Ulltråd

Ulltråd refers to a thread made from wool fibers, used primarily for sewing, embroidery, and lightweight dressmaking. In Swedish textile terminology, ulltråd denotes a finished sewing thread made from wool; thicker wool yarn intended for knitting is more commonly called garn.

Manufacture begins with raw wool that is cleaned (scoured) to remove lanolin and impurities, then carded to align the fibers. The fibers are drawn and spun to form a yarn, which may be single-ply or multi-ply. For ulltråd, the spun yarn is twisted to the desired strength and sometimes plied to improve durability. Wool threads may be dyed before or after twisting. Some ulltråd blends wool with a small amount of synthetic or cotton to improve sewability or reduce felting.

Properties and uses include warmth, elasticity, and resilience, as well as good handling and a soft hand. Wool threads are generally resistant to abrasion and offer reliable dye uptake. They are prone to shrinking and felting if exposed to high heat or aggressive agitation, so care must be taken in washing and drying. Ulltråd can be used in hand sewing or machine sewing, for seams, hems, embroidery, and upholstery where a natural fiber thread is preferred.

Care considerations emphasize gentle handling: washing in cool or lukewarm water with mild detergent, avoiding high heat, and air drying flat to minimize shrinkage and distortion. The choice of thickness and twist level depends on the intended use, from fine hand sewing to heavier upholstery projects.

History and industry context: Wool has been central to European textile production for centuries. Ulltråd has traditionally been produced by local mills from locally sourced fleece; today, it is available worldwide in a range of weights and finishes to suit domestic and professional applications.