Wool Fabric

Wool fabric gives warmth and attractive appearance. It is soft, yet strong and very durable. It wicks away perspiration from the body and keeps the wearer dry while sweating and cool when it is hot. It does not wrinkles easily and is a resistant to dirt and wear and tear. The fabric never burns over a flame but only smoulders.

Wool fabric does not only come from sheep. A widely used cashmere sweaters are made from goats originated in Kashmir (India). Mohair wool fabric is obtained from angora goat and angora wool fabric from angora rabbit. The name angora has been derived from the place Angora (Ankara) in Turkey, where these animals originated. Alpaca wool fabric comes from the hair of alpaca animal, a member of the camel family.

Wool, as clothing is being used for over twelve thousand years. The first wool factory was established in Winchester (England) in 50 A.D. by the Romans. In 1797, thirteen merino sheep was brought to Australia by the British to start merino sheep industry. Today, Australia is the leading producer of wool fabric.

Types of Wool Fabric

Chenille - It has a fur-like texture, which is created when warp threads are woven in groups. It gives a chunky feel and is used for both clothing and upholstery.

Felt - It is not a woven fabric but is created by matting or bonding fibers. Hats and occasional skirts or coats are made from felt.

Flannel- These are soft and are made of a plain or twilled weave which are slightly napped on one side i.e. a little fuzzy on one side.

Gabardine - These fabric has a clear-surface, twill weave and a fine diagonal rib effect. A good example of gabardine is coats, suits, trousers, skirts, and dresses.

Melton - These are thicker woolen fabric and is made of twill or satin weave with a smooth surface. Due to its thickness, it is used for coats.

Tweed - These are heavier wool fabric with rough texture and used for suits and coats.

Worsted - These woolen fabrics are hardy, made of smooth yarn and are used for suits and coats.

Characteristics of Wool Fabric

• It is warm.
• It resists wrinkle.
• It resists wear and tear.
• It is light-weight and durable.
• It absorbs moisture.
• It retains shape.
• It resists flames. It smoulders instead of burning.
• It is flexible and gets tailored easily.
• It has natural stretch and elasticity, which responds to the wearer's body movements.
• lored easily.
• It has natural stretch and elasticity, which responds to the wearer's body movements.

Uses of Wool Fabric

• Today, every wardrobe contains garment made of woolen fabric. The warmth of the fabric has made it widely used during winter or in cold areas. It is used in sweaters, dresses, coats, suits, jackets, pants, etc.
• Wool fabric is also used as blankets and carpets.
• Felt made of wool fabric is used as covers for piano hammers. It is also used in absorbing odors and noise in machinery and stereo speakers.