Process of Obtaining Wool from Sheep

From Sheep to Wool – Step by Step Process for Wool Production

The different processes involved in wool production are shearing, scouring, grading, dyeing, and drying.

Shearing

The process of removal of the fleece from an animal is called shearing.

Sheep are usually shorn annually in the spring/summer months.

Shearing is done with a manual razor and blade, or with special clippers. Just as a haircut does not hurt us, shearing does not hurt the sheep—it actually helps them by removing the heavy woollen coat that they do not require in summer.

Scouring

The sheared hair is washed properly to remove dirt, dust, and grease. The process of removing dirt, dust, and grease from the sheared hair is called scouring. It is done with the help of machines.

Grading

In this process, the wool is sorted on the basis of length, colour, texture, and the ease with which it can be dyed (coloured).

Dyeing

As the natural colour of fleece is white, brown, or black, the sheared wool is dyed in different colours.

Drying

In this process, containers of wool are put through rollers to squeeze out as much water as possible. Then the wool is weighed and packed into bales. The bales are transported to the mills where they are processed further. Figure 3.8 explains how the fleece is woven into yarn.