Episode 004
Types of wool
- Just because the label says 100% wool, it does not make it right for rug hooking
- Not all wool is created equal
- Recycled pros and cons
- cost of gas and time to buy
- Yield
- average skirt only yields about 5 ounces
- a yard of rug hooking wool weights about 14 – 16 ounces
- takes 3 skirts to yield about 1 yard
- limited color choices
- Moth risk
- bringing old clothing into your home increases your risk of a moth infestation
- take the wool from your car directly to the washer and wash with warm water
- rip the wool apart outside and away from the house to avoid spreading any eggs
- snip and rip – the small amount of wool you get by ripping out the seam is negligible
- there is some nasty stuff in the seams and hems
- More moth details are included in my book, Dyeing Without Dye.
- avoid jackets and blazers
- higher cost per piece and usually only the arms are useable. The rest has a fusible lining that leaves a residue.
- Skirts and slacks are the best source.
- Coats and blankets are usually too thick.
- Scarves and shawls are usually beautiful, but expensive for the amount of wool you get
- worsted is the worst
- You can use less than 100% wool – personal decision
- I like thicker wool rather than thin
- I avoid the 2×2 weave
- Trust your source, know how the wool is stored and what the vendor’s standards are
How to Wash Rug Hooking Wool
- All wool should be washed to make if fluffy – but also to eliminate any pests
- You CAN hook with wool right off the bolt
- Wash wool the same way you would wash blue jeans (I even wash wool with blue jeans)
- cool water, hot regular dryer
- If you air dry, it will not fluff
- Be sure your detergent does not include bleach
- Test for 100% wool using bleach

- fold the selvedges together and snip the fold
- open it up, fold one selvage to the snip.
- fold again, fold one more time
- snip two places on one side and one on the other
- open it up and repeat with the other side
- your pieces are 1/16 yard
- each piece will hook approximately 25 square inches
- I cut 5” x” 8” index cards into 4 pieces that are 2” x 5”. Fold in 1/2 and staple on the edge
- Include your name
- Include a dye formula and base color
- Include source – who you bought it from, do they have a name/code for the wool?
- Include a date
- Did you buy it for a specific rug?
- All of these notes will help you find more if you need it.
Washing Maching concerns
- I’ve heard some people say that washing wool broke their washer. I’ve never had a problem
- Keep the sump clear with bleach
- Bleach will dissolve wool and is a great way to test for 100% wool
- If a blend, the non-bleach fibers will still be in the cup
- Dryer – keep the vent clear
- A smooth vent will have less build up than a rippled one.
- Avoid softener sheets – they can create a waxy buildup that the fibers stick to
Storage
The wire shelving I used is now discontinued, but here is a link to several that are very similar. Look for cubes that are about 15″ rather than 12″.
This is an affiliate link. At no extra charge to you, I get a small thank you from Amazon when you purchase.
What advice would you give a new rug hooker about buying wool?
Subscribe to your favorite service below
New episodes released on Tuesday — just not every Tuesday
Now available on Audible.
List of Podcast Episodes
- 001 – The Rug Hooking Podcast is Here!
- 002 – Packing for rug camp, tips on what to bring with you
- 003 – How to choose the right finish for your hooked rug
- 004 – Washing wool for rug hooking
- 005 – Beginner rug hooking equipment
- 006 – Cutting Rug Hooking Wool with and without a Cutter
- 007 – How to Rug Hook – pulling up the loops
- 008 – Rug Hooking Cut Sizes Explained
- 009 – Where to start rug hooking
- 010 – Learn to Hook Better by Learning to See
- 011 – The Secret to primitive hooking is not just in the wool
- 012 – But I’m not an Artist. . . .
- 013 – Creativity: Rug Hook Naked
- 014 – Fold Forward Finish, my favorite rug finish
- 015 – Add a Label to your Hooked Rugs
- 016 – Steaming your Hooked Rug
- 017 – Stop Photo Copying your Rug
- 018 -What’s Available on my Website
These articles mention wash wool
If you are not enrolled in the course that the lesson is in, the link will not work for you.
- How to wash wool for rug hooking
- Rug Hooking Wool
- Dyeing wool using the season’s hottest colors using PRO Chem dyes
- How to Marry Rug Hooking Wool
- Order Half Yard Pieces of Rug Hooking Wool Textures
- A Fast Way to Dye Rug Hooking Wool
- Dyeing Basics: The Science of Dyeing Wool for Rug Hooking
- Dye Methods: Marbelizing Wool
- Rug Hooking Supplies Recommendations
- Fold Forward Finish For Hooked Rugs