Topmaking mills make ''wool top'', a semi-processed product from raw
wool
Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and other mammals, especially goats, rabbits, and camelids. The term may also refer to inorganic materials, such as mineral wool and glass wool, that have some properties similar to animal w ...
. The process requires that the wool be scoured (washed) and combed and sorted. The longer fibers resulting from the process are called tops, and are in a form ready for spinning. To be closer to customers, some of the industry has moved from Australia, Europe and the US to China. Many American and British companies produce high quality wool top in from sheep wool and fiber; most work with the fleece from cleaning it to hand dying.
A topmaker is an old term for a person engaged in the process.
Spinning
Wool industry
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