From Sheep To Wool

• 19 November 2014
• 1 Min Read
• By Jaipur Rugs

Sheep-to-woolSheep is blessed with an extraordinary trait of yielding blankets of wool over its body. These layers of wool are then sheared off; the sheering time leads to change in the color of wool…

Sheep is blessed with an extraordinary trait of yielding blankets of wool over its body. These layers of wool are then sheared off; the sheering time leads to a change in the color of wool. The process usually takes place twice a year in spring and autumn. The wool is sheared off generally in the spring season before the sheep have lambs. The duration depends on numerous other factors such as weather conditions, requirements, and availability of shearers.

Then the wool is properly washed so as to remove the unwanted particles from the lumps of wool. During this process, a greasy element called Lanolin is extracted which is further used in the manufacturing of creams.

After washing; the wool is dried to make it apt for the next step of sorting.

In sorting the wool is sorted and mixed in an appropriate ratio. This process aids in providing a fine color to the wool.

This is followed by carding. In this process the wool is untangled with the help of either small hand cards or machines; this is just like combing hair. After carding, the wool becomes softer and also attains a good length.

After carding, spinning takes place. Under this process, the wool takes the shape of yarn by the use of a charkha. Charkha is a spinning wheel that is used for making yarns out of fibers. Handspun wool shows variations in its construction and this abrash texture gives it a unique look. Hanks is then made to allay the processes of washing and dying. So, the yarns are finally given the shape of a hank before sending it for a final wash.

Last in the queue is washing. During the spinning process, certain oil is used this makes it necessary to wash the wool once again. So the wool is properly washed and then dispatched to the final destination.

So, next time whenever you wear a hand-knotted sweater or you step up a rug don’t forget to feel the warmth of various tedious processes involved in making it.