Watch closely to see how the two ends of a broken yarn are re-joined using jets of air to intermingle the fibres at each end of the break.

There are several different types of worsted spinning, but the most common for wool is ring-spinning, which drafts the roving by up to 20 times and twists the resulting strand of fibres into a yarn. This yarn is wrapped around a bobbin using a traveller rotating about a ring.

Gilling is similar to combing your hair after washing and conditioning. The aim is to make the fibres parallel so they can pass through the fine comb during the subsequent combing process.

Gilling is similar to combing your hair after washing and conditioning. The aim is to make the fibres parallel so they can pass through the fine comb during the subsequent combing process.

The scouring process can smell. Impurities, such as suint (sweat), dirt and wool wax (which can be refined to create lanolin) can cause problems throughout the rest of the manufacturing process, so removing them during scouring ensures high-quality yarn – just remember to cover your nose!

Shearing removes the wool fleece from sheep without harming the animal. Each freshly-shorn fleece contains a mix of both higher-quality and lower-quality wool. The main types of wool harvested from sheep are: Fleece wool: The fleece is the main body wool, which contains longer pieces of wool used to make the so-called worsted-spun yarns and fabrics. Pieces: The shorter pieces of wool, from around the head, belly and legs of the sheep is used to make the bulkier so-called woollen-spun yarns.

Merino wool is nature’s original eco and performance fibre, grown on the simple mix of fresh air, sunshine, water and grass. Wool’s unique journey from sheep to leading retailers weaves age-old techniques with modern technology, transforming the original eco and performance fibre into luxuriously soft and highly technical yarns, fabrics and end products. Discover the amazing journey of wool from the farm in Australia right through the global supply chain to create innovative wool fabrics and garments. Wool is processed by two methods, worsted processing and woollen processing. Once the wool fibre is carded and combed, it is spun into yarn. The wool yarn is then knitted or woven into wool fabric. Wool dyeing happens at any stage. Wool fabrics create luxurious, technical and eco-friendly products.

Regarded as nature’s miracle fibre, wool’s naturally inherent benefits make it loved by textile and fashion designers across the world. 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable, wool is soft against the skin, one of the most breathable apparel fibres, has superb moisture management properties and is resistant to odour, stains and wrinkles. This 3D animation showcases the complex chemical structure of a wool fibre which allows us to delve into the makeup of the fibre and show why wool is one of the world’s most technically advanced fibres.

Wool is a natural and renewable resource. Sheep grow wool naturally and continuously – it is part of their biological anatomy. When 100% Merino wool fabrics are disposed of, they will naturally decompose in soil in a matter of months or years, slowly releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth. Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, can be extremely slow to degrade and significantly contribute to the world’s overflowing landfills.

Wool garments and textiles are naturally odour resistant due to the fibre’s unique properties. Wool fibres can absorb large quantities of water vapour – twice as much as cotton and thirty times as much as polyester – helping to keep the skin drier and prevent the build-up of sweat, bacteria and unpleasant smells. The unique chemical structure of wool also enables it to absorb and lock away odours which may develop, and only release them on washing.

Wool fibres are naturally breathable. They can absorb large quantities of moisture vapour and allow it to evaporate, making wool garments feel less clingy and more comfortable than garments made from other fibres. In contrast to synthetics, wool is an active fibre that reacts to changes in the body’s temperature, keeping the wearer comfortable. Accordingly, wool garments are one of the most breathable of all the common apparel types. Wool’s natural resistance to odour is another key reason why wool wins for activewear.

Recently published research has demonstrated that wearing superfine Merino wool next to the skin is beneficial for eczema sufferers. This adds to a growing number of research findings supporting the wellbeing benefits of superfine Merino wool. The research has shown that wearing superfine Merino wool significantly improves the severity and symptoms of this chronic skin condition, challenging misconceptions that all wool is prickly and itchy.

Wool is a natural and renewable resource. Sheep grow wool naturally and continuously – it is part of their biological anatomy. When 100% Merino wool fabrics are disposed of, they will naturally decompose in soil in a matter of months or years, slowly releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth. Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, can be extremely slow to degrade and significantly contribute to the world’s overflowing landfills.

Every year, Australian sheep produce a new fleece, making wool a completely renewable fibre.

There is a global push to change the textile industry's method of production from a wasteful linear model towards a circular economy.

Learn how wool acts like a fertiliser by slowly releasing valuable nutrients and carbon back into the soil.

