Pronunciation: [fˈʊld] (IPA) 
The word "fulled" is spelled with two Ls because it is derived from the Old English word "fullian," which had two Ls in its spelling. The IPA phonetic transcription of "fulled" is /fʊld/, with the first syllable pronounced like "full" and the second syllable pronounced like the past tense ending "-ed." In textiles, "fulled" refers to a process of shrinking and thickening fabric by subjecting it to moisture, heat, and pressure.
Fulling is a textile processing technique primarily used to treat woollen fabrics in order to achieve a denser and more compact material. The term "fulled" refers to the state or action of undergoing the fulling process. It involves subjecting the fabric to mechanical actions, such as pounding, rolling, or compressing, along with the application of moisture and heat, to enhance its properties.
The fulling process typically begins with soaking the fabric in water or a mixture of water and soap to loosen the fibers and make them more pliable. The fabric is then subjected to repeated mechanical manipulations, either by means of a fulling mill or through manual agitation. These actions help the fibers to mat together, shrink, and become more tightly interlocked, resulting in a more sturdy and compact fabric. Additionally, the fulling process can remove excess oils and impurities from the fabric, leading to improved cleanliness.
At the end of the fulling process, the fabric may undergo stretching and drying to maintain the desired dimensions and prevent excessive shrinkage. Fulled fabrics are often characterized by their increased density, softness, warmth, water resistance, and reduced tendency to fray.
Historically, fulling played a crucial role in the textile industry, particularly during medieval times, when hand-operated fulling mills were prevalent. Today, fulling is still employed in artisanal and niche textile production for creating high-quality woollen fabrics, as well as for the preservation of traditional craftsmanship.
Cleansed; thickened.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "fulled" originates from the Old English verb "fullian", which means "to make full". This verb was derived from the Old Norse word "fúll", which has the same meaning. Both Old English and Old Norse words ultimately go back to the Proto-Germanic word "fullaz". In the context of "fulled", the term specifically refers to the process of making cloth thicker and denser by shrinking and matting the fibers through a combination of moisture, heat, and agitation.
