Wool top

Topmaking mills make wool top, a semi-processed product from raw wool. The process requires that the wool be scoured (washed) and combed and sorted. The longer fibers resulting from the process are called tops, and are in a form ready for spinning. To be closer to customers, much of the industry has moved from Australia, Europe and the USA to China. Many British companies produce high quality wool top in Britain from British wool and fibre; most work with the fleece from cleaning it to hand dying.

Spinning
Materials	Noil Rolag Roving Sliver Staple Top Tow Woolen Worsted
Techniques	Carding Combing Heckling Long draw Scutching Short draw Twist per inch
Hand spinning tools	Hand spinning Distaff Niddy noddy Nostepinne Spindle Spinning wheel Spinners weasel
Industrial spinning	Cotton-spinning machinery Ring spinning Open end spinning Dref Friction Spinning Magnetic ring spinning Mule spinners' cancer Piece-rate list Spinning frame Spinning jenny Spinning mule Throstle frame Water frame Wool combing machine