Everything you need to know about wool fabric

Even though wool fabric is some of the oldest fabric choices around today, it's actually not as easy to come by as it once was, and it's the latest addition to the Yorkshire Fabric Shop's online store.

If you plan to use wool fabrics (and all its many benefits) for your next project, or if you're looking for some information on how versatile wool is and what it can bring to the table, or you're after some inspiration in terms of which patterns would be suitable for your furnishings, you're in the right place.

What is wool fabric?

Wool fabric or wool material is made from a fibre that comes from sheep. It is essentially the sheep's version of hair or fur, so it is produced by the follicles of a sheep, which are found in the sheep's skin.

The follicles are located under the skin, with each one being connected to a hair root. The more hair roots there are per follicle, the thicker and longer the wool produced will be.

What is lambswool?

Lambswool is essentially the same thing but is taken from young sheep, known as lambs, earlier on in their life. This has no effect on the lambs as they grow it back quickly, but it is generally softer than normal wool, making it more suitable for clothing rather than furnishings or haberdashery.

Where did wool fabrics come from?

Different types of wool fabrics have been around for thousands of years since humans started using them to protect themselves against cold, harsh weather conditions. It was used by nomadic people who needed something warm and waterproof for their winter clothing.

Today, wool fabric is still popular for the same reason; warmth. It is a versatile fabric that can be made into anything from blankets and sweaters to socks and jackets.

It's also used to make carpets because the fibres are resilient enough to withstand heavy traffic but still have enough give so that they don't break down easily over time (which makes them ideal for high-traffic areas).

The different types of wool material

Being a relatively new addition to the Yorkshire Fabric Shop, we've made every effort to ensure that the wools that we stock are of the highest quality at the fairest price per metre.

Have a browse through the range on our website, where you'll be able to sort by wools fit for purpose, as well as see the price per metre and the weight of all materials before you order.

You can also add wool fabrics that have caught your eye during your search to a personalised moodboard on your account to play around with before deciding whether or not to add them to your basket.

Wool for curtain fabrics

Wool fabric is a popular choice for curtains because it makes the room not only feel warmer, but actually be warmer too as heat is retained from leaving through the windows.

We stock warm wool curtain fabrics in nearly a dozen varieties, in different shades of beige, brown, grey, and cream to provide a neutral addition to any room.

Wool furnishing and upholstery fabrics

Wool is a particularly popular choice for furnishings and upholstery because of its resilience to high traffic and its soft feel to the touch. A chair or sofa will naturally get a lot more use with more friction than a coat or sweater might, (maybe not in Winter).

Whether you choose to go for a plain option or a patterned design, we can provide it by the metre and treat it to your specifications. Treatments that we offer include flame-retardant treatment, soil and stain treatment, waterproof and Crib-5 treatments.

Sustainable wool fabrics

We try our hardest at the Yorkshire Fabric Shop to ensure that our business is as eco-friendly as possible, which is why we've begun to stock sustainable fabric items across our range.

When it comes to wool fabric, as it's a new addition to the range, the search has been extensive, and over 75% of the wool fabrics that we stock are sustainable.

Choosing the right wool fabric

There's a reason why our fabrics come with such high reviews online, so if you want to get the perfect material for your new coat or sofa, you've come to the right place. Rest assured that we are selling the most sustainable, high-quality wool fabric options both in-store and on our website, and that the price by the metre is fair.

If you've browsed our range of paisley patterns, traditional tartans and popular plain options, and still can't find what you're looking for, please feel free to contact us to speak to one of our team who might be able to help you find something more specific.

Finally, if you haven't already, have a read through our blog and be the first to hear about new fabric options as they become available and any seasonal special offers that come up.