How to prepare a fleece before sending it to a spinning mill
Sorting, drying, packaging, and information to include: the steps that facilitate the evaluation of a fleece before it is sent to the spinning mill.
Good preparation doesn't turn an average fiber into a perfect one, but it allows the mill to see its true quality. It also reduces unnecessary handling, contaminants, and misunderstandings about yield.
Here's a simple method for preparing a fleece before sending it, without claiming to replace the mill's evaluation.
1. Let the fleece dry completely
Wool should not be packaged while damp. Trapped moisture promotes odors, deterioration, and storage problems. Spread the fleece in a dry, clean, and ventilated area, away from further contamination.
2. Remove parts that are not worth processing
Basic sorting, often called skirting, involves removing heavily soiled areas, compacted clumps, belly wool, very short fibers, and visible contaminants. The goal is not to make the fleece perfect, but not to pay to transport and process material that will be discarded anyway.
Second cuts, those small locks created when the same area is shorn twice, can produce short fibers that are difficult to integrate into a regular yarn. Remove them when you spot them.
3. Avoid contaminants that are difficult to remove
Hay, seeds, twine, wood chips, plastic, and foreign hair complicate preparation. Some vegetable matter can resist carding. Use a clean surface and bags; avoid placing the fleece directly on the ground.
4. Do not wash without knowing the protocol
Home-washed wool is not automatically easier to spin. Excessive agitation, temperature shock, or improper rinsing can cause felting or leave residues. First, ask the mill if they accept raw wool, washed wool, or both, and under what conditions.
5. Package breathably and identify the lot
The University of Maine recommends dry storage and advises against plastic for wool that may contain moisture. Choose a clean, breathable package accepted by your processor. On each lot, include a unique identifier, weight, shearing date, and origin.
If you are sending multiple animals or colors, separate them clearly. Do not rely on memory or a simple visual difference to maintain traceability.
6. Include a project sheet
- owner's name and contact information;
- breed or fiber type, if known;
- shearing date and storage conditions;
- gross weight of each lot;
- treatments already performed;
- desired color and blend;
- final use: knitting, weaving, felting, or other;
- type of yarn, weight, and twist considered.
For a custom spinning project, photos and a small sample can allow for an initial discussion, but the final diagnosis always depends on the material actually received.
Frequently asked questions
Should I remove all vegetable matter?
Remove what is accessible without damaging the fiber. A very heavily contaminated fleece may require special treatment or be refused; request an evaluation.
Can fleeces be mixed before sending?
Only if you are certain you want a common lot. Once mixed, the individual origin and characteristics become difficult to distinguish.
Why is the final weight less than the gross weight?
Washing and preparation remove suint, dust, vegetable matter, and unsuitable fibers. This loss is part of the normal process.