There are many different ways to turn a woolen fiber into a workable material. One of the most common ways is to spin yarn to knit or weave a fabric. It is also possible to merge the fibers together by using warm water, soap and rubbing, this is called felting. Before either of these two methods can be uses, the wool needs to be prepared.
The first step is often to wash the wool. This removes dirt but also grease (from this grease, lanoline is made). When the wool is cleaned and dried it needs to be carded. Carding can be done by hand with two brushes or with a carding mill. In this step, the fibers are pulled apart, making the wool more fluffy and easier to process. After carding the wool can be spun or felted.
