What is Lambswool?

Lambswool is the soft, fine fleece taken from a sheep’s first shearing — usually when the animal is around six to seven months old. Known for its warmth, lightness, and smooth texture, lambswool is naturally insulating and breathable, making it ideal for knitwear and layering pieces. It’s less itchy than coarser wools and has a luxurious handle without being overly delicate.

How to Wash Lambswool?

Check the label first: Many lambswool garments are best washed by hand or dry cleaned, particularly structured or delicate knitwear.

Hand wash in cool water: Use a wool-specific detergent and gently agitate without rubbing or wringing. Lambswool doesn’t like extremes — keep water temperature consistent.

Avoid soaking for long periods: A quick, gentle clean is enough to freshen the fibres.

Rinse thoroughly: Use clean cool water, pressing (not twisting) out excess water between changes.

How to Dry Lambswool?

Do not tumble dry: Heat will shrink and felt the fibres. Lay flat instead.

Dry flat on a towel: Reshape the garment to its original dimensions and let it air dry naturally, away from sunlight or direct heat.

Never hang wet knitwear: This can cause the fabric to stretch or distort out of shape.

How to Iron Lambswool?

Use steam or a cool iron: Place a damp cloth between the iron and the wool, and always iron on the reverse if needed.

Steaming is ideal: It helps remove creases without flattening the natural bounce of the wool.

Avoid heavy pressing: Let the steam do the work — wool doesn’t need force to behave.

How to Store Lambswool

Fold, don’t hang: Hanging can stretch knitwear, especially at the shoulders. Fold neatly in drawers or on shelves.

Use breathable storage: Store in cotton bags or lined boxes, avoiding plastic.

Add moth deterrents: Natural options like cedar wood or lavender sachets help protect your lambswool from unwanted visitors.

General Lambswool Caring Tips

Lambswool benefits from rest between wears — it allows the natural fibres to breathe and return to shape. Avoid frequent washing; instead, freshen by airing outside on a dry day or gently steaming. To maintain its softness, handle it gently and treat it with the same care you would a fine cashmere — it may be hard-wearing, but it’s still a natural fibre with a soft side.

A well-looked-after lambswool jumper or scarf will be your cold-weather favourite for years to come.