Boiled Wool VS Felted Wool: Understanding the Differences

Many types of wool fabrics can be found in the market. Two such popular fabrics are Boiled Wool and Felted Wool. Both have unique properties and usage. Boiled Wool is a type of wool fabric made by knitting wool yarn and then shrinking it using heat and moisture whereas Felted Wool is a type of fabric made by matting and pressing wool fibers together.

This blog will help you identify boiled wool vs felted wool and its benefits, application, and maintenance care. Whether you prefer the smooth feel of Boiled Wool or the sturdy texture of Felted Wool, this guide will make it easy to choose the right fabric for your needs.

What is Felted Wool?

Felted wool is a fabric made by matting together wool fibers using heat, moisture, and pressure. This creates a dense, non-woven warm, durable, and water-resistant fabric. It is used in many things, like hats, bags, slippers, and rugs, and can be used for embroidery and other decorations.

Boiled Wool: Characteristics and Benefits

Boiled wool is a fabric made by washing wool in hot water and then shrinking and tightening the fibers. This creates a dense, felt-like fabric that’s warm, wind-resistant, and water-repellent. It's used in coats, jackets, hats, and gloves, and is known for being soft, warm, and breathable. It is also durable and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for high-quality clothing.

How Boiled Wool is Made?

Boiled wool is made by washing wool in hot water and detergent to remove dirt and grease. The wool is then combined to align the fibers and placed in a machine with hot water and detergent. The machine agitates the wool, causing the fibers to shrink and tighten, creating a dense, felt-like fabric. After rinsing and drying, the wool is brushed or sheared to create a smooth texture. It can be dyed or treated with chemicals for color or properties. Finally, the boiled wool is cut and sewn into garments or accessories like coats, jackets, hats, and gloves.

Properties of Boiled Wool

Boiled wool is a thick, felt-like material that is waterproof, and warm. It can control body temperature and is elastic and flexible. Boiled wool is a common material for fine garments since it is strong and long-lasting. Moreover, it is machine washable and requires little maintenance.

Applications of Boiled Wool Products

Boiled wool is a versatile fabric that finds applications in various products across different categories:

1. Clothing

Boiled wool is commonly used in making outwear such as coats, jackets, and vests. Its warmth, water resistance, and breathability make it ideal for protecting against cold and wet weather. It's also used in sweaters, cardigans, and skirts for its softness and insulating properties.

2. Accessories

Boiled wool is used in accessories like hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens. These items benefit from boiled wool’s warmth and water resistance, making them suitable for winter wear. Boiled wool is also used in bags, purses, and wallets for its durability and unique texture.

3. Home Goods

Boiled wool is used in home goods like blankets and pillows for its warmth and coziness. It is also used in rugs and carpets for its durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. Boiled wool can also be found in furniture like chairs and sofas, providing a comfortable and stylish option for furniture.

Felted Wool; Characteristics and Benefits

Felted wool is a dense, strong fabric made by pressing wool fibers together with heat, moisture, and pressure. It's warm and tough, great for bags, slippers, and rugs. It's naturally water-resistant, perfect for hats and bags. It feels soft and smooth, and comfortable to wear. It's eco-friendly and made from natural wool fibers. It's easy to clean and does not stain easily.

How Felted Wool is Made?

Felted wool is made by matting together wool fibers using heat, moisture, and pressure. The process involves washing the wool in hot water and then agitating it to shrink and tighten the fiber. This causes the fibers to interlock and form a dense, non-woven fabric. The resulting fabric is warm, durable, and water-resistant, making it ideal for various applications.

Properties of Felted Wool

Felted wool is a dense, non-woven fabric made by matting together wool fibers using heat, moisture, and pressure. It's warm, durable, and water-resistant, great for clothes, accessories, and home goods. It's soft, comfortable, and easy to clean. It is made from natural wool fibers, so it's eco-friendly.

