Superwash
Superwash wool is wool that has been specially treated so it can be washed in a washing machine without felting. Wool can be made into superwash wool through a couple of different processes: either treating it in an acid bath, which removes some of the scales, or coating it with a resin or polymer material. Both methods prevent the wool scales from sticking together when agitated, which is what causes felting.
Superwash wool roving is ideal for spinners who love wool but want to make a garment that is easy to care for. My favorite use of superwash wool is to make socks.
You’ll often find auctions for superwash spinning fiber on eBay. Any current auctions will be listed below. Click a picture or description to get more information or to place your bid!
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SUPERWASH MERINO ROVING SPINNING FIBER HAND DYED A-115 US $0.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:50:05 PDT Add to watch list |
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SUPERWASH MERINO ROVING SPINNING FIBER HAND DYED A-110 US $0.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:50:09 PDT Add to watch list |
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New Superwash Blue Face Leicester - 1 lb Spinning Fiber US $22.95 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 9:49:27 PDT Add to watch list |
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Cashmere/Superwash Merino Roving, 8 Ounces US $1.54 (3 Bids) End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 9:40:30 PDT Add to watch list |
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Superwash wool Pencil Rovings, various Silvers, 1 lb US $1.25 (2 Bids) End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 9:50:47 PDT Add to watch list |
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Superwash White Merino Sliver Roving Spinning Fiber US $1.75 End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 11:34:25 PDT Add to watch list |
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Fine White Superwash Merino Top - 1 lb Spinning Fiber US $23.95 End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 14:05:28 PDT Add to watch list |
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Trop Sea hand dyed Top Superwash Mer Tencel Fiber 4oz US $11.35 End Date: Tuesday Aug-03-2010 17:10:49 PDT Add to watch list |
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Fine White Superwash Merino Top - 8 oz Spinning Fiber US $11.95 End Date: Thursday Aug-05-2010 9:00:48 PDT Add to watch list |
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Fine White Superwash Merino Top - 8 oz Spinning Fiber US $11.95 End Date: Friday Aug-06-2010 5:48:18 PDT Add to watch list |
Although this should probably be obvious, you cannot use superwash wool successfully in a felting project. Because its ‘superwash’ nature, it will not felt readily. On the other hand, I know from personal experience that items made from superwash wool should still be treated gently because the superwash process does not completely eliminate the possibility of shrinkage. You should take care to wash superwash wool items on a low speed cycle and to avoid using the dryer.