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!

superwash-merino-roving-spinning-fiber-hand-dyed-a-115 SUPERWASH MERINO ROVING SPINNING FIBER HAND DYED A-115
US $0.99 (1 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:50:05 PDT
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superwash-merino-roving-spinning-fiber-hand-dyed-a-110 SUPERWASH MERINO ROVING SPINNING FIBER HAND DYED A-110
US $0.99 (1 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:50:09 PDT
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new-superwash-blue-face-leicester-1-lb-spinning-fiber New Superwash Blue Face Leicester - 1 lb Spinning Fiber
US $22.95
End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 9:49:27 PDT
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cashmere-superwash-merino-roving-8-ounces Cashmere/Superwash Merino Roving, 8 Ounces
US $1.54 (3 Bids)
End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 9:40:30 PDT
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superwash-wool-pencil-rovings-various-silvers-1-lb Superwash wool Pencil Rovings, various Silvers, 1 lb
US $1.25 (2 Bids)
End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 9:50:47 PDT
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superwash-white-merino-sliver-roving-spinning-fiber- Superwash White Merino Sliver Roving Spinning Fiber
US $1.75
End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 11:34:25 PDT
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fine-white-superwash-merino-top-1-lb-spinning-fiber Fine White Superwash Merino Top - 1 lb Spinning Fiber
US $23.95
End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 14:05:28 PDT
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trop-sea-hand-dyed-top-superwash-mer-tencel-fiber-4oz Trop Sea hand dyed Top Superwash Mer Tencel Fiber 4oz
US $11.35
End Date: Tuesday Aug-03-2010 17:10:49 PDT
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fine-white-superwash-merino-top-8-oz-spinning-fiber Fine White Superwash Merino Top - 8 oz Spinning Fiber
US $11.95
End Date: Thursday Aug-05-2010 9:00:48 PDT
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fine-white-superwash-merino-top-8-oz-spinning-fiber Fine White Superwash Merino Top - 8 oz Spinning Fiber
US $11.95
End Date: Friday Aug-06-2010 5:48:18 PDT
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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.