Fleece hair is the hair cut off the sheep's body, in it's raw form.
Understanding Fleece
Fleece, often referred to as fleece hair in its initial state, is essentially the coat shorn directly from a sheep. Unlike the finished fabric or yarn known as wool, fleece is in its unprocessed condition. This means it contains natural oils (lanolin), dirt, vegetable matter, and is still in the form of the entire shorn coat or sections of it.
Fleece vs. Wool
It's important to distinguish between fleece and wool. According to the provided reference:
Fleece is the hair cut off the sheep's body, in it's raw form. Wool is when the fleece has been washed and carded, and made into different products.
This clarifies the key difference:
| Characteristic | Fleece | Wool |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Raw, unprocessed | Processed (washed, carded, spun, woven) |
| Condition | Contains dirt, oils, debris | Clean, prepared fibers |
| Source | Directly shorn from sheep | Made from fleece after processing |
| Use | Requires processing first | Ready for making yarn, fabric, felt, etc. |
So, when you see a whole sheep's coat freshly removed, that is the fleece. Once it goes through cleaning and preparation steps, it becomes wool, ready for various textile applications.
The Raw State
The "raw form" of fleece hair is crucial to its definition. In this state, the fibers are held together by natural oils, which protect the sheep. The quality of the fleece hair depends on the breed of sheep, their health, diet, and the timing of the shearing. Different parts of the fleece from a single sheep can also have varying fiber characteristics.
- Key components of raw fleece:
- Wool fibers
- Lanolin (natural oil)
- Dirt and dust
- Vegetable matter (seeds, straw)
Understanding fleece hair is the first step in appreciating the journey from a sheep's back to a cozy wool sweater or blanket.