Applications of Felted Wool Products

Felted wool is a versatile fabric that is used in various applications, including:

1. Accessories

Numerous accessories, such as hats, gloves, scarves, bags, purses, wallets, and slippers, are made from felted wool. These products are suitable for daily use because of their warmth, resistance to wear, and durability. Felted wool accessories are a popular choice for winter clothes because they are often warm and easy to wear.

2. Interior Design

Felted wool is used in interior design to create a cozy and stylish atmosphere. It’s commonly used in rugs, carpets, and furniture for its warmth, durability, and unique texture. Felted wool can also be found in blankets, throws, and pillows for its softness and comfort.

Boiled Wool vs Felted Wool: Which One to Choose?

Boiled Wool vs Felted Wool are both generally hypoallergenic due to their processes (boiling and felting) that remove allergens like lanolin and dust mites. When comparing the breathability of felted vs boiled wool, boiled wool tends to be less breathable than felted wool. The dense nature of boiled wool, while providing excellent insulation and warmth, restricts airflow and can trap heat, making it less suitable.

One of the primary advantages of felted wool is its exceptional warmth and insulation properties. The tightly woven fibers create an effective barrier against cold weather, making felted wool ideal for crafting cozy garments, accessories, and home decor items. Whether knitting a winter hat, sewing a pair of mittens, or designing a decorative throw pillow, felted wool provides the warmth and comfort you need to stay snug and stylish all season long.

Felted wool offers superior durability and longevity compared to boiled wool. Its dense structure makes it resistant to stretching, tearing, and pilling, ensuring that your creations stand the test of time.

While boiled wool has its merits, felted wool is the superior choice for its durability, warmth, versatility, and aesthetic appeal.

Final Thoughts on Boiled Wool vs Felted Wool

When choosing between boiled wool and felted wool, there are compelling reasons to opt for felted wool, and Yarning Wools stands out as a brand that truly exemplifies the virtues of this material. Felted wool offers a unique blend of durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal that makes it an excellent choice for a variety of projects and applications. Unlike boiled wool, which undergoes a specific manufacturing process involving hot water and agitation, felted wool is created through the interlocking of wool fibers, resulting in a dense and sturdy fabric. Its smooth texture and vibrant colors make it a joy to work with, inspiring artists and crafters to explore new techniques and designs. Whether you're felting, needle punching, or embroidering, felted wool provides a versatile canvas for your imagination to flourish.

What is Boiled Wool?

Boiled wool is made from wool that has undergone bursting or milling. The wool is twisted after being cleaned in hot water to shrink and compress the fibers. The result is a thick, windproof, warm cloth with a felt-like texture. Coated wool is often used for coats, jackets, hats, and gloves, among other accessories.

FAQs On Boiled Wool Vs Felted Wool

Can boiled wool and felted wool be machine washes?

No, both boiled and felted wool can be machine-washed. Boiled wool can generally be hand-washed, while felted wool may not be suitable for machine washing. It's always best to check the care instructions on the garment label.

Can boiled wool and felted wool be dyed?

Yes, both boiled wool and felted wool can be dyed. Wool is a natural fiber that readily accepts dyes and the dense, felt-like structure of boiled and felted wool can make for vibrant and long-lasting colors. However, it's essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use dyes that are suitable for wool to ensure the best result.

Is felted wool waterproof?

Felted wool is not waterproof but has some water resistance due to its dense structure. It can protect against light moisture but may lose shape if exposed to heavy or prolonged water. It's not a substitute for fully waterproof materials.

Does boiled wool shrink?

Yes, boiled wool can shrink when exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation. This is because boiling and felting wool causes the fibers to shrink and interlock, creating a dense, felt-like fabric. It's essential to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and avoid exposing boiled wool to high temperatures or excessive moisture to prevent further shrinking.

Is boiled wool softer?

Yes, boiled wool is softer than regular wool because the boiling process causes the fibers to shrink and interlock, creating a denser, felt-like fabric. This fabric is softer and more flexible than regular wool, making it more comfortable to wear.

Is felted wool durable and real wool?

Yes, felted wool is a durable fabric made from real wool fibers. It is created by matting and pressing wool fibers together without heat or moisture, resulting in a dense, durable material.