woolhand

Woolhand is a term used in folklore, speculative fiction, and textile arts to denote several distinct concepts that share a common imagery of wool and the hand.

In folklore, woolhands are described as small, reclusive beings linked to sheep and weaving. Regional tales portray them with arms ending in thick wool, capable of knitting garments overnight. They are generally regarded as benevolent, offering warmth or aid to travelers or shepherds during hardship, and they vanish with the first light of day.

In literature and media, woolhand appears as a proper name or symbol. Authors use the term to evoke craftsmanship, tenderness, and secrecy, often for characters associated with making or repairing fabric, or with guiding others through cold or difficult conditions.

In textile arts, woolhand can be used descriptively to emphasize the tactile quality of woolen fabrics or to describe a hand-technique in felting, where the fiber is manipulated by the hand to create sculpted forms or raised textures.

In modern branding, woolhand has been adopted as a name for knitwear labels and product lines, aiming to convey warmth, softness, and artisanal care.