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100% Wool Ex-Designer Coating Fabric Italian Boiled Wool Navy CU

Boiled Wool Fabric

Boiled wool is a dense, felted cloth that's warm, durable and wonderfully easy to sew, as the cut edges don't fray. It's a firm favourite for jackets, cardigans, coats and unlined garments where you want a clean, simple finish.

Our collection is led by a luxury boiled wool available in a wide spread of colours, so you can match a shade to almost any project. For other weights and weaves, browse the wider wool fabrics collection. Order a sample to feel the handle.
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Boiled wool is a knitted wool or wool-blend cloth that's been agitated with heat and moisture in a process called fulling. This shrinks and felts the fibres into a dense, stable fabric with a soft, slightly textured surface. The result is warm, hard-wearing and one of the most forgiving wool fabrics to sew.

Why sewers love boiled wool

  • It doesn't fray: the felted structure means cut edges stay clean, so you can leave seams unfinished and make unlined garments.
  • It's warm but breathable: wool naturally regulates temperature, making it ideal for autumn and winter layers.
  • It holds its shape: the density gives structure to jackets and coats without heavy interfacing.
  • It's easy to handle: stable and grippy under the machine, which suits clean, minimal finishes.

What to make with boiled wool

Boiled wool suits jackets, coats, cardigans, capes, pinafores and structured skirts, particularly designs with simple seams and raw or bound edges that show off the fabric. Because there's little fraying, bound or exposed seams look neat with minimal effort, and the fabric is a good choice if you prefer to avoid lining.

Caring for boiled wool

To keep the felted finish, many boiled wools are best hand washed in cool water or dry-cleaned, and dried flat rather than tumble dried, which can shrink the fibres further. Always follow the care guidance on the individual product page. Pressing with steam and a cloth helps shape seams without flattening the surface texture.

Does boiled wool fray?

No, and that's one of its main attractions. The felting process binds the fibres into a dense cloth, so cut edges stay clean and don't unravel. This means you can leave seams unfinished, make unlined garments and use bound or exposed edges as a design feature.

What can I make with boiled wool?

Boiled wool is ideal for jackets, coats, cardigans, capes, pinafores and structured skirts. Its warmth and body suit autumn and winter layers, and because it doesn't fray it works especially well for clean, minimal designs and unlined pieces with simple seams.

Does boiled wool stretch?

As a knitted-then-felted fabric, boiled wool has a little give but is fairly stable rather than stretchy. It holds its shape well, which is part of why it's good for structured outerwear. Patterns designed for wovens or stable knits generally work well with it.

Can you wash boiled wool?

To protect the felted finish, many boiled wools are best hand washed in cool water or dry-cleaned, then dried flat rather than tumble dried. Tumble drying can shrink the fibres further. Always follow the care guidance on the individual product page.

Is boiled wool warm?

Yes. The dense felted structure traps warmth well while wool's natural breathability stops it feeling stuffy, which makes boiled wool a comfortable choice for coats, jackets and cardigans through the colder months.

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