Why Wool Fabric Made in the USA Matters

Quality, Heritage, and Local Impact

When you choose wool fabric made in the USA, you are selecting more than just a textile. You are choosing high-quality wool fabric that reflects generations of craftsmanship, supports local industries, and prioritizes sustainability. For consumers, designers, manufacturers, and businesses, sourcing American-made wool fabric offers unmatched advantages in quality, ethics, and environmental responsibility. Pendleton is a trusted leader in this space. With over a century of weaving experience, Pendleton wool fabric and Pendleton wool blankets are crafted in the company’s family-owned mills in Oregon and Washington. To see examples of this commitment to quality and heritage, visit Pendleton’s wool fabric and blankets collection.

The Legacy of Wool Fabric in the USA

Wool production in the United States dates back to colonial times, with early sheep farming forming a key part of American agriculture. As the country expanded westward, so did wool production, especially in regions like the Pacific Northwest. Pendleton’s story begins in 1863 with English weaver Thomas Kay, whose expertise laid the foundation for what would become Pendleton Woolen Mills. The Pendleton, Oregon mill opened in 1909, followed by the Washougal, Washington mill in 1912. These mills remain active today and are among the few vertically integrated woolen mills in the country. This means Pendleton oversees every step of wool processing, from sourcing and dyeing to weaving and finishing, ensuring high-quality wool fabric at every stage.

Why Choose Wool Fabric Made in the USA?

Wool fabric made in the USA stands out for its quality, traceability, and support of local economies. First, the entire production process is managed under strict quality controls, which means the scouring, carding, spinning, dyeing, weaving and finishing are all executed to exacting standards. Pendleton’s mills have earned the STeP by OEKO-TEX certification, ensuring compliance with environmental, social, and safety standards. Second, supporting American-made wool fabric means supporting local jobs, farms, and rural communities. Pendleton provides employment at its Oregon and Washington mills, preserving regional skills and traditions. Third, American-made wool fabric involves a shorter supply chain, reducing the carbon footprint associated with international shipping. Fourth, transparency is easier to maintain when sourcing domestically. Customers can trace the wool’s origins and understand the environmental and labor practices behind the fabric.

Benefits of Wool Fabric for Sustainability and Performance

Wool is a naturally insulating, breathable, and moisture-wicking fiber. High-quality wool fabric offers thermal regulation, odor resistance, and long-term durability. These attributes make wool ideal for clothing, upholstery, and home textiles. Wool fabric for clothing performs well in jackets, flannels, outerwear, and tailored garments. Wool fabric for upholstery adds durability and visual texture to furniture and cushions. Additionally, wool is a renewable resource that sheep produce annually. Unlike synthetic fabrics, wool is biodegradable and naturally decomposes at the end of its life cycle. Pendleton’s Eco-Wise Wool line uses non-toxic, biodegradable dyes and is Cradle to Cradle Certified, providing customers with sustainable wool fabric options.

Pendleton Wool Fabric and the American-Made Advantage

Pendleton has been family-owned for six generations and continues to operate its original mills. The company offers a variety of wool fabric options by the yard, including 100 percent wool fabric and blanket-weight textiles. Pendleton’s Eco-Wise Wool fabrics are machine-washable, environmentally responsible, and certified to meet high safety and sustainability standards. Pendleton wool fabric also reflects the brand’s heritage with patterns inspired by Indigenous designs and historical archives. With complete control over the sourcing and manufacturing process, Pendleton ensures consistent quality and ethical production across its product lines.

Applications for Wool Fabric in Clothing, Upholstery and Home Textiles

Designers and small business makers turn to wool fabric for clothing because it offers structure, durability, and a timeless aesthetic. Accessories like scarves, bags, and hats benefit from the warmth and character of heritage wool fabric. For home goods, wool blankets, throws, and upholstery made from American-made wool fabric deliver both function and style. Pendleton wool blankets are a prime example of high-quality wool fabric transformed into heirloom-quality home products. For B2B buyers and commercial manufacturers, sourcing American-made wool fabric provides the added value of supporting domestic supply chains, ensuring material consistency, and aligning with sustainability goals.

FAQs About Wool Fabric

Can you wash wool fabric or wool blankets?
The answer is (usually) no.  Pendleton’s traditional wool blankets and fabric should only be dry-cleaned. Washing can cause shrinkage and ruin it. These products will have a care label with “Dry Clean” on it.

The exception is the Easy Care washable Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool® blankets and our Umatilla Wool. With these blankets and shirts, the answer to “Can I wash a wool blanket or shirt?” is yes! You can machine wash an Easy Care wool blanket or Umatilla Wool shirt. Follow the care instructions for best results.

Can wool fabric be used year-round?
Yes, wool regulates temperature naturally. It keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer by wicking moisture and allowing airflow. Lightweight weaves are breathable, while heavier fabrics provide insulation in colder months.

Is wool fabric hypoallergenic?
Wool is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites, making it a good choice for people with sensitivities. However, some individuals may have skin sensitivity to certain wool types. Soft, fine wool or properly finished wool like Pendleton’s is often well tolerated.

Why does wool fabric last so long?
Wool fibers are naturally elastic and resilient. They can bend thousands of times without breaking, resist wear and stains, and maintain their shape. High-quality wool fabric, when properly cared for, can last for decades.

Is wool fabric itchy or uncomfortable?
Everyone has different personal sensitivity to wool fiber. Modern finishing techniques and finer grades of wool can reduce or eliminate the traditional itch factor. Pendleton wool fabrics are designed to offer comfort and wearability.

Does wool shrink?
Wool can cared for improperly. Some of Pendleton’s wool products are pre-treated to allow them to be washed. Care labels provide instructions for safe washing.

Why does American-made wool fabric cost more?
The higher cost reflects better labor practices, environmentally responsible production, and longer-lasting materials. Over time, these benefits often outweigh the initial investment.

How sustainable is American-made wool fabric?

American-made wool fabric often has a lower environmental impact due to shorter supply chains, better regulatory oversight, and responsible manufacturing practices like those followed by Pendleton.

Shop American-Made Wool Fabric from Pendleton 

Choosing wool fabric made in the USA means supporting quality, heritage, sustainability, and local industry. Pendleton continues to set the standard with its high-quality wool fabric and wool blankets, offering customers a product that is both beautiful and responsibly made. Whether you are sourcing wool fabric for clothing, upholstery, or home goods, Pendleton provides a trusted solution. Explore Pendleton’s wool blankets collection to experience the best in American-made wool textiles.