How to Prepare Fiber for Mill Processing

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How to Prepare Fiber for Mill Processing: A Complete Guide

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Properly preparing fiber before sending it to a mill dramatically improves processing results and can reduce your costs. Understanding how to prepare fiber correctly helps you get the most from your processing investment.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of fiber preparation, from initial sorting to final packaging.

Why Fiber Preparation Matters

Well-prepared fiber processes more efficiently and produces better results. Mills charge less for clean, properly sorted fleece because it requires less handling and produces less waste.

Benefits of Proper Preparation

  • Better processed fiber quality
  • Lower processing costs
  • Faster turnaround times
  • Fewer processing issues
  • More predictable results

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Skirt the Fleece

Skirting removes low-quality fiber from the fleece edges.

What to Remove

  • Soiled sections with feces or urine staining
  • Heavy vegetation and debris
  • Matted fiber that will not separate
  • Fiber with excessive second cuts
  • Discolored or weathered tips

How to Skirt

Lay fleece on a skirting table or clean surface. Pull away and discard the least desirable portions around the edges and belly area. Focus on keeping the prime fiber from the shoulders and sides.

Step 2: Remove Vegetable Matter

Carefully pick through remaining fleece to remove:

  • Burrs and seeds
  • Straw and hay fragments
  • Leaves and twigs
  • Any other debris

This tedious step significantly affects final quality. Take time to do it thoroughly.

Step 3: Sort by Quality

Separate fleece into distinct batches based on:

By Fineness

Separate fine fiber from coarser fiber. Different grades should process separately for consistent results.

By Color

Sort white, cream, and light fibers separately from darker colors. Even natural colors should be separated if you plan to dye.

By Staple Length

Group similar staple lengths together. Mixing lengths produces inconsistent roving.

By Condition

Separate fleece with different characteristics:

  • VM-heavy vs clean
  • High lanolin vs low lanolin
  • Sound vs tender (weak) fiber

Step 4: Assess Fiber Quality

Evaluate each batch:

Staple Length

Measure average staple length in inches. Longer staple generally processes more easily.

Fiber Diameter

Estimate or test fineness if possible. Finer fiber often requires more careful handling.

Lanolin Content

High-lanolin fleece may require additional washing or incur surcharges.

Strength

Test fiber strength by giving a gentle pull. Tender (weak) fiber breaks easily and causes problems in processing.

Packaging Your Fiber

Choose Appropriate Bags

Use breathable bags:

  • Burlap sacks work well
  • Mesh laundry bags for smaller quantities
  • Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture

Never use plastic garbage bags for long-term storage.

Label Every Bag

Each bag should clearly show:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Type of fiber and breed
  • Weight of the batch
  • Date of shearing
  • Special notes or concerns

Include the same information on paperwork inside the bag in case external labels are damaged.

Weight Guidelines

Aim for consistent batch weights:

  • Record exact weight of each bag
  • Keep batches between 5-15 pounds when possible
  • Label weight clearly on exterior

Special Considerations

For Different Fiber Types

Wool

Wool is the most forgiving fiber type. Standard preparation usually works well.

Alpaca

Alpaca has less lanolin but can have more vegetable matter. Extra picking may be needed.

Specialty Fibers

Exotic fibers like yak, bison, or camel may require specific preparation. Check with your mill for guidance.

For Different End Products

For Spinning into Yarn

Focus on consistent staple length and color. Well-sorted fiber produces even yarn.

For Felting

Shorter fiber or remaining bits work well. Less sorting needed.

For Roving

Longer staples produce better roving. Prioritize consistent length.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sending Dirty Fiber

Never send unskirted fleece. It costs more to process and produces inferior results.

Mixing Too Much

Resist combining everything into one batch. Quality sorting improves everything.

Ignoring Moisture

Ensure fiber is dry before packaging. Moisture causes mold and mildew problems.

Waiting Too Long

Process fiber within a year of shearing for best results. Older fiber deteriorates.

Working with Your Mill

Communicate Preparation Plans

Before sending fiber:

  • Ask about their specific requirements
  • Confirm what they accept
  • Get their preparation checklist

Follow Their Guidelines

Different mills have different preferences. When in doubt, ask.

Ask Questions

If you are unsure about anything, contact the mill for guidance.

Pre-Processing Checklist

Before shipping, confirm:

  • [ ] All soiled sections removed
  • [ ] Vegetable matter picked clean
  • [ ] Fiber sorted by quality
  • [ ] Each bag labeled clearly
  • [ ] Weights recorded
  • [ ] Contact information included
  • [ ] Mill requirements confirmed

Conclusion

Taking time to properly prepare fiber before sending it to a mill pays dividends in quality, cost, and efficiency. The effort you invest in preparation directly affects the results you receive.

Follow this guide, communicate with your chosen mill, and do not hesitate to ask questions. Proper preparation is the foundation of successful fiber processing.

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Ready to prepare your fiber? Use this guide to ensure your fleece is ready for processing. Quality preparation leads to quality results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does fiber preparation take?

Preparation time varies significantly based on fleece volume and condition. Budget several hours for thorough preparation of a single fleece.

Can I send unwashed fleece?

Most mills accept raw (unwashed) fleece and include washing in their services. However, well-skirted fleece processes better even before washing.

What happens if I send poorly prepared fiber?

Mills may return poorly prepared fiber, charge additional fees, or produce lower quality results. Some mills refuse heavily contaminated fleece.

Should I fold or roll roving?

Leave roving in the form you received it. Rolling or folding may create issues with memory and tension.

How should I store prepared fiber?

Store in breathable bags in a dry, pest-free location. Avoid plastic and direct sunlight. Use within one year for best results.