Shoddy or recycled wool is made by cutting or tearing apart existing wool fabric and respinning the resulting fibers.[37] As this process makes the wool fibers shorter, the remanufactured fabric is inferior to the original. The recycled wool may be mixed with raw wool, wool noil, or another fiber such as cotton to increase the average fiber length. Such yarns are typically used as weft yarns with a cotton warp. This process was invented in the Heavy Woollen District of West Yorkshire and created a microeconomy in this area for many years.[38]
Worsted is a strong, long-staple, combed wool yarn with a hard surface.[37]
Woolen is a soft, short-staple, carded wool yarn typically used for knitting.[37] In traditional weaving, woolen weft yarn (for softness and warmth) is frequently combined with a worsted warp yarn for strength on the loom.[39]
