Wool
Wool is the hair from certain mammals such as sheep, goats, camels, llamas and angora rabbits. The fibers can be spun into yarn or woven into fabric. Wool can also be felted. Wool is used by quilters in all of these forms, but predominantly quilters use woven wool or felted wool. Felted wool is is used for folk art quilts and applique, woven wool fabric is made into quilts, accessories and garments or cut into strips for rug hooking. Wool is also made into batting that is prized for it's warmth and ease of hand quilting.
Benefits of Wool
- Wool is a renewable natural fiber.
- The loft on wool batting is between 1/4" and 1/3" inch, it drapes beautifully and provides great stitch definition (very beneficial for show quilts).
- Wool batting resist creases and folds.
- Felted wool is great for applique as the edges don't fray.
Tools and Supplies for using Wool
You'll need the following to work with Wool in your quilt:
- Basic Sewing and needlework Supplies
- Rotary Cutter, ruler, mat
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine
What I Wish I Knew When I Started using Wool
When you use WOOL in a quilt be sure to label the quilt with the fiber content; on the quilt and in the batting, as many people are allergic to wool. Wool is typically not white and may show through a light colored fabric used on the quilt top, or allow a dark backing to show through a light colored quilt top if densly quilted.
