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Source for machine washable wool fabric by the yard?

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PostedAug 27, 2014 at 9:32 am

I want to make a couple of lightweight and medium weight items but am having a hard time finding the right fabric. I am looking for wool or wool/poly blends that can go through the washing machine. I found a source in NZ but shipping makes the cost per yard prohibitive.

1. Is is possible to find this domestically in the USA?
2. If so, what weight should I be looking for for a medium weight long underwear top?
3. What is the "non-outdoor gear" name for this type of fabric?

I have tried going to my local fabric store but all of that wool is dry clean only and the sheer range of different types of wool makes it hard for me to know what I should get.

**I'd love to see a guide to wool article written by those who have spent their careers working with the fabric!**

Thanks for any suggestions!

-Peter

Katherine . BPL Member
PostedAug 27, 2014 at 10:16 am

EDIT: actually, I realize now, that both these fabric will "felt" if you machine wash them. Which for backpacking clothes, is not what you want.

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Wool "interlock" can go through the washer. It may not be light enough for what you want

Wool "crepe" is lighter but I'm not sure if it's machine washable.

I know both are available in the US. But I forget where.

Neither are probably dead-on in terms of what you're looking for. If you search these terms it may turn up other weights of wool.

Or you could give these a try for the medium-weight item at least. Check on Etsy to see if someone is selling them in small quantities.

[During my hiatus from backpacking I learned a lot about cloth diapering. These wool fabrics are used for covers. In other words, they're super soft. And have other magical properties.]

PostedAug 27, 2014 at 1:59 pm

Thanks for the suggestions- I did come across this wool jersey fabric at 7oz/yard (approx 200 grams/yard) which claims to be washable-

http://www.naturesfabrics.com/wool-fabric/jersey-wool/100-merino-wool-washable-wool-black.html

This is where my knowledge of the fabric stalls out because I don't understand what makes this washable while the wool interlock (97% wool 3% spandex) can't be. I am fine with doing a cold wash, just don't have time to wash by hand.

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