10 things you need to know about wool today

This post is dedicated to a favorite material of knitters and crocheters across the world. Wool! And some facts about it…

Working with wool can be pretty amazing! There are so many different types depending on the animal that produces it and the way that is processed. But how well you know your favorite material? It is a terrific natural fiber with many qualities that are not all well known. Check them out below!

1. Wool doesn’t only come from sheep.

Although lamp’s wool is most commοn, wool can come from other animals, too, like alpacas, camels, goats, and bunnies.

2. Alpaca wool comes in 22 natural colors.

That is the most natural color shades for any wool-producing animal. Ranging from black to warm brown, grey, and white, you will definitely find a natural shade to make that new favorite sweater of yours.

3. It’s a natural product.

Wool is biodegradable and it breaks down slowly, fertilizing the plants around it with a generous nitrogen content.

4. It’s a natural insulator.

It absorbs and releases water vapor as the levels of humidity in the environment change. Although most of us are not used to wear wool in the summer months, Beduins and Tuareg actually wear wool clothes to impede heat transfer. Wool has millions of air pockets that trap warmth.

5. It’s resilient.

Wool fibers are very durable and flexible. It can withstand copious amounts of bending without breaking. Its fibers have natural elasticity and can be stretched up to 70% of its length and then return to its natural length.

6. It absorbs and repels water at the same time.

Water -in small amounts- will glide on its surface because of the fatty acid proteins its fibers are made of. On the other hand, wool loves vapor and can absorb big amounts of it.

7. It is fire resistant.

Wool has a high ignition point and it does not melt or drip when it finally catches fire.

8. Stain free!

Well, almost. The fibers’ natural protective coating will stain less than other materials and it is also anti-static.

9. Odour free!

Wool is resistant to microbial growth and odor retention. That is mainly because it wicks away body moisture and the surface of its fibers’ is uneven and negatively-charged.

10. What about wool allergy?

The medical community considers wool an allergenic. Research has shown that people who consider themselves allergic, are actually allergic to lanolin, a natural oil contained on wool. Most people, though, have a skin sensitivity and not an allergy. This means that your skin is sensitive enough that will itch or even present a rash when in contact with wool or other rough fabric. A patch test can easily prove if you are allergic or just have a skin sensitivity.

How many of these did you already know? Do you know any that are not on this list?