Welcome back to the Raw Wool to Roving Series! If you’ve been following along, you’ve learned how to wash and scour raw wool, spin out the excess water, and now we’re moving on to the next crucial step: drying wool. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different tools you can use for drying raw wool efficiently, from simple, beginner-friendly methods to more advanced setups that cater to large amounts of wool fleece. Whether you’re a seasoned spinner or a beginner in the fiber arts community, this guide will help you find the perfect wool drying solution for your setup.
The Importance of Properly Drying Wool
Properly drying raw wool is essential to ensure that your fleece stays in good condition and is ready for spinning, dyeing, or carding. Depending on how much fleece you need to dry and what tools you have available, the process can be as simple as laying the wool on a towel or as complex as building your own wool drying rack.
Tools for Drying Wool: What Works Best?
In this video, I’ll take you through some of the best tools for drying wool fleece that I’ve used over the years. I'll share what I like and dislike about each, so you can decide which setup might work best for you.
One of the simplest tools I’ve used for drying scoured wool are the plastic mesh trays from Jo-Ann Fabrics. These trays provide a breathable surface, allowing for good air circulation, which is important for drying wool evenly. They’re stackable, which makes them a great option for those who have limited space but need to dry multiple fleeces.
Pros: Inexpensive, stackable, good air circulation
Cons: Limited space per tray, may need multiple trays for larger fleeces
Another great option for wool drying is using a standard clothes drying rack. These racks are ideal for laying out sections of your fleece, especially when you’re working with a large batch of raw wool. They’re portable, easy to set up, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Pros: Portable, versatile, easy to store
Cons: Limited drying space, need something to add pieces of this mesh screen held together with reusable zip ties to sandwich fiber between so it doesn't fly off on windy days
Hanging sweater racks are a fantastic space-saving tool for drying wool fibers. These racks can be hung up, and they feature multiple mesh layers that allow you to dry different parts of the fleece at once. They work particularly well for lightweight wool or smaller amounts of fleece.
Pros: Space-saving, multi-layer drying, great for small amounts of wool
Cons: Not suitable for heavy fleece, may need careful handling to avoid sagging. Also, no real way to hold fleeces down on windy days.
4. Homemade Wool Drying Rack Stand for Outdoors
If you have a large amount of raw fleece to dry, building your own wool drying rack for outdoor use might be the most effective solution. I’ve made a custom drying rack stand, which allows me to spread out several fleeces at once. This DIY solution provides ample drying space and excellent air circulation, making it perfect for sunny days when you want to dry your wool quickly.
Pros: Customizable size, ideal for large quantities of wool, excellent air circulation
Cons: Requires space for setup, may need materials and some construction skills
Tips for Drying Raw Wool Efficiently
Maximize Airflow: No matter which wool drying tool you choose, ensuring good airflow is key. Drying fleece in an area with plenty of ventilation will help speed up the process and prevent any musty odors from developing.
Don't Leave Outside Too Long: While outdoor drying is great, avoid exposing wool to direct sunlight for long periods, as this can damage the fibers and cause discoloration. Leaving them outside for several hours won't hurt, but days on end can. Also, wool moths tend to mainly come out at night, so I do not ever encourage leaving outside overnight.
Check for Full Dryness: Before storing your wool, make sure it is completely dry. Even slight dampness can lead to mildew, which can ruin the fleece.
Conclusion
Drying raw wool is a vital step in processing your fleece, and using the right tools can make a huge difference. Whether you’re drying wool indoors or outdoors, choose a setup that fits your space and the amount of fleece you have to work with. From Jo-Ann Fabrics trays and clothes drying racks to hanging sweater racks and homemade drying stands, each method has its own benefits depending on your needs.
Watch the full video to see each of these tools in action and hear more about my personal experiences with each. Be sure to subscribe to the Raw Wool to Roving Series on my blog and YouTube channel for more helpful tutorials on wool processing, spinning, and fiber arts.
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