Are You Stuck on Superwash?

As spinners, we have a deep connection to the yarn we spin. We want to know that it will work for its intended purpose, and if we’re spinning to give something away, or for hardwearing items like socks, we want to know that the recipient can easily care for the finished item. When spinning wool, this means that many of us turn to superwash. Fundamentally, we understand that it’s still wool, but can be thrown in the washing machine. Sounds perfect, right? Well, it depends! Let's dig a little deeper.

—Spin Off editors

What Is Superwash?

Adapted from “What is the Superwash Process, and What Does It Do to Wool?” by Sandi Rosner.

Superwash was originally a product certification trademark owned by the Wool Bureau, but that trademark expired in 2006. Superwash is now a generic term applied to shrink-proofed wool that has been treated with the “chlorine-Hercosett” process.