What is Worsted Wool?
Worsted wool is a high-quality type of wool yarn. Worsted wool fabrics are finer and more even than woolens, which tend to be fluffier, thicker, and less even. These were made from the long-staple pasture wool from sheep breeds such as Teeswaters. Worsted wool is considered a very fine grade of wool that can be easily woven and has a relatively long fiber length. Worsted wool is so durable, it wells very well and also drapes easily, making it an ideal fabric for all sorts of garments. Over the years, worsted wool has been a popular choice for men’s trousers, pleated skirts for women, and both men’s suits and sport jackets.
Worsted vs Woolen Yarns and Fabric:
Well, the differences between woolen and worsted begin at the carding stage. ‘Carding’ is one of the processes which untangles the wool fibers and lays them straight, side by side. It also helps to clean the fibers of debris. Both woolen and worsted are carded.
‘Combing’ is the next process in establishing what is worsted wool. Combing removes shorter length fibers and helps to further straighten the fibers and lay them parallel. Combing also helps to clean more debris from the fibers. Only worsted are combed. Woolen wool is not combed. It is the main difference between Woolen and Worsted Yarn.
The basic difference between the two is that in the Worsted system all short fibers are removed and the remaining long ones are aligned parallel. In the woolen system there is no removal of short fibers, so some fibers lie parallel and others randomly.
During spinning, worsted yarns have more twist inserted which makes them a firmer, stronger yarn. This in turn makes worsted fabrics stronger than woolen.
While I’m explaining to you what is worsted wool, I should show you the different characteristics of worsted and woolen yarns and fabrics. Here you go…
Worsted Yarns:
Worsted yarn is a strong, long-staple, combed with a hard surface.
Have a long staple length (4 inch fibers and longer only)
Woolen Yarns:
Woolen yarn is a soft, short-staple, carded wool yarn typically used for knitting. A ‘woolen yarn’ would normally refer to 100% wool, whereas a ‘woolen-spun yarn’ would refer to a yarn spun on the woolen system but which contains other fibers.
Have a short staple (1 – 4 inch long fibers)
Are carded only
Have a slack twist
Are weaker
Are bulkier
Are softer
Here are some differences between worsted and woolen fabrics.
Worsted Fabrics:
Have a distinct woven pattern and are more closely woven
Have a hard finish for a flatter, smoother look
Are firm, wiry or harsh, and smooth or rough
Wrinkle less, are more long-lasting, and hold creases and shape
Are more expensive and good for tailored clothing and suits
Woolen Fabrics:
Have a less obvious pattern
Have a soft finish (maybe felted, or steamed)
Are soft, thick and fuzzy
Are warmer, and you can remove stains more easily
Are usually less expensive and good for jackets, sweaters and blankets
Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
