What is Merino Wool Felt?

When I studied fashion design many years ago in Montreal, there was a class focused on textile science. In this class, I gained an extensive understanding of the journey from yarn to finished fabrics, learning about the unique characteristics, origins, and various uses of each fabric type. This educational adventure sparked a deep love for the sheer beauty and quality of natural textiles.

In my design career, I’ve always favored natural fabrics like wool, silk, and linen over their synthetic counterparts. When it came to selecting the perfect fabric for my iPad sleeve, I had a specific criteria in mind:

1. A luxurious soft textile.

2. Exceptional durability.

3. A substantial feel.

4. A commitment to sustainability.

After careful consideration, my ultimate choice was merino wool felt. I was fortunate to discover a Canadian family-operated company - The Felt Store.  The Felt Store is a supplier and manufacturer that imports wool felt from a traditional felt maker in Germany, with a significant portion of their material sourced from wool-rich regions of New Zealand and Australia. This choice not only aligned with my design goals but also echoed my unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability.

Welcome to my first blog post – I’m truly delighted to introduce you to the world of wool felt! Together, we’ll uncover its fascinating history and explore why it’s the perfect match for your cherished devices.

Table of Contents

What is the difference between wool and wool felt? 

Let's dive into the world of wool and wool felt, two related but distinct materials. Wool is the real deal – it's the natural fiber that comes from the fleece of animals like sheep, goats (think cashmere and mohair), alpacas, and even rabbits. It is soft, breathable, and famous for keeping you warm, which is why it's a go-to choice for clothing, blankets, and all sorts of textiles.

Wool felt is like wool's transformed cousin. The wool fibers are matted and compressed together using methods like wet felting or needle felting.  This process turns loose wool into a sturdy, compact fabric that doesn’t fray. Unlike raw wool, you won't see the individual fibers anymore, and the result is a dense, non-woven material that's perfect for crafting all kinds of things – from stylish hats to durable bags.

So, in a nutshell, wool is the natural fiber, while wool felt is the crafted material that comes from those woolly fibers.

How is wool felt made? The wool felt process.

There are two main methods for producing felt.

1. The Wet Felt Method: This method has been around since ancient times, dating back as far as 300-400 BCE. It's like a magical dance of hot water, soap, and friction that turns loose wool into a solid fabric. You start by spreading a layer of wool fibers on a flat surface, and then, you gently pour or spray hot, soapy water over it. The fibers are then pressed and rolled to create some friction. All that heat, soap, and pressure make the wool scales open up and lock together, creating a dense, sturdy fabric. Wet felting is your go-to when you need big, seamless pieces of felt. It's fantastic for making clothing, accessories, blankets, and rugs – it’s a versatile and creative way to make felt.

2. The Needle Felt Method: This is the newer kid on the block, and it's all the rage for crafting small, detailed items and sculptures. In needle felting, you've got a barbed needle that pokes and pushes loose wool fibers together. The needle's barbs grab those fibers and tangle them up with each poke. So, by gently shaping and continuously poking the wool, you can create amazing 3D objects and intricate designs. Needle felting is all about precision and lets you go wild with details, perfect for crafting figurines, jewelry, and all sorts of art projects. Best of all, it doesn't need water or heat, so it's perfect if you're all about that dry and detailed felting life.

 

Is wool felt durable?

Wool felt is like your trusty sidekick when it comes to durability. Thanks to the superpowers of wool fibers, it's built to go the distance. These fibers have a knack for bouncing back and being resilient, making wool felt incredibly tough and long-lasting. Whether it's your everyday bag, your favorite hat, or those trusty shoes, wool felt can take the hits and keep on going. What's even cooler is that wool fibers are naturally water-resistant, meaning they can soak up a bit of moisture without losing their insulating superpowers or their solid structure. So, even if you get caught in a light drizzle or a touch of humidity, your wool felt will stay sturdy and reliable. Take good care of it, and your wool felt goodies can be with you for many years, making them an eco-friendly choice that helps reduce the need for constant replacements. So, whether it's a warm winter coat or a dependable MacBook Air or iPad Pro sleeve, wool felt has got your back for the long haul.

 

Is wool felt waterproof?

