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School•Class 7•Chemistry•Fibre to Yarn

Wool

Comprehensive notes, formulas, and practice questions for Wool.

Wool

Wool — From Sheep to Shawl

What you'll learn

  • Wool — animal fibre from sheep fleece; also goat (pashmina), yak, camel.
  • Shearing — cutting fleece without harming sheep (spring season).
  • Scouring — washing to remove grease, dirt, sweat (lanolin).
  • Sorting/grading — separate quality fibres; remove burrs.
  • Spinning — fleece → yarn; knitting/weaving → woollen fabric.
  • India: Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir (Pashmina), Himachal sheep rearing.

Key concepts

Level 1 — Core idea

  1. Shearing — skilled workers use electric clippers; fleece regrows.

  2. Grading — fine wool for sweaters; coarse for rugs.

  3. Diagram (text) — sheep → fleece → scouring tank → carding → spinning → shawl.

Level 2 — Process and representation

  1. Pashmina — fine undercoat of Changthangi goat; Kashmir shawls.

  2. Properties — warm, crimped fibres trap air; absorbs moisture.

  3. Felting — wool fibres mat together when wet and pressed.

Level 3 — Applications and NCERT links

  1. Real world — Kullu shawls; woollen phiran in Kashmir winter.

  2. NCERT — process steps in correct order.

  3. Lanolin — natural grease; used in cosmetics.

Worked example

Ordering steps from sheep fleece to woollen cap

Correct sequence:
Step 1 — **Shearing** — collect fleece from sheep.
Step 2 — **Scouring** — wash in detergent to remove grease and dirt.
Step 3 — **Sorting** — separate fine and coarse fibres; remove thorns/burrs.
Step 4 — **Carding** — comb fibres parallel into sliver.
Step 5 — **Spinning** — twist into yarn on charkha or machine.
Step 6 — **Knitting or weaving** — yarn → woollen cap or fabric.
Step 7 — **Dyeing** — optional colour with wool-safe dyes.
Wrong order example: spinning before scouring leaves dirty yarn.
Conclusion: each step prepares fibre for the next in wool industry.

Common mistakes

MisconceptionWhat students thinkScientific correction
Shearing** hurts sheep skin if done wrong (skill removeShearing** hurts sheep skin if done wrong (skill removes only fleece).Check the Key concepts and worked example for the NCERT-accurate version.
Silk and wool** both from same animal (sheep vs silkworSilk and wool** both from same animal (sheep vs silkworm).Check the Key concepts and worked example for the NCERT-accurate version.
Pashmina** from sheep (goat undercoat).Pashmina** from sheep (goat undercoat).Check the Key concepts and worked example for the NCERT-accurate version.
All wool same quality (graded fine to coarse).All wool same quality (graded fine to coarse).Check the Key concepts and worked example for the NCERT-accurate version.
Shearing** kills sheep.Shearing** kills sheep.Check the Key concepts and worked example for the NCERT-accurate version.
Wool** same as silk source.Wool** same as silk source.Check the Key concepts and worked example for the NCERT-accurate version.

Quick check

  • List steps in processing wool after shearing.
  • What is scouring?
  • Name the animal for pashmina wool.
  • Why is wool warm in winter?
  • Which Indian state is known for Pashmina shawls?
  • List wool processing steps in order.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Wool — From Sheep to Shawl.

Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

  • What you'll learn
  • Key concepts
  • Worked example
  • Common mistakes

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