This Facilitator Guide covers the Wool fabric finishing course of the Wool Science, Technology and Design Education Program. The information in this Guide will support you to deliver the technical content across a series of face-to-face lectures in an engaging and easy-to-follow way and carry out a range of practical demonstrations and interactive discussions to support participant learning.

This Facilitator Guide covers the Worsted & woollen spinning course of the Wool Science, Technology and Design Education Program. The information in this Guide will support you to deliver the technical content across a series of face-to-face lectures in an engaging and easy-to-follow way and carry out a range of practical demonstrations and interactive discussions to support participant learning.

This Facilitator Guide covers the Wool fibre science course of the Wool Science, Technology and Design Education Program. The information in this Guide will support you to deliver the technical content across a series of face-to-face lectures in an engaging and easy-to-follow way and carry out a range of practical demonstrations and interactive discussions to support participant learning.

This Facilitator Guide covers the Wool fibre science course of the Wool Science, Technology and Design Education Program. The information in this Guide will support you to deliver the technical content across a series of face-to-face lectures in an engaging and easy-to-follow way and carry out a range of practical demonstrations and interactive discussions to support participant learning.

This Facilitator Guide covers the Worsted top-making course of the Wool Science, Technology and Design Education Program. The information in this Guide will support you to deliver the technical content across a series of face-to-face lectures in an engaging and easy-to-follow way and carry out a range of practical demonstrations and interactive discussions to support participant learning.

This Facilitator Guide covers the Raw wool scouring course of the Wool Science, Technology and Design Education Program. The information in this Guide will support you to deliver the technical content across a series of face-to-face lectures in an engaging and easy-to-follow way and carry out a range of practical demonstrations and interactive discussions to support participant learning.

This Facilitator Guide covers the Introduction to wool processing course of the Wool Science, Technology and Design Education Program. The information in this Guide will support you to deliver the technical content across a series of face-to-face lectures in an engaging and easy-to follow way and carry out a range of practical demonstrations and interactive discussions to support participant learning.

How does wool fit into the circular economy? Expert Kjersti Kviseth discusses the challenges and opportunities for wool and the circular economy.

UK fashion designer and International Woolmark Prize winner Edward Crutchley uses an innate knowledge of artisanal textile techniques from across the world to create pieces that reflect true contemporary luxury. Having worked with Pringle and Kanye West and currently he is the Director of Fabric and Graphics at Dior Men’s, his experience and understanding of the menswear marketplace is second to none. Here in our Insight Series Edward shares his knowledge of the industry, the importance of education and advice for emerging designers.

Champions of zero-waste manufacturing, scientific and environmentally friendly processes, and circular fashion systems, Michael and Nicole Colovos are ahead of the game when it comes to reducing fashion’s footprint through innovation.

Roland Mouret’s journey has been an unlikely route to being among the best-loved names in British fashion – not least because he is French.

When confronted with repeated dismissal of innovative ideas, Borre Akkersdijk, the Dutch textile designer and co-founder and creative director of textile innovation studio ByBORRE, decided it’s better to lead – not push.

Having survived war, revolution and social upheaval, Merino wool was almost lost to the ravages of man-made fibres. Now it's making a comeback. Woven in time explores the fascinating history and remarkable qualities of Merino wool and follows its journey as it's transformed into beautifully woven fabric.

This Masterclass explored responsible fibre and material choices, how to reduce waste and pollution in your production processes and the importance of educating your customer, and offers actionable insights on how your design decisions can ensure a garment has a positive impact throughout its entire lifecycle. Recording from live panel discussion with host: Sinéad Burke, Writer, Advocate & Academic. Panel members: Richard Malone - Designer & 2020 IWP winner, Stephanie Benedetto - CEO of Queen of Raw, Borre Akkersdijk - Creative Director of BYBORRE.

For our next Industry Masterclass, Shaway Yeh, one of the most influential media and opinion leaders on fashion in the Greater China region and Chinese-born, London-based, IWP 2020 alumnus Feng Chen Wang are interviewed by Mitchell Oakley-Smith, Editor-in-Chief, Esquire Singapore, on changing trends amongst Chinese customers. Since 2012, China has accounted for 70% of expansion in the luxury segment. This Masterclass will explore this ever-growing market, how the sustainability conversation is influencing consumer and market trends and how your brand can best engage with the Chinese customer.