Textile School - Wool Fibers

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Wool Fibers

Wool, common name applied to the soft, curly fibers obtained chiefly from the fleece of domesticated sheep, and used extensively in textile manufacturing. Wool may be differentiated from hair mainly by the nature of the scales that cover the outer surface of each fiber. Wool scales are numerous, minute, and pointed and are attached only at their bases; thus the fibers interlock under pressure (see Felt). The number of scales varies with the fineness and curliness of the fiber. Because of its crimp, or curl, wool has considerable resilience. This quality, together with its high tensile strength and elasticity, gives fine woolen fabrics the ability to retain shape better than cloth made from other natural fibers. Other characteristics of wool, which make it especially desirable for clothing, are its lightness, its ability to absorb moisture, and its insulating properties.

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How is wool made? (at Answers.Com)

In seeking means of protection and warmth, humans in the Neolithic Age wore animal pelts as clothing. Finding the pelts not only warm and comfortable but also durable, they soon began to develop the basic processes and primitive tools for making wool.