24 Mar 2025

From Sheep to Soft Furnishings: The Uses & Properties of Wool

The benefits and properties of wool make it one of the most versatile and widely used fabrics in the world.

We all know what it is, but we think you'd be surprised if we told you that wool is actually present in most things you wear or have in your home. But why is this?

Well, wool is actually an extremely versatile material with many great uses.

You probably associate this fluffy fibre with jumpers or blankets in an older relative's home, but if you looked carefully, you'd probably find wool in your mattress stuffing, clothing, and upholstery — everywhere.

Due to its properties, which you'll discover later, there is actually a call to use wool much more than we already do because, for one, it's highly planet-friendly.

Let’s learn more about this fantastic fibre…

What are the Properties of Wool Fabric?

Wool is often seriously overlooked, and it's very common that not many people know about the amazing benefits, properties, and uses of the fluffy fabric.

That's why King Charles III initiated The Campaign for Wool, a global endeavour to support and grow the wool industry.

The Campaign for Wool is a global effort to raise awareness of wool, a unique, renewable, and biodegradable material that’s an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic materials.

According to the royal campaign, some of the most beneficial wool properties include:

• Sustainable
• Temperature-regulating
• UV-protection
• Hypoallergenic
• Fire resistance

You can read more in the wool facts section on The Campaign for Wool website!

Click Here for More Wool Facts!

Sustainability

Wool is 100% natural. After all, it grows on sheep and other animals, so it's definitely not man-made.

As long as there is grass to graze on, sheep will produce a new fleece every year, making wool a renewable resource. This is kind for the planet and the animals themselves, as it's better for their welfare to get their fleece sheared yearly.

Lastly, wool material is biodegradable, meaning if it were left in the soil, it would biodegrade, adding nutrients to the earth.

This is hugely beneficial to the environment, as the fabric won't end up in landfills or polluting oceans like other materials like nylon and acrylic.

Temperature Regulating

Wool is a wonderful, versatile fabric due to its temperature-regulating properties. This means it'll keep you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cool.

This is down to the fibre's ability to trap air and release it accordingly. That's not to mention the breathability of wool, either, which is why it's a great material for mattresses and other sleeping products.

Wool is also moisture-wicking, meaning it absorbs any moisture from your skin for comfort. Again, this makes it great for bed soft furnishings, and it’s why we use it in our own wool-filled duvets, pillows, and mattress toppers.

Explore Our Luxurious Wool Bedding Range

Protection from UV Rays

Sheep often spend most of their time outside grazing on open fields, and for a lot of that time, they'll be exposed to the sun. So, of course, wool has evolved over time to protect against UV rays and stop sheep from getting sunburned!

This makes wool a great material for any outdoor activity, thanks to its durability.

Hypoallergenic

Wool has hypoallergenic, anti-dust and anti-bacterial properties, making it perfect for clothing for those with asthma or skin conditions.

This is down to its fibres that naturally repel and trap certain particles.

There is a common misconception that wool is itchy, but with high-quality wool, this isn't the case. People usually have an allergy or sensitivity to the lanolin present in wool, not the natural wool itself.

There's also a common misconception that wool smells 'sheepish,' but the fabric is actually odourless.

For independent crafters and artisans, using wool means the end product is hypoallergenic, too (assuming all other materials used in crafting are also hypoallergenic). This increases the ability of their creations to be enjoyed by a wider range of people, making them more marketable.

Shop Our Quality Crafting Wool

Fire-Resistant

Wool is considered to be the most flame-resistant natural fibre, which makes it great for protective clothing, especially for firefighters and military personnel.

It is also perfect for home furnishings like cushions, sofas, and rugs because it needs a high temperature to ignite and a high level of oxygen to burn.

Even if wool is heated, the membrane structure swells, preventing the flames from spreading quickly.

We use wool in a range of our own hand-crafted home furnishings, like our beautiful Tweed Scatter Cushions and Tweed Draught Excluders in matching plaid designs.

Discover Premium Wool Cushions

Where Does Wool Come From?

Wool is a natural fibre that comes from the fleece of animals. Sheep are the main source of wool, but it's also possible to get wool from goats, alpacas, and even rabbits.

Wool is made of the protein keratin, which is the same protein found in human hair. This is what makes the fabric so soft.

How is Wool Produced?

Wool is traditionally processed in a mill, and that's exactly how we process ours here at Bronte Glen.

Read More About Our West Yorkshire Mill Here!

