Boiled Wool: Fabric Care Guide

Laundering

Boiled wool has already been intentionally shrunk and felted during the production process, making it more stable than many woven woollens, but it can still shrink or distort if handled roughly.

• Avoid regular washing, where washing can cause shrinkage, felting, or texture changes.
• Spot clean when needed: Use a damp cloth and gentle pressure on small marks, and avoid scrubbing.
• Test first: Cut a small swatch and wash it exactly as planned, then check for shrinkage or texture changes. This mirrors suiting guidance for pre‑laundering.
• Hand wash in lukewarm water (30–40°C), using a wool‑specific detergent. Wool is sensitive to heat and agitation, which can cause felting.

Preparation for Sewing

We do advise caring for your fabric prior to sewing, but only if you will need to repeat this process when your sewing project is complete. If no post-sewing laundry is required, then neither is the pre-sewing laundry.

If you intend to pre-launder/treat the fabric do this before cutting. Use the same laundry method here that you plan to use once sewing is complete. 

Dry Cleaning: Use a dry cleaning facility for a water-free and safe laundering process. The safest and most appropriate option for caring for wool fabrics. 

Washing Machine: Some wool fabrics can be laundered in your domestic washing machine at home. Use a wool-friendly detergent, on an appropriate cycle (Wool or Delicates). 

Test First: We suggest conducting a wash test first, by cutting a small sample piece of fabric and measuring its dimensions. Wash this sample piece the way that you would expect to wash this type of fabric, as if it were a garment. Once the machine’s cycle has finished, leave to dry naturally. When dry, measure the size of the sample again and compare the size to see if any shrinkage has occurred. Make allowances for washing the remaining length of fabric. 

Sink of water: More of a rinse than a launder. Fill a sink with cold water and add a small amount of wool-friendly detergent. Submerge the fabric and gently press it under the water. Do not rub, scrub, or wring. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes. Rinse in clean cold water, press out excess moisture, and lay flat on a towel to air-dry away from heat or direct sunlight 

For very open/loosely woven/knitted fabrics we do not advise washing as these fibres are prone to severe shrinkage and would not be expected to be laundered once made up as garments. If you feel the need to wash such fabrics, we do stress that you wash a small sample sized piece first. We strongly advise taking extra care when handling new fabrics, Fabworks is not liable for any damage caused once it is the possession of the customer. 

Drying

Allow your fabric and garments to air dry only. Lie the fabric flat on a towel or aerated surface, reshaping it gently to prevent stretching and distortion. This reflects advice for wool items in general, wool garments and fabric should never be hung when wet.

Refreshing & Odour Removal

Wool is naturally odour-resistant and often benefits from airing rather than washing.

• Hang garments in fresh air to refresh between wears.
  
• Use a clothes steamer to remove light creases and revive fibres.
  
• Avoid direct heat or heavy steam pressure.

Pressing & Ironing

Boiled wool rarely needs ironing thanks to its dense structure.

• Use a low to medium heat with steam.
• Always press from the reverse side or use a pressing cloth.
• Do not stretch the fabric while warm.

Storage

• Store garments on supportive hangers or folded carefully.
• Allow space between garments to prevent crushing.
• Use breathable garment bags for long-term storage.
• Protect from moths using natural deterrents such as cedar or lavender.

Proper care will allow wool fabrics to age beautifully, developing character while maintaining their tailored elegance.

We encourage careful handling of all wool fabrics. Please note that Fabworks cannot be held responsible for any damage once fabrics are in the possession of the customer.