Questions

Frequently asked questions

How can I order?

  1. The WolletjeBol webshop opens every first day of the month at 09.00 AM (CET +1).
  2. As soon as the maximum number of orders for the month is reached, the webshop closes.
  3. Your order will be made and shipped that same month.
  4. On the first day of the next month the webshop will open again for new orders.

DIY material, sample card and gift vouchers can be ordered throughout the month.

Read more about why we work this way.

What's the difference between Midi Cotton and Big Cotton?

Both types of cotton are made in the same way : it is a “tube” of certified organic cotton, filled with synthetic filling. The colors are also the same. The only difference is the thickness.
Big Cotton is about 28 mm thick, Midi Cotton 18 mm. Midi is a slightly thinner version of the Big Cotton. Because Midi Cotton is a bit thinner, the loops are smaller and it looks a bit more ‘delicate’. A plaid is therefore more supple and flexible. The look of Midi is similar to a woollen plaid, Big Cotton looks even thicker than a chunky woollen plaid. So if you are going for maximum chunky cotton with a ‘bulky’ look, then Big Cotton is the best choice. You will also find under the section “Inspiration” some pictures where you can see the difference. 

/expand]

How can I determine the quality and softness of the woolen plaids online?Surprisingly enough, it’s very easy to determine the quality of the wool product that you want to purchase online. The fineness and quality of the wool is expressed in microns. The golden rule is: the lower the better. With a lower number of microns, the wool is softer and of a better quality. Most people suffer from jitters when the wool fibers are thicker than 28 microns. Most of the plaids that you find online are around 27 microns.

WolletjeBol makes her plaids with 100% high quality merino wool. All our merino wool is of the highest quality, 19 microns! This wool is of extremely high quality, so that you can keep your plaid beautiful longer and fall in love with its softness. You can also read more in our blog: 5 tips on buying a chunky knit throw online.

What is the delivery time of my order?

Delivery time varies by season and depends on how busy it is. The webshop opens every 1st day of the month, and your order will be made and shipped in that month. Sample cards and DIY materials are shipped within 2 working days. You will always receive a track and trace code to follow your shipment. We ship with PostNL, so your order will usually arrive within 24 hours. For international orders it is good to take into account a longer delivery time. Do you have a gift deadline? Please send us a message and we will see what we can do for you.

Can I return my product?

Yes, with the exception of customization in colors and sizes. Each product is only made when you order, by hand. Still, you can return the products that you order via the webshop within 14 days. The costs of returning the goods are at your own expense. In case of doubt about the color you can always order a sample in advance, the amount you pay for it will be refunded as a discount on your order!

What is the difference between a cotton or wool product?

In terms of appearance, the two materials resemble each other, because they both have the ‘chunky knit’ look. But the practical difference is big. The organic merino wool is incredibly soft, light and airy, and needs good care and maintenance to keep it beautiful for as long as possible. If it is used to build huts or as a cat-bed on a daily basis, it is visible in the wool. It shows fluff, so it takes more time to cut it off and keep your plaid beautiful. The chunky cotton, on the other hand, is incredibly strong and washable. So in practice it can be used in any environment, even if there are many hands or paws on it every day. Cotton is heavier and less soft than wool (but not rough!), which you notice when you lie under it or when you want to style the product.

How do you get from tangled wool to a chunky knit plaid?

Before your wool is a beautiful throw, a lot needs to be done. After the sheep has been shaved, the wool is washed, (largely) degreased and’ carded’. Carding means that the fibres are disentangled, so that the wool can be combed in one direction. It also removes the last remaining dirt. After making strands from it, the process for the uncolored wool stops here. The white and taupe grey wool is uncolored, not bleached and therefore minimally treated. The colored wool then goes through a paint bath.

By hand, this beautiful wool is knitted into a plaid and slightly felted. Felting is a way to make the wool firmer. A party to do, and to make you happy with the result! 

What does it mean that my plaid is' made to order'?

