how is wool processed
Answers
SHEARING- It is the process of removal of sheep hair along with a thin layer of skin. The fleece obtained after shearing is known as 'grease wool' as it contains oil and lanolin. It also consists of vegetable matter, pesticides, manure and natural oil. Shearing is done once in a year, usually in the early spring.
SKIRTING- The process of removing the fleece which has too much manure and unable to use is known as skirting. Such kind of fleece is found mostly near the belly region and the leg region.
SCOURING- The process of washing the grease wool to remove the grease, dirt and dust and to obtain clean fleece is known as scouring. The fleece obtained after skirting is washed in tanks using soap or detergent or with the use of machines and hence clean fleece is obtained. The washed wool is then dried using dryers.
SORTING- Sorting is the process of separation of hairs of different textures. The one suitable for making wool is separated from others. The remaining fleece is used for making some other daily use textile materials.
REMOVAL OF BURRS- Small fluffy fibres called burrs will be present in the fleece. They are removed from the fleece and again the fleece is scoured and dried.
DYING- The fleece now obtained is dyed in various colors according to need. The colour of fleece will be naturally white, brown or black. Hence other colours are used for dying.
FIBRE TO YARN- The fibre now obtained is straightened and combed using machines and then rolled into yarn. Hence finally woolen yarn is obtained. Two types of fibres are obtained here- long fibres and short fibres. The longer fibres are used as wool for sweaters and the shorter ones are used for other materials.
wool is processed by fleece