Wool is a natural fibre produced by sheep, which has been used by humans for a wide variety of purposes and products. It is easier to understand the processing of wool and the performance of the subsequent products if you understand the behaviour of the wool fibre from the outset.

This course takes an in-depth look at the wool fibre, its structure, chemistry and physics. It also explores the implications of the structure, physics and chemistry of the wool fibre in terms of the properties and benefits of wool products.

This course is designed to introduce you to wool, wool processing and to wool products.It provides an introductory overview to the journey of wool from farm to fashion.

You will explore the source of wool (sheep) and the process of harvesting wool (shearing, classing, baling and transport).The content covers the testing procedures carried out on raw wool to determine its value and explains how the raw wool is sold.

The manufacture of wool yarn through both the woollen and worsted processing systems is discussed and the manufacture of both knitted and woven wool textiles and products is covered. The course offers an overview of the quality assurance processes for wool products and showcases some of the latest product innovations incorporating wool fibres.

Raw wool scouring removes contaminants from greasy wool in preparation for further processing. This course explores the processes, aims and objectives of raw wool scouring and describes the machinery used to scour wool. It also investigates the principles of detergency and entanglement.

This course discusses the nature of the contaminants on wool and the principles and practices of contaminant recovery.The issues affecting product quality and the impact of scouring quality on downstream processing are also studied.

This course takes an in-depth look at the worsted top-making process, its aims, the processes and equipment involved, and the factors affecting the final top characteristics and quality.

It is easier to appreciate and understand the subsequent processing of worsted top, and the performance of the resulting knitted and woven wool products, if you understand the factors involved in early-stage worsted processing.

This course also explores the role of the top-maker and discusses key considerations during worsted top-making, including how the properties of the raw wool fibre impact on the final top characteristics. It also investigates the implications of the structure, physics and chemistry of the fibre on quality assurance during the top-making process and top treatment.

This course takes an in-depth look at the worsted and woollen spinning and post-spinning operations. It reviews the worsted and woollen production systems before covering the preparation of top for worsted spinning, worsted ring spinning and variations and alternatives for worsted ring spinning.

It then explores preparation for woollen spinning, woollen spinning and post-spinning operations.

The course is completed with a discussion of quality assurance in both worsted and woollen spinning operations.

This course aims to provide you with an understanding of wool dyeing and knowledge on how and when wool is dyed. It also provides information on how the fibre is prepared for dyeing and evaluated after dyeing. It also covers the dyes and recipes used for pure wool and blends and the side effects of dyeing and associated environmental issues.

This course takes an in-depth look at the finishing processes applied to wool fabrics, the purpose and operations carried out under each procedure and the factors affecting the final quality of the finished product.

It aims to provide participants with an understanding of why the finishing of wool fabrics is important, how fabrics are finished and how finishing operations are evaluated.

It also looks at the side effects of each finishing operation.

This advanced-level course takes an in-depth look at the finishing processes applied to wool knitwear, the purpose and operations carried out under each procedure and the factors affecting the final quality of the finished product. It explains how finishing operations are evaluated.

In this course you will take an in-depth look at the nature of wool processing effluents and explore the methods for management of polluting discharges. This course also investigates the methods for removing potential pollutants from liquid effluents and describes the application of effluent management techniques to wool processing. It also aims to provide you with an understanding of the processes involved in the management of wastewater and the options available to wool processors.