FAQs about Wool skeins
Will wool sweater shrink
Wool sweaters may shrink slightly the first time they are washed as the fibres adjust to being wet. To help prevent shrinking, turn the sweater inside out and wash it on a gentle or wool cycle in cold water with a mesh laundry bag or in the washer delicate pouch. Air dry the sweater instead of putting it in the dryer which can cause more shrinkage. Some pilling or felting may occur over time with washing but high quality wool maintains its shape and size well with proper care.
Will wool socks shrink in the dryer
Wool socks can shrink significantly in the dryer due to the heat. To prevent shrinkage, it's best to air dry wool socks laid flat. The fibres in wool are hollow and crimped which allows for some stretch and movement. Heat from a dryer causes the fibres to matte and feel together resulting in a smaller size. To maintain the original fit, dry wool socks away from direct heat such as on a rack or clothesline. The low temperature of air drying helps the fibres retain their natural elasticity and shape.
Will wool shrink
Yes, wool fibres will normally shrink slightly the first few times they are washed as the scales on individual fibres compress and felt together. Over multiple washes and dry cleanings, superwash wool which has been treated not to shrink will maintain its shape and size better than regular untreated wool. To minimise shrinkage, wash wool items inside out in cold water on the wool or delicate cycle and air dry flat rather than applying heat in a dryer which causes more significant felting of fibres. Proper care can help wool retain up to 90% of its original size over time.
Will wool shrink in dryer
Wool will definitely shrink significantly if placed in a hot clothes dryer. The heat from a dryer causes the scales on individual wool fibres to compress tightly together resulting in felting of the fibres and a much smaller size. To prevent shrinkage, it's important to always air dry wool laid flat rather than using any heat. The low temperature of air drying allows the scales on wool fibres to relax back to their original positions, maintaining the fabric's designed size and fit. If wool must be dried, use the no heat air fluff setting or dry it in a mesh bag to avoid contact with the warm dryer walls and risk shrinkage up to 30% or more.
Will wool socks shrink
Yes, wool socks can shrink over time with washing especially if subjected to heat from a clothes dryer. High quality wool maintains its shape and size better than lower grades. To minimise shrinkage of wool socks: turn them inside out before washing in cold water, use a mesh laundry bag or the delicate wash cycle; lay them flat to air dry - never use a hot dryer. Some shrinking may occur naturally as the fibres relax and compress with wear and washing but air drying greatly reduces this versus machine drying which can cause socks to shrink significantly in size. Proper gentle care helps wool socks retain their original fit longest.
Why does yarn come in skeins
Yarn is traditionally sold wrapped into loose skein or ball shapes for convenient handling and storage prior to using it for knitting, crocheting or other craft projects. There are a few key reasons why yarn comes in skeins:
Skeins allow the yarn to be neatly wrapped and protected during transport and sales without tangling.
The loose winding of a skein permits easy unwinding of yardage as needed for projects without tangling.
Skeins take up less space than folded hanks or cakes, allowing producers to pack and ship more yarn in a single container.
Retailers can display stacked skeins attractively on shelves for customers to view colours and fibre contents easily.
Skeins are simple for consumers to store either on yarn shelves or in project bags until needed for crafting.
Why wool shrinks
Wool fibres have minute overlapping scales along their surfaces which allow the fibres to feel or tighten together. When wool is washed, these scales compress against each other, shrinking the fabric initially as the fibres adjust to being wet. Subsequently, heat from a clothes dryer causes irreversible felting as the scales mesh tightly. Over multiple washes, enzymes in detergent and water break down fibres more. The crimped, hollow shape of wool fibres also allows them to shrink when compressed. To minimise shrinkage, washing wool inside out in cold water and air drying retains the scale structure best. Superwash wool resists shrinking by having its scales sealed or removed during manufacturing.
Why wool socks
Wool socks are favoured for their breathability, odour resistance, warmth and ability to regulate moisture. Wool fibres are naturally moisture-wicking, drawing sweat away from the skin to keep feet dry. They insulate superbly, trapping in warm air even when wet. The hollow structure of wool fibres provides excellent insulation, holding more air than cotton or synthetic alternatives. Wool is thermostatic, adapting to skin temperature to feel neither hot nor cold. It is odour-resistant due to antimicrobial properties in the Lanolin wax coating fibres. Wool socks are durable and resist pilling better than other fabric types such as cotton.
