Boiled wool is primarily made by shrinking woven wool fabric in hot water. This process creates a dense and compact textile.
The Boiled Wool Process
The method for creating boiled wool is straightforward, focusing on the natural tendency of wool fibers to shrink under specific conditions:
- Starting Material: The process begins with woven wool fabric.
- Shrinking: This woven fabric is then subjected to hot water. The combination of heat and moisture causes the wool fibers to felt and shrink together.
- Result: The shrinking process results in a fabric that is significantly denser and more compact than the original woven material.
This deliberate shrinking is what gives boiled wool its unique properties.
Characteristics and Applications
As a result of the boiling process, boiled wool develops several distinctive characteristics:
- Texture: It has a dense and compact texture.
- Durability: The tightly matted fibers make it quite durable.
- Water Resistance: Boiled wool is known to be more water-resistant compared to many other fabrics.
- Ideal Uses: Due to its warmth, density, and water resistance, it is an ideal choice for outerwear and winter clothing like jackets and coats.
While related, it's worth noting the reference mentions that felted wool, a similar dense material, is typically made by agitating and shrinking wool fibers, often without starting from a woven fabric. Boiled wool specifically starts as woven wool before undergoing the hot water shrinkage.
