The Dyeing of Woollen Fabrics

A practical, down‑to‑earth handbook for anyone who works with wool, this guide opens with a clear explanation of the wool fibre itself—its structure, the differences between long‑ and short‑staple varieties, and how those traits affect handling and colour uptake. The author walks the reader through the essential preparatory steps, from washing and scouring to the subtle ways alkalies and acids interact with the fibre, all illustrated with simple sketches that make the science easy to grasp.

The heart of the book lies in its hands‑on recipes and detailed descriptions of the machines that bring colour to life. Readers will find step‑by‑step instructions for using a range of dye‑vats, jiggers, and drying apparatuses, each paired with practical tips on selecting dyes and mordants to achieve the “one thousand and one” shades wool dyers demand. Rather than delving into deep chemistry, the text stays focused on the techniques that turn raw wool into vibrant, lasting fabrics.