Why does yarn come in skeins
Yarn is traditionally packaged and sold in skein form for practical and historical reasons:
Skeins allow yarn to be neatly wound without tangling, making it easy for dyers and sellers to prepare, transport and store inventory efficiently in less space.
The loose wrapping of a skein permits easy unwinding of yardage as needed for craft projects. Hanks or cakes require more setup work.
Centuries ago when yarn was produced by hand spinning, it was collected from spinners in skein form before further processing like dying. The method has remained standard.
Retailers can attractively display stacked skeins by colour on shelves, allowing customers to easily view fibre contents and dye lots.
Skeins are a simple package for consumers to keep organised on shelves or in project bags until the yarn is used.
So in summary - skeins make yarn compact yet easy for users to access, and honour the traditional collection and sale techniques developed before mechanisation.
Why is yarn sold in skeins
There are a few key reasons why yarn is traditionally sold wound into skein form:
Skeins allow yarn to be neatly packed and stored without tangling during transport from manufacturers to retailers. They take up less space than loose hanks.
The loose winding of a skein enables easy unwinding of yardage as needed for craft projects. Hanks or cakes require more setup work.
Retailers can attractively display stacked skeins side by side on shelves according to colour or fibre type. This makes it more convenient for customers to browse and choose options.
Skeins are simple for consumers to keep organised on yarn shelves or in project bags until they begin crafting. They do not require winding onto other supports like balls.
Historically, yarn was collected from spinners and dyers already wound into skeins before being sold. The tradition carried through mechanisation.
So in essence, skeins make yarn neatly portable, easy for users to access individual yardage from, and honour the techniques of the pre-mechanized yarn industry.
Skein of wool yarn
When starting to knit, crochet or weave with a skein of wool yarn, it's best to start pulling from the outside end of the loosely wound skein rather than the centre pull-end. Starting on the outside permits the yarn to unwind smoothly without getting tangled inside the folds of the skein. As you work, the skein can simply be held in one hand while slowly pulling out the working yarn from the outside circumferences towards the middle. This avoids complications versus trying to extract yarn straight down from the centre pull-end point.
Who buys wool
Mills, textile factories and independent fibres producers purchase raw wool fleece or locks in bulk from sheep farms to process and spin into yarn. Individual knitters, crocheters, weavers and fibre artists also buy wool either in fleece form for hand processing or as commercially prepared yarns, rovings, fibres and batts for craft projects. Manufacturers purchase wool yarn in large quantities to make garments, blankets, felt and more. Retailers buy wool products from mills to resell to consumers.
Who created wool
First appearing over 10,000 years ago, wool fibre evolved naturally in cold climates on wild mouflon and argali sheep, whose coats aided insulation and warmth. Over centuries, humans selectively bred sheep with specialised wool coats including Merino, Rambouillet and Shetland breeds. Today leading wool producers worldwide include Australia, China, New Zealand, South Africa and many European nations where selective breeding continues improving yield and quality. Genetic research has made wool even more productive and beneficial to farms and textile industries globally.
Who makes wool
Sheep solely produce wool fibre, which is either shorn, pulled or mulled from their coats seasonally. Farmers and shepherds raise and care for flocks of sheep mainly for their wool yields along with byproducts like meat and milk. Upon shearing, wool fleece goes to specialised textile producers where it is graded, cleaned, carded into consistent slivers or rovings and then spun into wool yarns on mills run by both large companies and artisan producers. Manufacturers purchase yarns to make finished wool products which are distributed worldwide.
Which end of a skein of yarn to pull
When starting to use a skein of yarn, it's best to pull from the outside end rather than the centre pull-end. Pulling outward allows the yarn to unwind smoothly without tangling as you work. To start, find the outside circumference of the loose skein and separate a short length of yarn from the wraps. Hold the skein in one hand and gently pull this outside yarn end while feeding the rest of the skein through the other hand to prevent knots from forming inside. Unwind toward the centre as you work for easiest access to the yarn supply.
Which wool socks are best
For comfort, warmth and durability, wool socks made from Merino wool tend to be some of the best choices. Merino sheep produce fine wools known for softness, moisture-wicking, and lack of itchiness next to skin. Full cushioned socks made of 70-80% Merino wool blended with stretch nylon or spandex offer good insulation without being too hot. Pairing Merino with natural fibre padding like cashmere or alpaca makes ultra-cozy socks. For winter, socks of 100% lambswool or Shetland wool from cold-tolerant sheep breeds are exceptionally insulating. Consider the needle count and fibre thickness for the appropriate sock warmth.
