Viscose fibre

Viscose roving is fibre made from pulp derived from a variety of woods, including bamboo and eucalyptus. This plant fibre has a wonderful glossy lustre and is  a cost effective alternative to silk tops or roving.  Unlike silk, there is no static when using the fibre, which makes it less fiddly to use.

Sometimes referred to as artificial silk, one can use viscose tops to make faux silk paper, in paper making and a variety of fibre disciplines. As well as embellishing in ‘clouds’ or strands for subtle areas of sheen,  using it all over creates a sheen that you don’t get with wool alone. While the fibres themselves will not felt, their addition to felt adds strength and helps reduce pilling.

Viscose tops weigh approximately 25 gm/m and at 19 micron  marries well with our 19 micron wool.  For the best of both worlds, see our newly arrived and exlclusive UNIBLEND 50/50 mix of merino and viscose.

Being regenerated cellulose, viscose or rayon has properties similar to cotton and other cellulose fibres.  With no static, it has a soft smooth hand, drapes well and wicks moisture. In contrast to petroleum based synthetic fibres, viscose is environmentally friendly because of its natural and biodegradable qualities.

Combing of the viscose tops after dyeing makes it ready to use and easy to work with for felting or spinning. Unlike Bulgarian viscose which comes in circular uncombed hanks requiring some preparation before use.

We stock the whole range of 35 colours with additional colours arriving in the new year.  Dyeing House Gallery dyes the tops in house and comply with the  GOTS – the Global Organic Textile Standard.  Not only does a little fibre go a long way, this vegan fibre is also eco-friendly!