resistant, and doesn’t contain lanolin, which makes it a good choice for people with wool allergies.
Wool Jersey
Wool jersey is a material that is very soft and comfortable to wear. It’s made from wool, as the name suggests, but it also has spandex for stretchiness. It is warmer and heavier than cotton and has a mild sheen that makes it very appealing. You can find wool jersey in a variety of colors and patterns. As a bonus, the spandex makes it easy to care for and maintain.
Boucle
Boucle is a type of fabric that is made from wool. This type of fabric is unique because it has a looped texture, which is why it’s also called looped fabric. The loops can be left loose or they may be pressed together to form a small-toothed surface similar to terry cloth. As you might imagine, boucle fabrics can range in appearance from very light (almost like fleece) to heavy and coarse.
Worsted Wool
Worsted wool is a type of fabric that gets its name from the worsted spinning process. This process involves combing and carding, which results in a very fine, smooth fiber. Worsted wool is strong and durable, making it perfect for items that need to withstand a lot of wear and tear, such as socks. It’s also very breathable, which is great for keeping feet cool in warm weather.
Lightweight Wool
Lightweight wool is similar to worsted wool, but the difference is that it’s made from thinner fibers. As a result, lightweight wool fabric tends to be lighter and airier than worsted wool. It’s great for making items like shirts or dresses because it lets your skin breathe while still keeping you warm. As an added bonus, lightweight wool is also very easy to care for.
Heavyweight Wool
Heavyweight wool is a type of fabric that is heavier and bulkier than worsted wool. It’s made from very thick fibers and is ideal for making heavy sweaters or coats. It can be very warm but it’s not as breathable as lighter weight wool. The downside to heavyweight wool is that it can be a bit cumbersome to wear and it takes a long time to dry. A simple way to reduce the discomfort is to combine it with a lighter weight wool during the spinning process.
Wool Batting
Wool batting is a type of insulation that is made from wool. It is available in two different types: compressed and non-compressed. Compressed wool batting is denser and takes up less space, making it perfect for use in areas where space is limited. Non-compressed wool batting is less dense but more fluffy, which makes it lighter and perfect for quilts.
Virgin Wool
Virgin wool is a type of wool that has not been recycled or reprocessed in any way. It’s made from fibers that are cleaned, sorted, and spun into yarn using the same method used to create new wool. As a result, virgin wool is very soft while also being very strong. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for a natural fiber because it comes from sheep that have not been treated with any chemicals or hormones.
Melton Wool
Melton wool is a type of fabric that gets its name from the melton spinning process. This special spinning method creates high-density wools with a soft, cottony feel and a long staple length for extra durability. The end result is an incredibly warm and hardwearing fabric that’s great for items like coats or work uniforms. As a bonus, melton wool is also water resistant, which makes it perfect for clothing that needs to withstand harsh weather.
Border Leicester Wool
Border Leicester wool is a type of wool that comes from the Border Leicester sheep. This breed is known for its long, lustrous fiber and it’s often used to make high-quality wool fabrics. The downside to Border Leicester wool is that it can be a bit on the expensive side. However, the end results are well worth the extra expense. If you’re looking for a luxurious wool fabric that will last for years, Border Leicester wool is definitely the way to go.
Cheviot Wool
Cheviot wool is a type of wool that comes from the Cheviot sheep. These animals are also known for having long, lustrous fiber and their wool tends to be very hardwearing. In fact, Cheviot wool has been described as “stout” due to its strength and durability. Another benefit of Cheviot wool is that it tends to be very inexpensive. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a strong, durable fabric without going over your budget.
Loden Wool
Loden wool is a type of fabric that gets its name from the German word for “cloak”. The wool itself comes from the bison and it’s known for being very heavy, water resistant, and durable. As an added bonus, loden wool also looks fantastic when it’s dyed or printed. It’s often used to make jackets, coats, and vests, and is perfect for anyone who wants a stylish and practical fabric for their wardrobe.
Bavarian Wool
Bavarian wool is a type of fabric that gets its name from Bavaria, which is the region in Germany where the majority of this fabric is created. Bavarian wool is well known for being very warm and breathable, which makes it perfect for knitwear. This type of wool also has a beautiful drape that’s well suited towards making elegant clothing or home decor accessories.
Wool Felt
Wool felt is a type of fabric that’s made from wool yarn. The entire process essentially involves “felting” the fibers together to create a dense fabric with an exceptionally soft, velvety touch. Some varieties are even used for making clothing that looks like fur, which makes it great for people who want to create an animal theme in their wardrobe. Wool felt also looks fantastic when dyed or printed to make hats, shoes, and other items. For these reasons, wool felt is sometimes referred to as “felt wool”.
Tweed
Tweed is a type of fabric that gets its name from the tweed spinning process. This process creates a high-quality wool fabric that’s perfect for making jackets, suits, and other items. Tweed is also very hardwearing and tends to be resistant to staining and fading. As an added bonus, it also looks great when it’s worn. If you’re looking for a stylish and durable fabric, tweed is definitely a good option to consider.