Why is yarn sold in skeins
Yarn is traditionally packaged and sold in skein form for efficient transportation, easy access by users, and because it honours the historical techniques of hand spinners:
Skeins allow yarn to be neatly wound without tangling during transport from mills to stores. They take up less space than loose hanks or balls.
The loose wrapping enables easy, tangle-free unwinding of yardage as needed for crafting versus hanks/cakes requiring setup.
Retailers can attractively display skeins side by side according to colour/fibre, letting customers browse options conveniently.
Skeins are simple for consumers to keep organised on shelves until beginning a project with the yarn.
In the past, yarn was collected from spinners already in skein form before further processing or sale. This tradition continued with mechanisation.
Why is wool sold in skeins
There are a few key reasons why wool fibre and yarn have traditionally been packaged and sold in skein form:
Skeins allow wool to be neatly wrapped before transport without tangling, saving space versus loose fibres during shipping.
Loose winding permits easy access to yardage or fibres as needed for crafting and manufacturing.
Skeins take up little space but let retailers neatly showcase wool qualities like colour, texture and breed by stacking skeins for customer browsing.
Consumers can conveniently store skeins on shelves until using them for knitting, felting or other projects.
Historically, handspun wool was collected from spinners and dyers already in skeins before wider trade, a tradition carried through industrialization.
So in essence, skeins maintain wool's portability, display and accessibility advantages developed before modern technology.
Is wool skein a greige
No, a wool skein purchased from a retailer or manufacturer is typically not considered a greige good. Greige (or grey) refers specifically to an unprocessed fibre in its natural state prior to any preparations like cleaning, carding or dyeing. Wool obtained directly from a sheep in its natural coloured fleece before washing would be classified as greige wool. Commercially prepared wool yarns, rovings or batts that have gone through preliminary steps like skirting, washing, drying, teasing and spinning are no longer greige goods, even if an undyed natural shade. They have been industrially processed from the raw fleece stage.
Why is wool sold in skeins
There are a few key reasons why wool continues to be traditionally packaged and sold in skein form:
Skeins allow wool fibre or yarn to be neatly wound before transport without tangling, saving space versus loose packing.
Their loose structure permits easy unwinding of yardage or pulling of fibre amounts as needed for crafts or manufacturing.
Displaying stacked skeins by colour/breed lets retailers clearly show wool attributes to customers browsing in person or online.
As yarn skeins, this presentation remains simplest for users to access fibre amounts while keeping organised on shelves.
Historically, handspun wool collected from spinners was already in skeins before wider sale. This packaging carried through industrialization convenience.
So in summary, skeins maintain wool's accessibility, portability and time-honoured sales methods that predate modern spinning and machinery innovations.
Why is yam in skeins
Yarn is traditionally wound into skein form for convenient storage, transportation and use. Some key reasons why yarn comes in skeins include:
Skeins allow yarn to be neatly packed without tangling before transport to stores. They take up less space than loose hanks or balls.
Their loosely wound structure permits easy unwinding of yardage as needed for projects. Hanks and balls require more setup work.
Retailers can attractively display stacked skeins side by side to let customers easily view fibre contents and colours.
Skeins are simple for users to organise on shelves until beginning crafts that require the yarn.
Historically, handspun yarn was collected from spinners already in skeins before wider distribution. This tradition continued with mechanisation.
Can wool socks be recycled
Yes, old wool socks can be recycled in various ways rather than throwing them in the trash. Finely chopped wool socks can be added to compost piles as they break down naturally. Felting wool socks transforms them into new materials like rugs, coasters or craft items. Intact socks may become donation items if still wearable. Some recycling centres accept wool fibres which get remanufactured into new textiles or insulations. Snipping or shredding into reusable wool batts or rolags allows the fibres continuing use for weaving, needle felt or other recycling craft projects too.
Can wool socks be washed
Yes, wool socks can certainly be washed through the method that requires care. For best results:
Turn socks inside out and wash in cold water on a gentle or wool cycle
Use a gentle, ph balanced wool wash or hair conditioner to cleanse
Avoid hot water which can felt/shrink fibres
Air dry flat rather than applying heat which causes matting
With proper cold water care, quality wool socks last through many washes while retaining warmth, shape and odour resistance better than other fabrics.
