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-wool-spinning-fiber-weaving-*1-7oz*m-8 SUPERWASH MERINO WOOL SPINNING FIBER WEAVING *1.7oz*m-8
US $0.99 (1 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 9:55:22 PST
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superwash-merino-wool-spinning-fiber-weaving*-5oz*m-18 SUPERWASH MERINO WOOL SPINNING FIBER WEAVING*.5oz*m-18
US $0.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Nov-20-2008 18:41:10 PST
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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 Nov-21-2008 6:48:22 PST
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superwash-merino-40-tencel-60 Superwash Merino 40% Tencel 60%
US $7.50
End Date: Friday Nov-21-2008 15:28:50 PST
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special-navy-superwash-tencel-40-60-roving-8-oz-soft Special Navy SuperWash-Tencel 40-60 Roving 8 oz - Soft
US $12.50
End Date: Sunday Nov-23-2008 6:15:27 PST
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ashland-bay-100-superwash-colonial-wool-2lb-1oz Ashland Bay 100% Superwash Colonial wool. 2lb.1oz
US $10.00 (7 Bids)
End Date: Sunday Nov-23-2008 12:53:29 PST
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merino-wool-roving-8-ounce-bump-superwash-purple MERINO WOOL ROVING 8 OUNCE BUMP SUPERWASH PURPLE
US $10.00 (1 Bid)
End Date: Sunday Nov-23-2008 19:56:14 PST
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superwash-merino-hand-dyed-spinning-fiber-9-5oz~sbaby~- SUPERWASH MERINO HAND DYED SPINNING FIBER 9.5oz~SBABY~
US $27.00
End Date: Monday Nov-24-2008 10:44:28 PST
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lorna-s-laces-yarn-roving-100-superwash-camouflage Lorna's Laces Yarn Roving 100% Superwash Camouflage
US $18.99
End Date: Monday Nov-24-2008 12:57:16 PST
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lorna-s-laces-yarn-roving-100-superwash-edgewater Lorna's Laces Yarn Roving 100% Superwash Edgewater
US $18.99
End Date: Monday Nov-24-2008 12:57:24 PST
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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.