Wool yarn is probably the most popular fiber out there, and it's no wonder that people love working with it. Wool is springy and easy to work with, producing knitted objects that are warm, durable and long-lasting.

Technically the term wool can be used to mean any animal fiber, but it is most commonly used to mean the yarn spun from the fur of sheep. Other wools can some from alpaca, goats, llamas or rabbits.

Wool from sheep is special because the scales overlap and the fur is very kinky. Both of these characteristics lead to wool's amazing felting ability.

The crimps in the fiber also make wool bulky. The fiber is full of air, which makes it quite warm in the winter, but it can also be used to keep heat out during the summer. Thin wools have more crimp, while coarser wools have less crimp.

Caring for Wool

Wool is sensitive to agitation and hot water, which causes the overlapping scales of the fiber to stick together, what we call shrinking, or, if we do it on purpose, felting.

To avoid this, wool should be washed in lukewarm water with little agitation. Most people prefer to wash wool items by hand to avoid any possibility of felting when they can't see what's happening inside their washing machine.

I offers many great tips on caring for wool items. These tips pertain especially to purchased wool items, but here's an abbreviated list of handmade items:

  1. Check the yarn label for suggestions on how to care for your particular yarn. Or if buying from makers ask about how can treat creation.
  2. Treat stains as soon as possible with cold water and seltzer water. Blot with a cloth rather than paper towels. Seek the advice of a dry cleaner for stubborn stains.
  3. Allow woolens that have picked up odors to air out on a bed.
  4. Wash items by hand, using a product designed to be used with wool, according to the directions on the yarn label. If you don't have any directions, wash in lukewarm water and avoid agitating, wringing or spinning the item.
  5. Use vinegar spoon or two in water for wash wool . It keep wool more soft and keep stronger colors .
  6. Rinse well with lukewarm water.
  7. Lay the item on a towel and gently roll to get excess water out.
  8. Leave the item flat to dry, outside of direct sunlight and away from heat.
  9. Store woolen items folded in a closet or cedar chest. Do not hang woolen items. If storing long-term, consider having the item dry-cleaned first.
  10. Use Lavender smell for safe wool from moths in closet .