There exists both woollen and worsted flannel. Despite knowing that Woollen flannel has a slightly coarser finish than the worsted version, to learn more we asked an expert. Carole Hannaford from Harrisons of Edinburgh explains: ‘Woollen spun yarn is made using the shorter and thicker hairs from the fleece. This produces a more matted, flat looking cloth that lends itself well to the milling process and gives it that marbled look without any obvious twill. Woollen spun cloths will always be heavier at 13oz (400grms) or more. Worsted spun yarn is made using the longer and finer hairs. This is much harder to mill as there is less hair on which to work, and consequently after milling it will retain some visible signs of the twill in the cloth. Worsted spun cloths can be made to weights under 10ozs (310gms)’. 

Harrisons of Edinburgh, founded in 1863 by Sir George Harrison who began his career as apprentice with an Edinburgh tailor, has just released a new flannel range made entirely from extra superfine Australian super 100’s wool. The fabric is milled using natural soap, using a process that goes back literally hundreds of years without any chemicals being involved. 

New flannel cloths available for Autumn Winter 2011. Please contact us here