Teasels

Teasels are a thistle like plant that have, historically, played an integral part in the finishing process of woven goods and are still used today.

Above are photographs of the teasel plant, Dipsacus Fullonum, growing in the Mill Garden this summer. 

Knockando Woolmill has its very own Teasel Gig which can be found in the Old Mill building.

Made by G W Tomlinson of Huddersfield in 1870, the Teasel Gig is a large drum covered with rods and filled with teasels.

At least 4000 teasel heads are required for one teasel gig.

The centre drum of the gig revolves at high speed and the cloth is then brought close to it, raising the pile.

The seed heads of teasels have a small barb on the end and fluff up the cloth as it passes over them.  

Teasels have been used to finish cloth for centuries and they produce the finest finish. They are still used for fine fibres such as cashmere and vicuna. 

The Mill’s Teasel Gig is no longer in use, however, Graeme Stewart, whose father, Duncan, worked in the Mill for many years recalls…

 'The Teasel Gig (my father called it The Raiser) was used for many years to “fluff” the blankets. All the blankets my Father produced got the Teasel treatment - one side raised then turned round and then the other side raised. This was done before the blanket length (eight pairs) was cut into individual blankets.'