Welsh Blankets
Wool vs Yarn - The Difference Explained
Wool vs Yarn
Wool and yarn are not exactly the same thing, but they are closely related and are also used (incorrectly) interchangeably! The main differences between yarn and wool are explained below on this Page.
- Wool: Wool is a natural fibre derived from the fleece of sheep and other animals, for example alpaca, goats, rabbits and other animals.
- Yarn: Yarn is made by processing any type of fibre, man-made or natural. Yarns are created by spinning the fibres together which results in a single strand of yarn.
FelinFach Hand Dyed Yarns
Our hand dyed yarn is 100% natiural fibre (sheep, goats, alpaca etc) and is dyed in small batches by the owner of this website from Welsh and UK yarn together with some specialty fibres. Each batch is hand dyed in Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK using ethically-sourced natural dye extracts.
Characteristics of Wool
- Wool is a natural fibre of the fleece of animals such as sheep, goats (cashmere and mohair), rabbits (angora) and alpacas.
- It is renewable source, which grows each year on the animal concerned. It is known for its warmth, softness, breathability and insultation, making it suitable for garments in different climates.
- Wool can be coarse or fine, depending on the breed of the animal it comes from.
-
Wool is widely used in textile industries for making clothing, blankets, carpets, and other fabric-based products.
- It's a popular choice for outdoor clothing due to its natural insulation properties, even when wet.
Characteristics of Yarn
- Yarn is created by spinning fibres together to create a thick strand which can be natural (such as wool, cotton, silk) or synthetic (such as acrylic, polyester). When compared to fibres, it is more resilient and stronger.
- Yarn is often dyed, either by hand or by a manifactuing process, into many difference colourways.
- Undyed yarn, in the natural colours of the sheep or pother animal, is also available.
- Yarn is the primary material used in knitting, crocheting, weaving, and other textile crafts.
-
It's available in different fiber compositions and textures, offering versatility for different projects and preferences.
Summary - Wool vs Yarn
- While wool can be used to make yarn, not all yarn is made from wool. Yarn can be crafted from various natural or synthetic fibress, while wool specifically refers to the fibre obtained from sheep or other animals.
- Wool is a type of fibre, whereas yarn is the product made by spinning fibres into strands. Yarn can be made from wool, cotton, acrylic, silk, etc., offering a wider range of options for crafting.
- Wool is primarily used in textile industries to make various products, while yarn is specifically used in crafting activities such as knitting and crocheting.
Indie Dyer - Experienced Natural Dye Tutor
Experienced Indie Dyer
In an interview with the Knitter Magazine, the Knitter commented, "Taking inspiration from the landscapes of the Pembrokeshire coastline, Karen Morgan of FelinFach produces gorgeous, indie hand-dyed yarns". The Knitter's article is in the series on Artisan Yarn makers and explores our processes for hand dyeing yarns with natural dyes and also our natural dyeing Craft Courses.
About FelinFach
Located in Pembrokeshire Wales, our ethos is defined in the three words...
NATURAL TRADITIONAL HANDMADE.
- Hand woven iconic Welsh blankets.
- Hand dyed yarn, dyed with natural dyes only - no exceptions!
- Hand poured candles, candle accessories, Candle Making Workshops and soapery.
- Natural Dyeing Craft courses.
- Yarn shop, yarn bowls, project bags, tools and accessories for knitters and crafters.
- Welsh Gifts, souvenirs, made in Wales, handmade in Wales.
We are a proud supporter of Americymru, the Campaign for Wool, Global Welsh and Red Dragon America.
Last updated 22nd June 2024
