Wool Thicknesses

At our company, we specialise in providing high quality natural yarns and wools in wholesale, understanding the importance of choosing the right thickness of wool to ensure success in any textile project.

This guide is designed to help textile companies, designers and industry professionals understand the different types of wool thicknesses and how best to select them.

What is wool thickness?

The thickness or weight of wool refers to the density of the yarn, a fundamental factor that affects both the manufacturing process and the final characteristics of the fabric. It is essential to distinguish between the thickness and the length of the yarn, as it determines the texture, weight and behaviour of the finished fabric.

Classification of wool thicknesses

The standard classification of wool thicknesses, according to the Craft Yarn Council (CYCA), is essential for the planning of any textile project. Below is a table detailing the main categories and their industrial applications:

• Lace: Used in fine and delicate garments, such as waistcoats and fine lace.
• Super Fine: Ideal for high quality underwear and lightweight garments.
• Fine: Perfect for lightweight jumpers and baby clothes, providing softness and warmth without excess weight.
• Light: Excellent for lightweight jumpers and blankets, offering a balance of warmth and lightness.
• Medium: Versatile and suitable for a wide range of products from scarves to jumpers.
• Bulky: Ideal for winter garments and bulky decorative items.
• Super Bulky: Used for quick projects and large volume pieces.
• Jumbo: Suitable for thick blankets and high impact decorative items.

How to choose the right thickness for your project

To select the right thickness, it is important to consider the type of garment, the climatic conditions in which it will be used and the manufacturing process. For example, a Super Fine wool would be suitable for luxury underwear, while a Bulky wool would be used for more robust outerwear.

Impact of wool thickness on the fabric

The thickness of the wool significantly influences the texture, drape and finish of the final product. It also determines the size of the knitting needles and the machinery required in the manufacturing process.

For example, fine wools require small needles and high-precision machinery, while coarse wools are worked with large needles and more robust equipment.

Practical tips for working with different thicknesses of wool

• Tension samples (swatches): It is essential to carry out tension tests to ensure that the final product meets the desired specifications and to avoid problems with fit and consistency.
• Pattern adjustments: Adapting patterns according to the thickness of the wool is crucial to maintain design integrity and correct proportions.
• Combining thicknesses: Combining different thicknesses can add interest and texture to products, allowing for greater design creativity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right thickness of wool is critical to the success of any professional textile project. We hope this guide will provide your company or design studio with the information you need to make informed decisions and optimise your manufacturing processes.

At our company, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality products to meet the demands of the textile market.