Fiber Treatment
Superwash wool: machine-washable, with trade-offs.
Wool felts because its fiber scales lock together. Superwash treatments smooth or coat those scales so the fiber can go through a washing machine. It changes how the yarn looks, feels and behaves.
REF-01
How Wool Is Made Superwash
| Method | How it works | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine + resin | Chlorine partly removes the scales, then a thin polymer resin coats the fiber | The most common method; produces chlorinated wastewater |
| Resin only | A polymer coating smooths the scales without the chlorine step | Less common |
| Plasma / ozone | Electrically charged gas or ozone modifies the fiber surface | Lower-chemical alternatives, less widely available |
REF-02
How Superwash Yarn Behaves
| Property | Superwash | Untreated wool |
|---|---|---|
| Machine washing | Usually fine on a wool cycle | Felts and shrinks |
| Dye | Takes dye brighter and deeper | More muted |
| Hand | Smooth, slick, slightly cool | Grippy, lofty, warm |
| Shape when wet | Can grow and relax | Holds shape better |
| Felting & steeks | Won't felt; cut steeks may unravel | Felts; steeks hold |
REF-03
Care & Blocking
- Wash cool on a wool or delicate cycle, ideally in a mesh bag.
- Dry flat. Superwash stretches when it's wet and heavy, so never hang it to dry.
- If it grew, a short, low-heat tumble can draw it back in. Check the care label and watch it closely.
- Block gently: wet blocking can over-stretch superwash, so pin to the final measurements without pulling.
REF-04
Is It Superwash? A Quick Test
Snip a short length, wet it with warm, soapy water and roll it hard between your palms for a minute. Untreated wool starts to felt into a fuzzy, stiff strand. Superwash stays smooth and separate.
Brands that avoid chlorine processing often label yarn "non-superwash", "untreated" or "chlorine-free".