Flannel
Flannel is a type of fabric that gets its name from the word “flannelette”. This term originally referred to a cotton fabric that was made by flannelette mills, but the term is now also used to describe any type of fabric that has a brushed surface. Flannel fabrics are typically made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers, and they’re known for being soft, cozy, and comfortable. They’re perfect for making pajamas, robes, and even blankets.
Irish Wool
Irish wool is a type of fabric that gets its name from the term “Irish Moiled”. This term refers to a type of dairy cattle that gives soft, colorful, and luxurious fiber. Irish wool tends to be more expensive than other varieties, but it delivers fantastic results when it’s used to make clothing. This type of wool is also well suited towards creating items like blankets and throws due to its durability and vibrant color.
Mohair
Mohair is obtained from the Angora goat and is known for its long, lustrous fiber which often has a sheen. Mohair fiber is strong and resilient, making it a popular choice for use in yarns and fabrics. It’s also non-allergenic, making it a good choice for those who are sensitive to other types of wool.
Camel hair
Camel hair is obtained from the camel and is known for its soft, silky texture. This type of wool is often used to make sweaters, hats, and other items because it’s so lightweight and comfortable. It also has a natural sheen that makes it look very elegant. If you’re looking for a luxurious fabric that’s perfect for colder weather, camel hair is definitely a good option to consider.
Boiled Wool
Boiled wool is a type of fabric that gets its name from the fact that it’s boiled during the manufacturing process. This step helps to shrink the fabric and make it thicker, which makes it ideal for creating warm clothing like hats, scarves, and sweaters. Boiled wool is also non-allergenic, which makes it a good choice for those who are sensitive to other varieties of wool.
Wool Sharkskin
Sharkskin is a type of fabric that’s made from wool yarn. During the manufacturing process, multiple yarn strands are twisted together to create a durable material with an exceptionally smooth surface. Sharkskin fabrics are also known for being highly water-resistant and tensile, which means they can stretch a little without losing shape or breaking.
Wool Chinchilla
Wool Chinchilla is a type of fabric that gets its name from the chinchilla breed of rabbit. This variety of rabbits has a very soft undercoat that’s often used to make wool clothing and other items. Since it lacks fibers like hair, Wool Chinchilla is also ideal for people who want to wear something lightweight and breathable. It’s also known for being very silky, which means it looks and feels great when you put it on.
Chenille
Chenille is a type of fabric that gets its name from the French term “chenille”, which means caterpillar. This is because Chenille fabric has a velvety sheen and can be easily manipulated to create different patterns and textures. It’s often used in the manufacturing of robes and pajamas because it’s so comfortable and lightweight.
Herringbone Patterned Wool
A type of textile created by weaving two sets of threads together in a herringbone pattern. This is a special type of weave that allows the cloth to be soft, yet durable. This pattern is also very stylish and is used in many different types of men’s suits. Herringbone-patterned wool is also a popular choice for winter coats and jackets.
Vicuna Wool
A type of wool that comes from the Vicuna, which is a relative of the Llama. The fiber produced by this animal is much thinner than cotton but smoother than silk. It’s very rare in modern times due to how expensive it is and how difficult vicunas are to breed in captivity. This means that most items made with vicuna wool are very expensive.
Lincoln Wool
A type of wool that’s grown by Lincoln sheep. This type of wool is prized for being very soft and comfortable to wear against the skin, making it ideal for sweaters, scarves, gloves, and hats. Lincoln wool is also naturally water-resistant, meaning it will keep you warm and dry in wet weather.
Shetland Wool
A type of wool that comes from the Shetland sheep. This type of wool is prized for its durability and warmth. It’s often used to make sweaters, hats, gloves, and socks because it can keep you warm even in the coldest weather. Shetland wool is also naturally water-resistant, meaning it won’t soak through when it gets wet.
Lambswool
A type of wool that comes from a baby lamb. This is one of the softest types of wool around, and it’s often used to make sweaters, scarves, and blankets. Lambswool is also very good at regulating body temperature, making it a great choice for clothing to be worn in all seasons.
Organic Wool
A type of wool that comes from sheep that have been raised organically. This means that the animals have been allowed to roam free and eat only organic food, which results in wool that is softer, more durable, and less likely to cause skin irritation. Organic wool is also a good choice for people who are allergic to traditional wool fibers.
Tartan Wool
A type of wool that comes from Scottish sheep. Tartan wool is prized for its durability and its ability to keep you warm in cold weather. It’s often used to make tartan plaid scarves, hats, and gloves. This type of wool is also naturally water-resistant, meaning it won’t soak through when it gets wet.
Angora wool
Angora wool is made from the downy coat of the Angora rabbit. It’s a very soft and lightweight fiber that is often used to make luxury items like sweaters, scarves, and hats. One downside to angora wool is that it can be quite expensive. However, the extra expense is often worth it because of the luxurious feel and high quality of the fiber.
In conclusion, wool is a versatile fiber that can be used in a variety of ways to create different textures and appearances. From merino wool to camel hair, from boiled wool to tartan, there is a type of wool that will fit any need. So the next time you are looking for a new fabric to work with, don’t forget about wool!