Wool Threads F.A.Q
What is wool thread used for?
Wool thread is used for appliqué, hand embroidery, and decorative quilting. It adds a soft, textured look ideal for wool fabrics and folk‑art designs.
WonderFil wool threads such as Ellana™ and Efina™ are popular for appliqué, hand embroidery, and decorative quilting. They produce a soft, dimensional stitch that enhances wool fabrics and folk‑art styles.
Can I machine sew with wool thread?
Yes. Use a topstitch or embroidery needle to accommodate the thicker fiber and sew at moderate speed for decorative stitches.
Wool can be machine‑sewn, especially for decorative stitches. Because it’s thicker, use a topstitch or embroidery needle with a larger eye, sew at a moderate pace, and test tension for smooth, even results.
Which WonderFil wool thread is best for appliqué?
Ellana™ 12wt wool/acrylic blend is best for appliqué, smooth, strong, and slightly fuzzy for near‑invisible stitches.
Ellana™ 12wt blends wool with acrylic for strength and reduced fray, while keeping a soft texture that sinks into wool fabrics. It’s dyed to match WonderFil’s wool fabric line, making color coordination easy for invisible appliqué.
Is wool thread washable?
Yes. Hand‑wash or use gentle cycles to prevent felting or distortion; avoid high heat.
Wool thread can be washed with care. Choose hand‑washing or a delicate cycle with mild detergent, and avoid high water or drying heat. Gentle laundering preserves texture and shape.
Can I mix wool and cotton threads in one project?
Yes. Wool adds texture and cotton adds strength/definition, great for art quilts and mixed‑media projects.
Combining wool and cotton balances texture with structure. Wool brings dimensional softness; cotton provides crisp stitch definition. The mix works well in art quilts and mixed‑media designs.
Does wool thread shrink?
Wool may shrink slightly with hot water or high heat. For decorative use, shrinkage is rarely an issue when laundered gently.
Wool fibers can contract with heat. For most appliqué and embroidery uses, gentle washing prevents noticeable change. Avoid hot water and high dryer heat to maintain shape.
Can I use wool thread for embroidery?
Yes. Wool creates dimensional, tactile stitches on wool and cotton fabrics, ideal for crewel‑style embroidery.
Wool thread is excellent for hand embroidery when you want texture and depth. It’s especially effective for crewel‑style motifs on wool and cotton fabrics.
What needle is best for wool thread?
Use chenille or embroidery needles with larger eyes. Match needle size to thread weight for smooth stitching.
Wool requires a larger‑eye needle to reduce friction and fraying. Chenille and embroidery needles work well. Choose size based on thread weight, finer wools use smaller sizes; thicker blends need larger needles.
Is WonderFil wool thread colorfast?
Yes. Dyed for long‑lasting color. Avoid bleach and prolonged sunlight to keep colors vibrant.
WonderFil wool threads are dyed for lasting color that resists everyday fading. Keep them bright by avoiding harsh detergents, chlorine bleach, and long exposures to sunlight.
How should I store wool threads?
Store in a cool, dry place away from pests. Use airtight containers with cedar or lavender sachets for extra protection.
Store wool threads in sealed containers or bags in a cool, dry environment. Because moths love wool, add cedar blocks or lavender sachets for additional protection.