Dive into rovings and tops

Wool Month offers a unique chance to explore one of the UK’s greatest natural treasures—British wool. From fields of grazing sheep to the hum of micro-mills, the journey from fleece to fibre is steeped in tradition and innovation. At Woolplay in Mendham, Suffolk, this October is all about celebrating British wool. Rovings and tops are versatile, sustainable fibres that are the heart of spinning, felting, and a world of fibre arts.

What Are Wool Rovings and Tops?

The terms “roving” and “top” describe two classical ways of preparing wool for crafting. Roving refers to wool that’s been carded—fibres are brushed so most align in one direction, though some retain their natural crimp and airiness. This gives roving its signature loft and a slightly fuzzy, rustic texture, perfect for spinners who want bounce and softness in their yarn. Wool tops, on the other hand, are combed after carding—fibres are aligned and shortened staples removed. The result: a sleek, smooth fibre ideal for spinning fine yarns or adding sheen and detail in felting and other crafts.

Both British wool rovings and tops excel in felting, spinning, and weaving. The choice depends on the desired finish: roving for loft and resilience; tops for smoothness and definition.

The Benefits of British Wool Fibre

Why choose British rovings and tops over imported alternatives? At Woolplay, our carbon footprint and provenance comes first. Wool from local flocks—including our own and trusted farms in the Norfolk/Suffolk border—is not only climate-adaptive and resilient, but also eco-friendly and traceable.

Major benefits include:

• Renewable & Sustainable: Sheep regrow their fleece annually, making wool a sustainable resource that biodegrades naturally at the end of its life.

• Natural Insulation & Breathability: British breeds like Leicester Longwool, Shetland, or Ryeland yield fibres with exceptional warmth, moisture management, and comfort.

• Supporting Local Farmers: Choosing British wool sustains rural economies and preserves rare breeds and traditional skills.

• Versatility: Rovings and tops suit wet felting (not Ryeland!), needle felting, hand-spinning, and dyeing, empowering crafters at every skill level.

• Low Carbon Footprint: Locally produced fibre minimises transport emissions and supports animal welfare.

Woolplay’s Approach

Woolplay is passionate about connecting makers to the real stories behind their fibres. Every roving and top we offer is processed in British micro-mills, often from our own flock, bringing minimal impact and maximum quality. We provide a selection of breed-specific fibres so crafters can match fibre characteristics to their projects—from lustrous, long-staple wools for delicate spinning to resilient, springy breeds ideal for robust felting.

Our rovings and tops come in natural, undyed colours that showcase the beauty of British sheep as well as fabuous colour blends from John Arbon Tectiles. With every purchase, customers support not only the art of fibre but the land, animals, and people who nurture it.

Creative Inspiration—What Can You Make?

The only limit with British wool rovings and tops is imagination. Here are some ideas:

• Handspun Yarn: Control weight, texture, and colour for knitting, crochet, or weaving.

• Needle & Wet Felting: Create intricate sculptures, homewares, and gifts.

• Weaving: Make sturdy tapestries with unmatched natural character.

• Dyeing: Explore rainbow hues on natural bases for custom fibres.

Woolplay regularly shares project inspiration—on our website and social feeds—making Wool Month the ideal time for new makers to try British wool or for seasoned crafters to deepen their connection to local fibre.

Celebrate Wool Month With Us

Wool Month is all about discovery and connection—to fibre, provenance, tradition, and sustainable making. At Woolplay, every bundle of fibre is a link to fields, flocks, and hands at work in in Britain.

This month, try British wool rovings and tops for spinning, felting, or weaving. Experience the difference—natural beauty, ethical sourcing, and centuries of craft, all in one strand.

Happy Wool Month from Woolplay—where British fibre heritage lives and grows with every creative project!