• Sheepskin Products
    • Our Services & Fees
    • Hide Preparation
    • Submission Forms
  • Wholesale Sheepskin
  • Sheepskin Care
  • Blog
    • Our Story
    • In The News
    • Review Us
    • Contact
Menu

Driftless Tannery

109 River Street
Argyle, WI
6086302960
Beautiful Sheepskin, Naturally

Driftless Tannery

  • Sheepskin Products
  • Tannery Service
    • Our Services & Fees
    • Hide Preparation
    • Submission Forms
  • Wholesale Sheepskin
  • Sheepskin Care
  • Blog
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • In The News
    • Review Us
    • Contact

What are sheepskins used for?

March 7, 2023 Driftless Tannery

Tanning goes back centuries when people utilized animal pelts to create shelter, clothing, blankets, carriers, and more. With the domestication of sheep and goats, people began to utilize these readily sources for leather and wool over game hides.

Wool breed sheepskin hides, in particular, are relished for their signature qualities:

  • thermal regulating (cooling and warming as needed)

  • insulating

  • cushioning

  • friction reducing proteins in the fiber structure

  • varying densities depending on breed

  • soft and smooth to the touch

  • naturally oiled with lanolin to be dirt resistant

  • antimicrobial and hypoallergenic

  • flame resistant

  • spiritually grounding/connecting

  • naturally beautiful

For all of these reasons, sheepskins can be used in a variety of ways throughout the home.

As modern clothing, sheepskins can be cut and sewn to adorn an outfit by making custom, decorative (and insulating)

  • shoulder shawls

  • linings for hoods

  • mittens and other garments

As a whole hide, sheepskins add comfort and natural elements to our homes as rugs and bed throws.

Functionally, the thermal regulating attributes of wool make it a great space to relax on the ground without feeling the cold of the floor or as a cushion for a chair, bench, or stool.

Further, a thick wool hide set on top of your blankets at night can serve as a natural weighted blanket with the added benefit of keeping you both cool or warm while you sleep.

The dense, soft fibers can help further cushion a piece of furniture that may need a little something more to really make it comfortable, like

  • on the back of a rocking chair

  • the corner or back of a couch

  • the seat of a recliner

  • the back of a car seat

  • the base of an office chair

  • the top of a bench and more

The antimicrobial properties of wool, plus a layer of friction reducing proteins, naturally cushioning fiber structure, and hypoallergenic properties make sheepskins especially helpful in medical situations

  • as cushions for wheelchairs/on beds to relieve and prevent bed sores

  • to provide pressure point relief for problematic joints/nerves

  • to serve as a natural fiber for individuals with sensitive skin or sensory needs

Sheepskin hides make great places for babies to spend some tummy time or for children to rest on while they read and relax in their own spaces. The use of sheepskin rugs is encouraged in parenting and teaching methods like Montessori.

We’ve used them in our own homes to add

  • cushion to a wood bench

  • a natural weighted blanket to a sleeping space

  • a splash of color to a room

  • texture to a living space

  • a cozy rug in front of a couch or open hall

  • warmth and comfort to a room

  • new life to an antique or non-cushioned piece of furniture

  • a grounding, peaceful space to meditate or relax

Wool is also naturally flame resistant, so it can be placed near a fireplace for added comfort.

Pets seem to love them, too, for all the same reasons we do. Often, dogs and cats will find themselves curled up, enjoying the cushion and comfort these hides provide, naturally.

Do you have a sheepskin in your home? How do you use it? Comment below; we’d love to hear.

← Why Bark Tan?

Hours of Operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm*

*We are a small workshop and hours are subject to change. Please call ahead if you are traveling a distance.

608-630-2960

driftlesstannery@gmail.com