Wool felt has a natural talent for resisting water, but it's not the superhero of waterproofing. You see, wool fibers have a built-in defense against moisture. They can soak up about 30% of their own weight without feeling soggy, making them great for dealing with light rain or a bit of dampness. But, here's the scoop: when the rain really pours, wool felt can reach its saturation point, allowing water to sneak in. No worries, though, because many smart manufacturers add water-repellent treatments to their wool felt products, creating a more solid waterproof shield. So, while wool felt puts up a good fight against moisture, it's not entirely waterproof all on its own. If you're in need of something super waterproof, consider products designed and treated for the task, or maybe throw on a trusty rain cover or some extra waterproofing tricks.

 

Why is Wool Felt so Expensive?

The price tag on wool felt might make you wonder, 'Why the splurge?' Well, there are a bunch of reasons behind it. First off, it all starts with the star of the show, wool. The quality of this stuff is a big deal. If it's from special sheep breeds known for their softness, warmth, and durability, it's going to cost a pretty penny. Plus, making wool felt is no cakewalk. It's a labor of love, with skilled artisans carefully working the wool, making sure it's perfectly matted and compressed to get that ideal texture and density. Craftsmanship like that adds to the cost.

And here's the kicker: wool comes with some natural perks. It can shrug off moisture like a champ and keeps you comfy by regulating temperature. All these pluses make it a premium material. On top of all that, being eco-conscious and treating animals right is a big deal, and those ethical choices can add to the price too. So, when you look at the grand picture, all these factors pile up and explain why wool felt has a somewhat heftier price tag. But here's the deal: the investment is worth it because you get exceptional quality, top-notch durability, and a fabric with some unique superpowers.

 

Can wool felt be washed?

You might be wondering, 'Can I give my wool felt some TLC?' The answer is yes, but there's a bit of an art to it. Most wool felt items like to be treated with some extra love, and hand washing is usually the way to go.

1. Combine some cold water and a mild detergent made for wool or delicates – that's your magic combo. Hot water is a no-no, as it can make your wool felt shrink.

2. Carefully dab small amounts of soap suds onto the effected spot of your felt sleeve and gently rub the stain out with a clean cloth. To remove the soap, dab it with a wet cloth (we strongly recommended to not twist or wring it out, which can mess up its shape).

3. To dry, lay your felt sleeve onto a clean towel and gently dab the wet spots with a dry towel.

4. Lay it flat on another dry towel or a mesh surface so it can air dry while keeping its shape.

5. And if you notice some dust or lint getting cozy, a lint roller is your trusty friend. With the right kind of love and care, your wool felt sleeve can stay fresh and luxurious for a long time.

 

Note, it is critical that you do not get any soap or water onto the vegetable tanned leather portion of your felt sleeve, if you do, then gently dab that portion of the leather with a dry towel (do not rub) and let it air dry.

For any other wool felt items, always remember, every wool felt item can be a bit different, so don't forget to check the care instructions from the manufacturer.

 

What is Oeko-Tex Certified?

Have you ever heard of Oeko-Tex certification?

It's a globally recognized standard that gives you peace of mind when you shop for textiles or clothing. It basically means that the product has been put through rigorous tests to make sure it's free from any harmful stuff. Think of it as a stamp of safety and eco-friendliness.

Oeko-Tex checks for all sorts of things, from nasty chemicals to heavy metals and pesticides. And the best part? It offers different levels of certification based on how the product interacts with your skin. So, when you spot the Oeko-Tex label on our wool felt or any textile, you can trust that it's met high safety and environmental standards. We've got you covered – all our wool felt sleeves are handcrafted using certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100 merino wool felt sourced from The Felt Store." Your device is in safe hands, and you get to enjoy a touch of elegance every time you pick it up.
 
As we reach the end of my first blog post, I hope you’ve gained a deeper understanding of wool felt. From the craftsmanship that goes into creating it to its eco-friendly attributes, wool felt has proven itself as a standout choice for your essential devices.  From its durability, water-resistance and timeless appeal, it is why we’ve chosen this fabric for you.
 
Thank you for joining us, and I look forward to sharing more exciting stories and insights on my next blog.

 

Sources:

1. The Felt Store

2. Oeko-Tex