Wool is a magnificent material. It has many great qualities, beyond the obvious cosy squishiness! We've rounded up the top 7 properties for you below:
Stain resistant
The waxy outer coating of wool helps to repel liquids, meaning if you spill anything on your knitwear it is most likely to roll off, and what is left is easily wiped off.
Antibacterial
Woollen items do not need regular washing. Bacteria, mould, dirt and dust are naturally repelled by the waxy coating from the natural fatty acids coating the wool fibre. The surface of the fibre blocks dirt and stains from being absorbed. Woollen items will smell fresh after repeated use, unlike synthetic fibres.
Temperature control
Wool is renowned for its ability to maintain temperature. In the cold, wool’s insulating qualities trap warmth near the skin. This natural insulating quality of wool clothing keeps the body warm. In the summer, wool pulls excess heat and moisture from your skin, helping you to stay cooler.
Absorbant
Wool fibres can absorb just under half of their own weight in moisture. Wool will not feel wet to the touch until it is saturated with 60% of its own weight. This makes it the perfect material for socks, baselayers etc.
Insulating
Wool retains 80% of its insulating value even when wet. It will keep you warm even when wet.
UV protection
Wool has a natural UV protection factor of up to 30+! Wool naturally absorbs the suns UV rays before it can make contact with your skin so you will be naturally protected.
Durable
The natural elasticity of wool means that the fibres are less likely to break, and fabric made from wool less likely to tear. Woollen garments naturally tend to retain their shape better than others.
This amazing material is growing right here in the UK on the backs of our heritage flocks. We hope you join us in celebrating the qualities of wool, both as a practical material and a tactile art medium. Be sure to tag us on your posts when experimenting with our yarns in your own work.
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