Product description
Because this beige twill broadcloth is made of pure merino wool it is breathable, it maintains a comfortable microclimate in both winter and summer, it keeps you warm even when it’s wet, and it has wonderful self-cleaning properties. Being made of 100% natural material it is also entirely biodegradable, so when it reaches the end of its life cycle, it can be discarded without harming the planet.
Merino wool comes from the sheep of the same name and is the finest sheep’s wool in the world. Merino fabrics have a wonderful, soft feel and don’t itch as much as ordinary wool. Unless you have especially sensitive skin, you can comfortably wear merino against bare skin.
This lightweight wool fabric is a good choice for a winter blazer, warm trousers, or a skirt. It is not a winter-weight wool coating, however, so if you choose to use it for an overcoat, the result will be better suited to face the elements in autumn or spring. Made of pure wool, this fabric is also suitable for historical costuming; the twill weave and fulling process were already known in the early medieval period. This medium-weight broadcloth is popular in the re-enactment community for making historical clothing that can be worn comfortably in all seasons.
Our light merino tabby wool broadcloth can be used in much the same way. (Interested in the historical details? Check out our post on wool fabric through the ages.)
This fabric has a moderate drape (trousers or skirts made of it will hang well) but it takes pressed folds, pleats, and darts well. It’s a good idea to pre-shrink this fabric with a steam iron before sewing. To ensure you preserve the benefits of wool, choose a quality lining that breathes, such as silk twill (serge).
Care
We recommend dry cleaning this wool fabric at a reliable dry cleaner. You may hand wash or machine wash using the woolens program; use a special detergent for woolens; wash at a low temperature (30°C) with the spin cycle switched off. Do not wash on your machine’s default program and do not use your usual detergent; doing so can cause the fabric to shrink by 30% and thicken significantly. Wool garments do not need to be ironed; simply hang on a good hanger while damp to dry. When sewing, press on the back side using your iron’s wool setting.
