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Member since 10/5/11
Posts: 4
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Posted on: 11/13/11 2:12 PM ET
I guess I should start by asking what makes non-washable fabrics non-washable.

What makes washable wool washable?

Does anyone know what it looks like under a microscope - whether it looks like regular wool, or in what way it looks different?

Thanks.
  
Member since 7/3/10
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Posted on: 11/13/11 2:32 PM ET
this is not a scientific answer, but I am guessing it is down to shrinkage and "fluffing" factor. Some wools are not going to have the same surface texture if you stick them in a normal wash. Maybe others can explain a bit better than me WHY this is the case.
  
Member since 4/8/02
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Posted on: 11/13/11 2:34 PM ET
Superwash wool has had the scales stripped from the fibers, usually via a chemical process. The scales are what helps the wool fibers to tangle and the fabric to shrink.

If you scroll partway down this page, you can see microscope images of regular and superwash fibers: fibers
-- Edited on 11/13/11 2:35 PM --
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mmmmm woooool
  
Member since 1/17/10
Posts: 1252
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Posted on: 11/13/11 4:56 PM ET
Some wools also have just enough poly and/or spandex added to allow washability.
  
Member since 7/21/05
Posts: 91
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Posted on: 11/13/11 8:15 PM ET
I don't know how they do it either, but I sure wish I could find more of it in yardage. :o) Most of the Pendleton men's shirts are washable now.
-- Edited on 11/13/11 8:19 PM --
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Mardella in N. California
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 11/13/11 10:32 PM ET
All wool is washable. The washing process may change the hand, width, length etc of the fabric, but it is washable.

I have washed raw fleece, home spun wool, wool rugs, sweaters, drapes and blankets.
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Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
Member since 7/11/05
Posts: 3783
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Posted on: 11/14/11 1:26 AM ET
People were washing wool in soap and water for millennia before dry cleaning existed. I wash all kinds of wool knits and wool yardage in the washing machine, in garment bags, in cool water on the gentle (short) cycle all the time without shrinking, fulling or felting. You basically want to avoid lots of agitation/abrasion and keep the water cool. I don't wash things that have linings/facings/interfacings or other tailoring details--not because the wool itself is unwashable but because the tailoring details--which are often steam-pressed into existence and which lend structure to garments like jackets, dresses and tailored pants are not meant to be laundered.
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I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting that last little piece perfect...Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just keep showing up and doing the work.

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St. Augustine
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 11/14/11 10:18 PM ET
In reply to Tidepool
There are a couple of techniques:

One, as Nikke said, involves stripping the 'scales' from the fibers.

Another involves 'coating' those little scales so they cannot stick together, which is what causes shrinkage and felting:

Here's more info.
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Elona
  
Member since 7/21/05
Posts: 91
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Posted on: 11/14/11 11:24 PM ET
Ummm....yeah all wool is washable. The shirts I am familiar with are also machine wash and dry with no shrinkage. They just get a little softer. I love this kind of wool. It's also less scratchy to the skin. I have not seen it available as fabric for the home sewing market. Sorry for the confusion.
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Mardella in N. California
  
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