top of page

LARRYN SMERLING | DS 224 | FALL 2020

WOOL

STACKLAB_NEW_FELT_SERIES-8346.jpg

Source & Production

WOOL: a natural fiber sheared from animals(most common source, sheep). 

 

Wool is derived from an animal's fleece; the animal is sheared, and the raw material is washed and combed in a carding machine.  The material is made into a sliver (twisted rope);  itis then stretched into a thin yarn. This yarn, at this point, can be brought to manufacturers for further processing.


​

Characteristics

  • weakest strength of all natural textile fibers

    • ​strengthened with  ply yarns

  • most resilient fiber 

    • due to natural crimp

  • dries slowly

  • moisture wicking

    • absorb 30% of its weight in moisture

  • weakened through prolonged sun exposure

  • soft/scratchy

Maintenance

Requirements 

Robotic-needle-felting_dezeen_2364_col_7


For high traffic surfaces, vacuuming is important to remove dirt and debris. The material is stain resistant, and means that deep cleaning is not needed frequently. When deep cleaning, a solution with a low pH is best for protecting the wool fibers. 

wool-house-workshop-architecture-uncomfo
air-pollution-mask-marcel-wanders-o2toda

Environmental Impact

​

Indoor air quality:

Wool has no negative impact on indoor air quality. The material helps to purify the air by absorbing harmful pollutants and gasses. Other natural aspects of the material designed to benefit the animal are preventing harmful bacterial growth and being hypoallergenic.

​

The raw material takes a fair amount of water to clean and process; however, once made, wool has a long lifespan and will biodegrade, making it an eco-friendly option for interiors.

​

​


​

rsz_nanimarquina_-_telares7-scaled.jpg

Design

Opportunity 

Wool works well to absorb sound along with harmful pollutants in the air. The material acts as a natural filter, making it an excellent material for insulation and throughout interior spaces.

rsz_1nanimarquina_-_telares2.jpg

Product Application

A widespread application for wool is in rugs and other large textile pieces. Depending on where the item is located will determine the quality needed. High traffic areas require a sturdier grade of wool, where the material is naturally fire-resistant and durable where it can be left in a very natural state.

Organizations

  • ASTM (American. Society of Testing Materials)

  • ASI (American Sheep Industry Association) 

  • NCWGA (Natural Colored Wool Association)

  • AWC (American Wool Council)

Standards

  •  ASTM D1575-13 Standard Test Method for Fiber Length of Wool in Scoured Wool and in Card Sliver

  •  ASTM D1334-18 Standard Test Method for Wool Content of Raw Wool Commercial Scale

  • ASTM D2165-94(2012)e1 Standard Test Method for pH of Aqueous Extracts of Wool and Similar Animal Fibers

  •  ASTM D2462-13 Standard Test Method for Moisture in Wool by Distillation With Toluene

resizeinterior-6.jpg
bottom of page