There are a lot of materials for manufacturing outerwear today, but each of them has its own characteristics. Today we will talk about boiled wool. The name is confusing, but most of you probably saw products made from such material. It is softer than felt and denser than drape and has interesting characteristics. This material is at the same time similar to all woolen fabrics and is not similar to any of them.
Origin
Of course, the properties of wool are known to mankind for a long time. Therefore, it was not difficult for manufacturers to assume that under the influence of high temperature the material will become dense, windproof, and water-repellent. Thanks to them, boiled wool has become widely used.
But there is also a legend that interprets the origin in a slightly different way. According to her, peasants in Tyrol were forbidden to wear expensive cloth. Their clothes were a rough, woolen cloth. Once a peasant mistakenly washed his clothes in too hot water. As a result, the fabric fell off, became dense, and acquired qualities indispensable for the peasant. They began to call her that, boiled wool or loden.
Production
Today there are entire workshops in which mass production of this material is established. The need for it does not decrease, but rather, on the contrary. As a raw material for the production of boiled wool, only natural material is used. That is, fleece. To make the fabric softer, mohair is sometimes added to it. But the principle of production itself remained the same as it was in ancient times.
The wool must first be sheared, then it is washed and spun. Now the most important thing. The semi-finished product is dumped and boiled in hot water. To fix the properties, special means are used. This is a rather lengthy process, it ends when the canvas becomes dense, smooth and very durable. Only now it is stained, dried and combed out.
Main characteristics
This fabric is unique in its properties. Boiled wool combines the consumer properties of many such materials. It can be compared:
- With felt. Loden is no less dense and also repels water very well, but it is much thinner than felt.
- With felt. They are somewhat similar, but boiled wool comes out much more tender.
- Drap. Only in appearance. In fact, the drape is easily blown by the wind, and the products from the loden perfectly protect against it.
- With fleece. And there is a great resemblance. Both materials are soft and soft, but the loden is made of natural wool, and therefore it is much warmer.
In general, the things of their boiled wool are significantly different from everyone else. They are very soft and gentle, pleasant to the touch. Loden is remarkably draped. Plastic and obedient material, it will not get wet in the rain and will warm perfectly.
Material properties
Before choosing a coat of boiled wool, you must definitely study them. This will allow you to understand what the purchased item will be. In fact, the material has a lot of advantages.
- Environmental friendliness. By production toxic components are not used.
- Excellent heat insulating properties. Wool perfectly warms and retains heat. The dense texture and windproof allows you to wear things in cold and windy weather.
- Plasticity and ease in tailoring. There is no equal here at all. Working with her is a pleasure. The canvas easily takes a given shape. Edges do not sprinkle and do not require additional processing.
- Resistance to pollution. The material repels dirt, it does not penetrate the structure of the fibers, so it is enough to clean it with a regular brush.
- Breathability. Despite the fact that you will be well protected from the wind, the material allows the skin to breathe.
disadvantages
Of course, everything has two sides. Wool itself is an allergen, due to the content of animal fat in it. In addition, an allergic reaction can also occur on products that are used in dry cleaning. Therefore, if you have such a penchant, then it is better to choose synthetic materials.
One cannot but note the susceptibility to deformation. The canvas is quite plastic, but during operation the product will stretch. And under the influence of moisture and high temperature shrinkage is possible. In addition, leaving a coat will be rather moody. It cannot be washed, only specialized cleaning is possible.
Sewing recommendations
Experienced craftsmen say that working with this fabric is a pleasure. Despite this, beginners often make mistakes. First of all, it is recommended to soak the cloth in warm water, then dry and iron with a hot iron. After this, the fabric will shrink, from which it will be possible to protect the finished product.
- The density of the loden is such that, in fact, it does not require a lining, since it is windproof. But if the pile is rough and patchy, then a lining is desirable. Otherwise, the product will cling to clothes and will be uncomfortable to wear.
- Seams are best glued with a non-woven tape.
Of course, these recommendations are important for those who have some experience in sewing outerwear. Beginners should start with the simplest products.
Application area
The most commonly used material for sewing a coat. Reviews of boiled wool suggest that this is one of the best options. The fabric is light, dense, soft, has excellent heat-shielding properties. Due to this, it is used for the production of:
- Outerwear.
- Headgear.
- Designer shoes.
- Bags and accessories.
Care Rules
First of all, you need to remember how to wash boiled wool. Despite the heat treatment, it is not recommended to wash the products yourself. And both in the basin and in the typewriter. If dirt appears, you can try to clean the product with a dry brush. In this case, you need to move in the direction of the pile. It is allowed to iron any product made of this material only from the wrong side, in the “wool” mode.
It is necessary to store the product when folded, and not on the shoulders. Necessarily in well-ventilated rooms. And of course, protect them from moths. To do this, today there is a huge selection of tools that can be sprayed in the closet. It will not be superfluous to recall folk methods of fighting moths. For this, orange and pomegranate peels, mint and wormwood are used.
Instead of a conclusion
So, things from boiled wool are rather capricious and demanding to leave. But at the same time, the owners of such things are very happy with their purchase. This is a natural material with unique characteristics that provide a high level of comfort. Of course, it’s better for the child not to buy a coat of boiled wool, because he does not know how to wear things with proper care. But to please yourself with a quality product with excellent characteristics is a great idea.