While wool itself isn't "made into" wool, raw wool fibers undergo a series of processing steps to transform them into the clean, aligned material used for yarn and fabric. These steps prepare the fibers for spinning and weaving.
Key Stages in Wool Fiber Preparation
Processing wool involves several distinct stages, starting from the raw fleece shorn from sheep and ending with fibers ready to be spun. These stages clean the wool, remove imperfections, and arrange the fibers appropriately.
The Carding Process
One essential step in preparing wool fibers is carding. This process is crucial for disentangling the fibers and aligning them in a consistent manner. It's particularly important for creating woolen yarns, which are typically softer and bulkier than worsted yarns.
According to the provided information from a video titled "How It's Made Wool", the fibers arrive at the carding machine. Inside this machine, the fibers:
- Pass through a series of rollers with thin wire teeth.
- This action serves to untangle the fibers.
- It also lines them up parallel to each other.
The result of carding is a continuous web or rope of aligned fibers, called a sliver or roving, depending on the machine used. This makes the fibers much easier to handle and spin uniformly.
Why Carding is Important
Carding not only untangles and aligns fibers but also helps to:
- Remove any remaining vegetable matter (like seeds or straw) that wasn't fully cleaned out during washing.
- Blend different types of wool or colors if desired.
- Prepare the fibers for the drawing and spinning processes that follow.
Without carding, the raw wool fibers would be matted and tangled, making it impossible to create smooth, even yarn.
Overview of Wool Processing Steps
Carding is just one part of the journey from fleece to fabric. The general sequence includes:
- Shearing: Removing the raw fleece from the sheep.
- Skirting & Grading: Sorting the fleece by quality and removing soiled or undesirable edges.
- Scouring: Washing the wool in hot water and detergent to remove grease (lanolin), dirt, and sweat.
- Carding: Untangling and aligning fibers using wire-toothed rollers.
- Spinning: Twisting the carded fibers into yarn.
- Weaving or Knitting: Constructing fabric from the yarn.
- Finishing: Various treatments like dyeing, fulling (controlled shrinkage), or brushing (raising the nap).
Through these processes, raw wool is transformed into the versatile and durable material we use for clothing, blankets, and many other products.
