Wool thread, wool yarn, wool magic...

Stages of production of handmade wool thread from sheep wool

It all starts with a thread.. or a sheep?

Here I want to tell in more detail how we make threads from which we weave all our products.

Every skein that leaves our hands carries the story of the sheep, the spinner, and the seasons — and finds its way into pieces like our Designer Socks Pure Wool, crafted entirely from yarn we produce this way.

• These are our friendly and rich in long silky fleece merino

· Creating handmade wool thread from sheep wool is a fascinating and traditional process. It involves several meticulous stages, blending craftsmanship with patience. Here's an outline of the process:

· Shearing: The wool production journey begins with shearing, where the fleece is carefully removed from the sheep using shears. This is typically done once a year to ensure the sheep stay comfortable and healthy.

· Sorting and Cleaning: The fleece is sorted to separate the best quality wool from lower grades. It is then washed (a process called scouring) to remove dirt, grease (lanolin), and plant material.

· Carding: After cleaning, the wool is carded using hand carders or a carding machine. This process untangles the wool fibers, aligns them, and removes any remaining impurities, resulting in a fluffy, smooth mass called a roving.

· Spinning: The roving is then spun into yarn. This can be done by hand using a spindle or with a spinning wheel. The spinning process twists the wool fibers together to create strong, continuous thread. That same spun yarn wraps around your feet in our cosy Wool Slipper Boots — a perfect example of where this journey leads.

· Plying (optional): To make thicker or more durable yarn, multiple spun threads can be twisted together in a process known as plying.

· Finishing: The yarn is washed again to set the twist and remove any final traces of dirt or grease. Once dried, the yarn is ready to be used in knitting, weaving, or other crafts.

· This traditional process is time-intensive but incredibly rewarding, connecting you to centuries of wool-working heritage. The same thread that begins on a sheep's back can become anything — including the richly textured pieces in our Throw Blanket & Rug Carpet collection. Have you tried any of these steps, or are you interested in learning more about any particular stage?