Portuguese burel | boiled wool in stripes of brown and grey shades

ABOUT BUREL: Burel is a boiled pure wool craft fabric produced following time-honoured traditions in the mountainous Serra da Estrela region of Portugal. Used by mountain residents and shepherds, it’s somewhat like felt but has a more rustic feel. Unlike regular felt, Burel is both woven and felted, making it tougher and resistant. The edges don’t need finishing since it won’t unravel. It’s also waterproof, fire-resistant, and one of the strongest fabrics globally.

HOW IT IS MADE: The making process is unique. Wool gets washed, spun, woven, and the wool fabric goes through a process called “pisoagem,” where it gets pounded and scalded, similar to felting. In the old days, the final step was letting Burel dry in the sun.

HOW TO USE: Versatile and durable, this material is perfect for a wide range of creative projects. It can be used to create jackets, capes, cardigans, bags, backpacks, belts, berets, and necklaces. Its durability also makes it an excellent choice for blankets, rugs, pillows, and various home decor projects. Moreover, with its exceptional acoustic and thermal properties, this material has found its way into architectural projects