There are several steps that transform the raw animal fleece into a clean and useable fabric. Here is a brief breakdown of the production process:

Shearing: Sheep are sheared once a year, typically in spring, with clippers, and their fleece is then collected. Sorting and grading: Different wool will come from different types of animals. Their fleece is then separated, sorted, and graded on the quality of the wool. This is usually based on fineness, crimp, length, and various other factors. Scouring: Raw wool contains dirt, oil, and lanolin, so it must be cleaned before it becomes usable. This process is called scouring. Some wool is even double-scoured, but we'll talk more about that later. Carding: Carding is a process that prepares the fibres for spinning by aligning them all in the same direction. It also involves removing any excess debris to turn the wool into a soft, fluffy web. Finishing: At this stage, wool can be spun (there are various spinning methods), dyed, and finally used in whatever craft, project, or soft furnishing you're creating.

Different Types of Wool

There are many types of wool used all over the world, including alpaca, shetland, fine wool, the list goes on. If we told you about everyone, we'd be here all day.

Each type of wool has its standout properties and can be used for different purposes, so it's worth understanding a couple.

Below is a selection of popular types of wool that can be used for various soft furnishings and textiles. Let's discuss all things wool:

Merino Wool

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is known for its super soft, ultra-fine fibres that are strong and breathable.

It's eco-friendly, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating, making it ideal for clothing, base layers, and bedding.

Merino wool is prized for its comfort against the skin and natural elasticity, which helps garments retain their shape.

We offer 26-micro Merino Wool in various weights for all your soft furnishing projects. It's temperature-regulating, odourless, and presented in a single sliver, a bit like a rope.

You can create to your heart's content with this wool, as it can be spun, dyed, wet felted, needle felted, or used as stuffing.

English Cheviot Wool

Cheviot wool originates from Cheviot sheep, which originate from the Scottish border.

This medium-coarse wool has a firm, crisp texture, making it durable and resilient. It's commonly used in tweed, upholstery, and outerwear.

It also has a natural springiness that adds bulk and structure to fabrics, which is why it's so perfect for upholstery.

We offer a selection of English Cheviot wool (we even use it in our own dog beds as a filling upgrade!), including our Bronte Best Balled Wool, 25mm Cut Wool for fine fillings, and more.

Shop Wool Fillings Online

Double-Scoured Wool

Double-scoured wool actually refers to a process that the type of wool undertakes to be cleaned.

Removing excess dirt, oils, and lanolin results in a cleaner, much purer form of wool, adding to its luxurious texture. The double part just means this process has been done twice for thoroughness.

This process enhances the softness of the wool, which makes it ideal for high-quality textiles.

We have a selection of double-scoured wool filings, tops, and slivers, including our Double-Scoured Wool Sliver, Double-Scoured UK Fleece, and more.

Eco-Friendly Wool

Eco wool refers to ethically sourced, minimally processed wool that prioritises sustainability and environmental responsibility.

It's free from harsh chemicals, dyes, or synthetic treatments, making it a great choice for organic bedding, clothing, natural home textiles, and pet furnishings.

You now know that all wool is 100% natural until chemicals and dyes are added or the wool is unethically sourced.

Eco-friendly wool can also be a byproduct of the wool processing system noil, which is something we offer in terms of eco-friendly wool.

Our eco-friendly wool selection includes our Eco Wool Ball Filling, Eco Wool Carded Sliver, and more.

Discover Our Popular Eco Balled Wool Filling

What is Wool Used for?

Wool is a super versatile natural fibre used across a multitude of industries, including leisure, travel, fashion, and home. Some of the most common uses of wool are:

Clothing & fashion: Wool is a popular material for knitwear, tailored suits and coats, underwear, and active wear. The options are truly endless. Home textiles: Wool blankets, throws, carpets, and rugs all make great interior textiles that provide warmth and insulation. Wool is also naturally resistant to stains, making it perfect for homes with children and pets. Upholstery & interior design: Cushions and sofas can both be made from wool and have it included in the filling. You could even have wall hangings and tapestries made out of wool for decoration. Industrial & technical uses: As you know, wool is naturally fire-resistant, making it ideal for uniforms and protective gear. It can even be used as acoustic insulation to reduce noise in buildings. Eco-friendly & sustainable products: Wool is naturally sustainable and biodegradable, and some wool waste can actually be repurposed into a natural fertiliser in agriculture.

 

Conclusion: Why We Love Wool

You now know just about everything there is to know about wool, but in case you missed it, here is a quick recap of some of the benefits of the wonderful material:

• Ocean-friendly
• Hypoallergenic
• Naturally flame resistant
• Durable & resilient
• Offers UV protection
• Odour resistant
• Aids sleep
• Breathable

We could go on and on.

Next time you're working on a new project or craft, don't hesitate to use wool as your chosen fabric. You won't be disappointed, and your product will turn out perfectly high-quality.