Not quite. It has to do with the fiber length and the way the fiber is
prepared for spinning. Worsted was combed long staple and woolen was carded
short staple that is spun to make thread. Because combing lays fibers along
the length of the thread, it makes a stronger thread, but woolen can be
fulled and a nap raised and sheared.
The progression in history was combed (worsted...wasn't called that until
much later), half worsted (combed warp, carded weft), then woolen. Like
most generalities, this is over-simplified (Romans also had napped and
sheared wool textiles).
Early wheel spun thread was deemed too weak to take the stresses as warp,
causing an inferior cloth. There were quite sensible reasons for the guild
regulations: it has to do with reputation, market and getting premium
prices. Since textile towns (and their guilds) lived or died.. quite
literally.. based on the sales of their products, they were not inclined to
take too many unnecessary risks.
Beth
At 11:17 AM 12/11/2006, you wrote:
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2006 12:09:30 -0500
From: monica spence <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Worsted vs woolen-- pretty funny, since both are wool. Worsted is just a
fine spun wool.
Monica
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