Can wool scarf be washed
Yes, wool scarves can be washed, however it's best to do so gently by hand to maintain the fibres and prevent felting/shrinkage. The best way is to:
Soak scarf in a basin of cool water with wool wash or hair conditioner
Swish gently by hand, not rubbing which can cause pilling
Rinse thoroughly in clean water
Squeeze out excess moisture
Shape and lay flat to air dry away from direct heat or sun
Machine washing on a gentle/wool cycle is ok too if the scarf isn't dryable laying flat afterward. Avoid bleaches, hot water and tumble drying which can damage wool's size and texture over time.
Can wool make string
Yes, wool fibre can be used to make string or twine. Historically sheepherders and fibre crafters have twisted wool locks, rovings or shredded wool into string or fine yarn using hands or simple tools. Today wool string is produced commercially:
Wool rovings are washed, air dried and loosely twisted into string
Leftover wool yarn or weaving fibres can be plied tightly into string
Shorn wool locks are washed, combed and twisted by machine into string
Wool twine is strong, resists UV degradation and makes for long-lasting baler or binding twine well suited to outdoor use. Its pliability also suits handicraft string uses.
How wool yam is made
Here are the basic steps to make wool yarn from raw fleece:
Shearing and sorting sheep fleeces by quality
Scouring fleece to clean by washing with soap
Drying and picking fibres to remove vegetable matter
Carding fibres into consistent slivers using wire brush rollers
Drawing slivers into rovings of parallel fibres using rollers
Spinning rovings onto spindles or bobbins to twist fibres into yarn
Warping yarn onto beams for weaving or knitting machines
In some cases, the yarn is dyed before or after spinning
Final yarns are balled, skeined or coned for commercial sale
Modern mills utilise machinery throughout but the basic steps originated with hand techniques.
How many skeins of yarn for a scarf
The number of skeins needed to knit a scarf depends on its planned dimensions and the yarn thickness or weight. As a general guide:
For a standard 7" x 60" scarf knit in worsted (medium) weight yarn, 2-3 skeins are usually sufficient.
Chunkier bulky yarn may complete a scarf with just 1 skein or less.
For finer fingering/sock yarn, estimate 3-5 skeins.
Longer or wider scarves may take 4-6 skeins of worsted or 2-3 of a thicker yarn.
always do a gauge swatch and calculate the yardage required. A 100g skein usually yields 180-220 yards of worsted weight yarn.
Checking the recommended needle size and doing a gauge swatch beforehand provides the best yardage estimate for your specific project.
What is wool skeins
A wool skein is a quantity of wool roving, fibre, thread or yarn that has been loosely wound into a compact coil or cylindrical form known as a skein. Skeins of wool are commonly sold by fibre producers, hand dyers and manufacturers as:
Rovings - straightened, aligned fibres ready to spin
Top - short staple fibres twisted loosely during combing
Fibre - washed locks or skirted fleece ready for hand processing
Yarn - commercially spun woollen or worsted threads
Wool skeins allow neat, space-saving packing and portability prior to use in crafts like felting, spinning, weaving, knitting. Their loose wrapping permits easy pulling of fibre amounts as needed from projects.
Why is wool sold in skeins
There are a few key reasons why wool continues to be traditionally packaged and sold in skein form:
Skeins allow wool fibre or yarn to be neatly wound before transport without tangling, saving space versus loose packing.
Their loose structure permits easy unwinding of yardage or pulling of fibre amounts as needed for crafts or manufacturing.
Displaying stacked skeins by colour/breed lets retailers clearly show wool attributes to customers browsing in person or online.
As yarn skeins, this presentation remains simplest for users to access fibre amounts while keeping organised on shelves.
Historically, handspun wool collected from spinners was already in skeins before wider sale. This tradition carried through industrialization.
Why is yarn sold in skeins
Yarn is commonly sold wound into skein form for reasons such as:
Skeins allow neat, compact packing of yarn without tangling for shipping from manufacturers to stores.
Their loose wrapping enables easy unwinding of yardage as needed for craft projects.
Retailers can attractively display stacked skeins side by side to showcase colours to customers.
Skeins are simple for users to organise on shelves until starting projects that require the yarn.
Historically, handspun yarn was collected from spinners in skeins before wider distribution, a tradition that continued with mechanisation.
Skeins provide traditional presentations that fibre artists and crafters expect from suppliers.
So in summary, skeins maintain yarn's portability, accessibility and time-honoured methods of collection, sale and use by fibre workers.