A woollen or cotton chunky knitted item can be made in many sizes, there are also many beautiful colors. Because infinite choice doesn’t make it any easier, you will find a standard selection of sizes and colors on this site. ‘Made to order’ means that there is no stock; your plaid is made especially on your request.

Are you looking for a specific color or size that is no shown online? Just send us a message with your requested color and size, so together we can find your perfect match.

What about animal welfare and the environment?

Animal welfare plays a major role in the choice of materials. Very important: for a woolen plaid only the wool of the sheep is used. Not the skin. It sounds logical, that means that there is no need to kill sheep for the wool. The label on the garment is also animal-friendly. The label is made of a soft imitation leather.

Maybe you’ve heard of it ever before: mulesing. This is the term used for serious cruelty to animals: cutting away skin around the back of a sheep. This is a method to prevent an infection by flying (myiasis) that is often fatal to sheep. Because of their deep skin folds, merino sheep are particularly sensitive to these infections in warmer areas. Mulesing is a painful treatment that, for cost reasons, is usually carried out without anaesthesia. Appalling and unacceptable of course!

Luckily, worldwide, the exclusion of sheep farmers who work in this way is becoming increasingly important. In South America, where much of our wool used comes from, mulesing is not common practice. Because of the cooler climate and because the South American merino’s skin folds are less deep, mulesing is not necessary to fight myasis infections. This also applies to the undyed merino from New Zealand. We are always looking for the combination of the best quality at the most animal-friendly conditions. The lack of a quality mark for merino wool and the long trade routes in the textile industry sometimes make this difficult.

All wool is dyed in Europe according to the Oeko-kotex-100 standard. To comply with this standard, a company must demonstrate that the chemicals used in the dying of the wool or cotton are not harmful or dangerous to the environment or your health.

All 19 micron plaids are made of organic merino wool. This merino wool has the GOTS trademark. Also, our chunky cotton are certified organic. The cotton is filled with synthetic filling fibers. Like the EKO label, GOTS uses 100% organic raw materials. Throughout the chain – from harvesting raw materials, through socially responsible production to labelling, packaging and distribution – the strict standard for organic textiles is met. This worldwide standard includes the use of environmentally friendly chemicals and water purification at the factories. GOTS certification also requires compliance with social criteria during handling and processing. Think for example of minimum wages, a ban on child labour and a safe and hygienic working environment.

How should I maintain my woolen throw?

Your woolen plaid (or pillow) is handmade from merino wool, a beautiful natural product. This includes specific characteristics. If your chunky knitted plaid or pillow is just made, the wool is still fresh. The wool is not twisted together as is the case for clothing. So the wool is still completely pure and’ fluffy’ – with the exception of washing, combing and possibly painting. This gives it the softness and volume that makes it feel incredibly nice. But be careful, this also requires good care from you. To keep your product as beautiful as possible, you should be careful with it. The more intense or rough you use it, the more you see it.

It is normal for the wool to become ever closer over time. The wool felts under your hands, as it were. The adhesion of the wool ensures that you can see fluff here and there. This is normal for wool, and very much depends on how intensively you use the plaid. Fluffs you don’t want can be cut off, it’s better not to pull them on.

With your order comes a WoolWise, which also contains instructions and tips for care and maintenance.

Can I wash my throw?

Wool is naturally dirt repellent. That’s a good thing, since airing is often enough to get your plaid fresh again. Washing is not recommended. This causes the wool to lose its airiness and volume. Steaming can always be done, or hang your plaid outside on a fresh moist morning. Preferably in the snow, but there aren’t many days that’s possible 😉 Do you have no other option than to wash your plaid? Do it with cold water and not too long, because wool shrinks very quickly. Cotton is washable, at around 30-40 degrees. Keep an eye on the maximum volume your machine can handle, because a large cotton product can get really heavy when soaked with water.

Can I see the throws in real life?

Yes, you can! But.. at the moment, only in The Netherlands.  

Another must if you can read Dutch (or just look at the great pictures 😉 : the experiences with a chunky knit plaid of WolletjeBol in these blogs/vlogs:

Scroll to top