Roving and Combed Top: How To Tell the Difference

Wool that is already prepared for spinning can be found either carded (roving) or combed (combed top.) To complicate things, these words are often used interchangeably. So what do those words mean and how can you tell the difference between roving and combed top?

Let me give a short, easy answer. Real roving carded wool looks fluffy, puffy, and wooly. Combed top, which is now often referred to as roving is sleek, perfect, and uniform.