Wool is a natural fiber that comes mainly from the wool of sheep, although it can also be obtained from other animals such as alpacas, Angora goats, and camels. It is widely used in the textile industry due to its unique properties.

Wool is known to be soft, warm and breathable. It has the ability to retain body heat, making it an excellent choice for outerwear and winter clothing. In addition, it is wrinkle resistant and has high moisture wicking capabilities, helping to keep skin dry and comfortable.

This natural fiber also has insulating properties, which means it can keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. In addition, wool is fire resistant and has the ability to self-regulate its temperature, making it ideal for safety and protective clothing.

Another outstanding characteristic of wool is its ability to absorb and release moisture, which helps regulate body temperature and keep you feeling dry. This makes it a popular choice for sportswear and outdoor clothing.

Wool is also prized for its durability and resistance to abrasion, making it suitable for frequently worn garments that must withstand daily wear and tear. Furthermore, it is a versatile fiber that can be dyed in a wide variety of colors and can be used for a wide range of products from clothing to blankets, rugs and home accessories.

In summary, wool is a natural fiber with unique properties that make it appreciated in the textile industry. Its softness, warmth, breathability, strength, and ability to regulate temperature make it a popular choice for a wide variety of garments and products.

There are different types of wool, each with its specific characteristics and properties. Next, I will mention some of the most common types of wool:

1. Sheep wool: It is the most common and widely used type. Sheep's wool is soft, warm and durable. It can be found in different varieties, such as Merino, Shetland, Corriedale, among others, each with its own characteristics of softness, fineness, and fiber length.
2. Alpaca wool: It comes from alpacas, animals native to the Andes. Alpaca wool is extremely soft, light and warm. It has excellent thermal insulation capacity and is waterproof.
3. Llama wool: Llama wool is similar to alpaca wool in terms of softness and warmth. It is known for its strength and durability.
4. Angora wool: It comes from Angora goats. It is a fine, soft and light fiber. Angora wool is famous for its softness and shine, but it is also more delicate and requires special care.
5. Cashmere wool: It is a luxurious and soft fiber obtained from cashmere goats. Cashmere wool is prized for its exceptional warmth and softness.

These are just a few examples of the most common types of wool, but there are many others, such as yak wool, mohair (obtained from Angora goats), vicuña wool (a very fine and valuable fiber), among others. Each type of wool has its own characteristics of softness, warmth, durability and fineness, making them suitable for different applications and preferences of knitters and crafters.

The choice of wool will depend on the type of project and your preferences. Consider the thickness of the yarn (indicated on the label or pattern), softness, color, and texture. It is always recommended to take a sample of the fabric before starting the project to ensure that the yarn meets your expectations in terms of appearance and drape of the fabric.