From Sheep’s Wool to Yarn – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Wool Production

Wool is more than just a skein on your shelf. It's nature, craftsmanship, and a story spun into every fiber.
In my previous post "From Sheep's Wool to Yarn", you got a first look at how fleece becomes yarn.

This time, we're going deeper: How exactly is raw wool processed? What spinning techniques exist? And how can you choose ethically sourced yarn?

✂️ The Wool Journey – Step by Step

1. Shearing
Sheep are usually sheared in spring. The fleece is removed in one piece if possible.

2. Sorting
Fleeces are sorted by fiber length, color, and quality – the best comes from the back and sides.

3. Washing (Scouring)
Raw wool is cleaned with warm water and soap to remove lanolin, dirt, and debris.

4. Carding
Fibers are aligned and fluffed – manually or by machine.

5. Spinning
Now comes the transformation:

• Worsted: Smooth, strong yarn with aligned fibers

• Woolen: Soft, airy yarn with a rustic texture

👉 Want a quick refresher? My basic article covers the key steps:
"From Sheep's Wool to Yarn"

6. Finishing
The yarn may be dyed, plied, or treated – and then it's ready for your next masterpiece.

🐏 Animal Welfare & Sustainability

• Ethical farming: Look for organic or GOTS-certified labels

• Mulesing-free: A must for ethical wool

• Transparency: Some yarn brands offer full traceability – worth supporting!

✨ My Takeaway:

Every skein tells a story.
Understanding where your yarn comes from gives your knitting more meaning – and honors the work of farmers, spinners, and sheep alike. 

👋 Do you know where your yarn comes from – or have you ever worked with raw wool yourself?
Let's talk about it in the Facebook Group or on Instagram – I'd love to see your fiber journey! 

#woolproduction #sheepwool #sustainableyarn #ethicalwool #strickenimtrend

Yours,
Kathrin ☀️🧶