(see "Skirting a Fleece for Processing" training presentation, available on the AFCNA members website at www.afcna.com)

1. The purpose of skirting is to separate and remove lesser quality fiber, second cuts, contaminated fiber and as much foreign matter as practical from the higher quality fiber of a particular fleece.
2. The blanket should be placed on the preparation table and skirted for excessive variations (such as coarse britch), heavy medullation, abnormal staple length, second cuts, stain, excessive vegetable matter, etc. 
3. It is recommended that the skirting table be constructed with a 1 to 1 1/2" mesh on an 8' X 5' frame, so that second cuts and loose debris fall to the floor.

All blankets will be graded at the lowest quality of fiber in that bag.  Therefore, to obtain maximum value for your fleeces, you should skirt it by uniformity of fineness, color, and staple length.

Remove and discard:

1. Stains - all fiber that is stained from urine, dung, water and mud.
2. Check for and dispose of such contamination as:
• Excessive Vegetation, Hay, Seed Heads or burrs
• Gravel
• Wet fiber
• Cigarette butts
• Tooth trimming & toenail clipping
• Polypropylene Twine
• Moths or Mouse ridden fiber
• Insect bodies (beetles)
• Dung

Note: Rejection or substantial price discounts for your fiber will apply if excessive vegetable matter, stains, mud, wire, polypropylene twine or other foreign material remains in the fleece when delivered to the collection point.  Any bag of fleece containing moths, larvae, chiggers, or other such living critters will be incinerated on the spot! Wet fiber will also be rejected. Do not pack damp fiber; it mildews and gives off strong ammonia odor and will be thrown out.

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