Wool

Wool is probably one of the most popular fibers for crafters. There are many varieties of wool, each with slightly different qualities. However, in general, wool fiber is easier to spin than other types of fiber, felts easily, and is somewhat water-repellent and flame resistant. It is also highly absorbent, able to absorb up to three times its weight of water. Wool is also highly elastic, which means that when spun and knitted into a garment, it will retain its shape well.

You’ll find some great deals on eBay for wool roving, wool top, and raw wool fleeces. Sale prices on eBay are often significantly below what you’d find in the store. Check below for current auctions on wool fiber for spinning or felting, or click one of the links to the left if you’re looking for a specific type of wool.

2-oz-hand-dyed-needle-felting-wool-animal-pet-colors 2 oz Hand Dyed Needle Felting Wool Animal Pet Colors
US $6.50 (2 Bids)
End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 17:12:40 PST
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2+-lbs-raw-dorset-wool;-spinning-crafts-roving 2+ lbs Raw Dorset Wool; spinning, crafts, roving
US $9.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 18:37:53 PST
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large-lot-spinning-weaving-roving-wool-fiber-flax-yarn Large Lot SPINNING WEAVING ROVING WOOL Fiber FLAX YARN
US $31.00 (6 Bids)
End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 19:01:49 PST
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1lb-all-merino-wool-spin-felt-fiber-roving-many-colors 1lb All Merino Wool Spin Felt Fiber Roving Many Colors
US $29.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 22:03:47 PST
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8oz-natural-color-wool-roving-sampler-spin-felt-fiber 8oz Natural color Wool Roving Sampler spin felt fiber
US $10.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 22:05:15 PST
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raw-alpaca-wool-spinning-felting-fiber-4oz-la-2-l@@k! RAW ALPACA WOOL SPINNING/FELTING FIBER 4oz LA-2 L@@K!
US $4.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 22:07:51 PST
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-angora-rabbit-wool-spinning-dyeing-carding-one-pound Angora Rabbit Wool Spinning Dyeing Carding One Pound
US $50.00
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 0:58:28 PST
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-angora-rabbit-wool-spinning-dyeing-carding-half-pound Angora Rabbit Wool Spinning Dyeing Carding Half Pound
US $30.00
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 0:58:58 PST
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-wool-silk-alpaca-batt-lily-ponz-spinning-felt- Wool Silk Alpaca Batt "Lily Ponz " Spinning Felt
US $16.00
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 1:15:31 PST
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romney-brown-moorit-wool-fleece-washed-one-pound! Romney brown/moorit wool fleece - washed, one pound!
US $7.50 (2 Bids)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 7:21:55 PST
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If you are planning to buy wool fiber for spinning, and are a new spinner, here are some quick tips:

  • Start with a coarser wool such as Romney – most people find coarser wools easier to spin. However, remember that you probably won’t want to use a coarser wool for a garment that will be worn directly next to the skin.

  • Even if you are working with a prepared wool roving or top, pre-draft it a bit before spinning. You’ll find the actual drafting process easier that way.
  • Don’t worry if your first efforts are thick and thin or lumpy and bumpy. Consistency will come with time and repetition.
  • Make sure your hands, arms and shoulders are relaxed, and take lots of breaks. This will make your spinning more consistent and easier on your body.

There are three basic categories of sheep wool: fine wool (such as Cormo, Corriedale, Merino, Rambioulett and Targhee), longwool (such as Bluefaced Leicester, Border Leicester, Coopworth, Lincoln, and Romney), and down wool (such as Shetland, Suffolk, Southdown, and Tunis). If you want to learn more about a particular type of wool, click one of the links on the left.