Preparing a Raw Fleece for Spinning

After much testing of different methods for washing and preparing a fleece by hand, I have developed a slow, bite-sized way to process that produces organized locks arranged by tip orientation, opened up by flicking to create easy-to-comb fiber. Using this method, anyone can hand process a fleece at their own pace according to what they have time and space to accomplish. Most equipment is affordable and can be locally sourced. There are a few items that are higher priced and that will need to be sourced through a local yarn shop or online. The pictures below, taken from the book, walk you through the process.

Raw wool

Starting with the raw fleece, separate out the locks in small sections and layer them flat with the tips all facing the same direction in an open mesh lingerie bag for washing.

Washing the wool

Opening up the tips so the dirt releases easily helps in the washing process. One wash tub and one rinse tub is generally all that is required.

Drying the wool

Lay the locks out to dry on sweater drying racks, which can be stacked to save space.

Brushing before combing

I have found that brushing out both the tip end and the cut end before combing produces a much easier and nicer combing experience. It is an extra step but well worth the investment.

Combing

Having tried many different brands of wool combs, the deciding factor was the weight and ease of action of the combs. Generally only two passes are necessary to produce nice combed top, with the second pass being put on a hackle to be dizzed off into a 50 g. ball.