Around 80% of Australian wool passes through the worsted system. This is based on firmly twisted yarn spun from combed and carded long-staple wool (such as fleeces and pieces).

Most of the remainder is processed through the short-staple woollen spinning system and comprises mainly lambs’ wool and carding types (eg, locks and crutchings). Woollen yarn is typically used in knitwear.

It is important to understand that wool is bought and blended to meet customer/processor specifications. By managing this process buyers are able to meet the specifications for the least cost. Not only are different types of wool substituted from within the Australian clip to reduce cost but wools from other countries are also blended to meet specifications.