Raw wool refers to the unprocessed and untreated fleece obtained from the shearing of sheep. It is the wool as it is naturally found on the animal, prior to any cleaning, spinning, or weaving processes. Raw wool is characterized by its soft and crimped nature, making it highly suitable for making various textile products.
Typically, raw wool is harvested by shearing the sheep's fleece in a careful and controlled manner that minimizes harm to the animal. The fleece is then collected and sorted, separating the different grades of wool based on factors such as fiber diameter, length, and overall quality. The raw wool is characterized by its natural color, varying from white to shades of brown, gray, or black, depending on the breed of the sheep.
During the shearing process, the raw wool may contain impurities such as dirt, oil, vegetation, and even small parts of the sheep's skin. As a result, it requires thorough cleaning before it can be used for textile production. This involves processes such as skirting, where the undesirable parts are removed, and scouring, which involves washing the wool to remove dirt and oils.
Once cleaned, raw wool can be further processed into various forms such as roving, sliver, or top, making it suitable for spinning into yarn or crafting felted products. Its versatile nature makes it a valuable resource for the textile industry, providing a sustainable and renewable material for creating a wide range of warm and durable clothing, blankets, carpets, and other textile items.
