What's the difference between Wool Roving and Top fiber preparation?

Wool roving and wool top are both preparations of wool fiber, but they differ in how the fibers are organized and processed:

Wool Top:

• Fibers are combed and arranged parallel to each other in a continuous rope-like preparation
• Created through combing, which removes shorter fibers and aligns the remaining long fibers
• Has a smooth, lustrous appearance
• Fibers all run in the same direction
• Spins into a smooth, strong yarn with less air trapped between fibers
• Better for worsted-style spinning

Wool Roving:

• Fibers are carded and arranged in a more random, fluffy preparation
• Created through carding, which blends fibers but doesn't strictly align them
• Has a loftier, more textured appearance
• Fibers run in various directions with some parallel alignment
• Spins into yarn with more air trapped, creating a softer, warmer fabric
• Better for woolen-style spinning

The key difference is in fiber alignment: top has very parallel fibers while roving has more randomly arranged fibers. This affects both the spinning process and the final yarn characteristics. Top produces smoother, stronger yarn, while roving creates fluffier, warmer yarn with more elasticity.

Both are popular for hand spinning, but your choice depends on the type of yarn and fabric characteristics you want to achieve.

Shop our premium wool roving collection, featuring hand-selected merino, Corriedale, and specialty breed fibers. Our professionally combed roving tops and expertly blended fiber preparations are perfect for spinning luxurious yarn, wet felting, needle felting, and blending projects.

Choose from our extensive range of vibrant hand-dyed colors, natural undyed options, and unique fiber blends including silk, alpaca, and bamboo combinations. Each roving is carefully processed to maintain optimal staple length and crimp, ensuring smooth spinning and consistent felting results.

Whether you're a beginner spinner learning your first singles or an experienced fiber artist creating complex colorwork yarns, our roving delivers the quality and preparation you need. From fine 19-micron merino for delicate shawls to robust corriedale for everyday yarns, find the perfect fiber weight and texture for your creative vision.

Browse our collection below to discover premium wool roving that elevates your spinning wheel projects, drop spindle work, and felting creations.