The Process of Creating Wool Batts

Most people know that wool comes from sheep, but did you also know that it can come from other animals as well? In fact, wool can come from goats, alpaca, camel, and rabbits. The type of animal it comes from can determine how soft it is, or how easy it is to turn into fabric or other textiles. For example, cashmere is extremely soft wool that comes from goats and is very popular. Once wool is taken from an animal, it can be processed into yarn, felt, or wool batts.

Sheering: The First Step

To begin collecting wool, you need to raise animals. Sheep and goats have always been popular to keep, but raising alpaca is a growing sport, though expensive. The returns are heavenly, however, and more and more people are investing in the business. A healthy animal can provide different textures of wool, depending on where the fur grows on the body.
Every winter, the sheep or other animal grows extra fur to keep warm in the cold weather. Once the spring time comes, though, the fur must be cut. This process is called sheering and competitions are even held to see how fast an animal can be sheered. Once it is removed, the wool can be cleaned and prepared to be woven into different textiles.

Electric Spinning Wheels

Once the wool has been cleaned and carded, the process of combing the wool, it is ready to be spun into yarn, or pressed into felt or batting. Technology has improved the wool industry and spinners can make vast amounts of yarn using electric spinning wheels. These wheels can make the process quick, easy, and fun to learn.
Water and pressure is used to process felt and batts. While felts are used for a variety of purposes, the most famous being Mongolian yurt felt, batts can be used for quilting. By placing the batt between quilt fabrics that are pieced together, you create a soft, insulating interior.

The Advantages of Wool

Wool has a variety of texture. While it is most often thought of as coarse and hard, it can be incredibly soft. Soft or hard, wool batts are incredibly versatile and durable. They can keep heat in, or they can be used to keep heat out. Look into wool material the next time you see a sheep or alpaca pasture. Most owners hold large fairs where they showcase their material.