Wool yarn skeins
Wool yarn skeins refer to commercially spun woollen or wool-blend yarns that have been loosely wound into skein form, the traditional way yarn is packaged for sale. Wool yarn skeins allow for compact storage and prevent tangling during transport, while still permitting easy access to the yarn when unwinding it to knit, crochet, or weave. Different weights of wool yarn like fingering, sport, DK, worsted, etc. may come in skeins.
Weights - Wool yarn comes in a variety of weights suitable for different projects. Common weights sold in skeins include fingering, sport, DK, worsted, and bulky. Finer yarns have more yards per skein.
Blends - Wool skeins may be pure wool or blended with other natural fibres like alpaca, mohair, silk, or synthetic fibres like nylon. Blends alter the qualities of the yarn.
Fibre Source - In addition to sheep's wool, yarn may come from alpaca, cashmere goat, camel, angora rabbit or other animals. Breed affects characteristics.
Natural Colors - Undyed wool skeins come in varying natural shades of cream, brown, grey and black depending on the sheep. Colour depends on breed and individual fleece.
Dyed Colors - Dyers offer skeins in kaleidoscopic dye colours, often in beautifully layered multi coloured skeins called "sunset" or "rainbow." Some have flecks or heathered effects.
Care Labels - The band or tag lists fibre content, dye method (acid, natural etc), and washing instructions like cold water delicate cycle. This preserves the yarn.
Imperfect Skeins - Oddments bags contain smaller skeins Useful for accents but not full projects. Or dyers may sell less colourful "braid" lots.
Substitution - Check projects call for the same fibre content, dye method, and approximate yardage if substituting yarn from what the pattern specifies.
Wool when wet
When wet, wool fibres behave quite differently than other fabrics. Wool absorbs only about 30% of its weight in water, which then lies on the surface of the fibres rather than being absorbed deep inside. This causes woven wool fabrics to feel or full when agitated while wet. However, knitted wool maintains its shape better when washed because fibres weren't cut. When air dried, wool returns to its original form as water evaporates, with fibres retaining warmth even when damp due to natural crimping.
Wool skeins
Wool skeins refer to quantities of washed wool roving, top, fibre or spun yarn that have been loosely hand or machine wound into a cylindrical coil shape ready for use in fibre arts. Skeins allow neat packaging of wool supplies before transport and use. Their structure permits easy pulling of fibre amounts as needed for spinning, felting, weaving or knitting projects while preventing tangling. Skeins come in various weights suitable for different handcraft techniques.
Fiber Prep - Roving and top skeins can be hand spun into yarn using wheels or spindles. This provides a different handspun texture.
Natural Dyes - Some skeins are dyed using plant-based dyes which yield softer colours that often fade gently over time.
Knitting & Crocheting - Wool skeins are commonly used for knitting sweaters, hats, scarves and other garments and accessories. Superwash wool won't feel in the wash.
Weaving - Skeins can be handspun then used for weaving projects like rugs, blankets, accessories on rigid heddle or table looms.
Felting - Agitating wool skeins in hot soapy water causes fibres to knot and matt into completely new textures and objects.
Needle Felting - Individual fibres can be drilled into fuzzier creations using barbed felting needles.
Spinning - Wool tops and roving are prepared on wheels or spindles to spin your own custom yarns right from the skein.
Navajo Plying - An intermediate step where 2 plied yarns are twisted together adds loft, strength and patterning.
Natural Dyeing - Skeins can be tied in knots, folded, or wound to create beautifully subtle colour patterns when dyed at home.
Gift Giving - Skeins make thoughtful, heirloom quality gifts for crafters, farmers or those who appreciate sustainability.
Merino wool skeins
Merino wool skeins are specifically skeins or loose coils of commercially prepared Merino wool top, roving or yarn. Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is prized for its exceptional softness, hardness, fineness and ability to regulate moisture. Merino wool skeins are widely used for knitting, felting and weaving. They make lightweight, breathable and insulating fabrics. Merino wool skeins may be white, natural colours or commercially dyed in an array of hues.
Where to buy wool skeins
Some places to purchase wool skeins include local yarn & fibre shops, online retailers, farm & fibre festivals, and directly from sheep breeders. National brands commonly carried at craft stores offer a range of dyed and natural wool skeins. Independent dyers on Etsy specialise in small-batch handpainted skeins. Wool producers like Blue Sky Alpacas, Mountain Colors, Spud & Chloë and others sell online. Auctions like eBay often list lots of roving, tops and yarns. Community wool pools may offer membership rates on local unprocessed fleeces too.
