What Is RWS (Responsible Wool Standard)? A Guide for Conscious Crafters

At Knitted Clouds, we believe that beautiful wool should come with a beautiful story—one that respects animals, people, and the planet. That’s why we’re proud to offer yarns that are certified under the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).

But what exactly does RWS-certified wool mean? Why does it matter for conscious crafters, and how does it compare to other standards? In this blog, we’ll take you through what RWS really covers, how it supports better practices in the wool industry, and why it’s worth looking for in your yarn.

What Is the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)?

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a voluntary global certification that ensures wool comes from farms that:

• Treat their sheep humanely

• Protect the environment

• Ensure transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain

Created by Textile Exchange, RWS is designed to give brands and consumers confidence that the wool they’re using meets strict ethical and environmental criteria.

🐑 What RWS Stands for: Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is at the heart of RWS. The certification ensures that:
✅ Sheep are treated with respect and care at all stages of life
✅ Mulesing is strictly prohibited
✅ Animals have access to shelter, clean water, and appropriate nutrition
✅ No procedures are allowed that cause unnecessary pain or distress
✅ Farmers must follow low-stress handling practices and are audited regularly

This means that RWS-certified wool isn’t just soft and high-quality—it also comes from sheep that are respected and well-cared for.

🌱 What RWS Stands for: Land Management & Sustainability

RWS also sets standards for how land is treated. This includes:
🌍 Rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing and maintain soil health
🌿 Encouraging biodiversity and protecting native ecosystems
💧 Managing water use and runoff to prevent pollution
🚫 Prohibiting harmful land practices such as deforestation or chemical overuse

In short, RWS-certified wool supports sustainable farming that works with the land—not against it.

🔍 What RWS Stands for: Traceability & Transparency

One of the key strengths of the RWS is its chain of custody requirement.
This means:
✅ Every stage—from the farm to the yarn mill to the store—is documented and certified
✅ Wool is kept separate from non-certified wool throughout the entire supply chain
✅ Consumers can be confident they’re getting exactly what’s promised

Traceability is crucial in a world where greenwashing is common. With RWS, you can trust that the wool you’re using really does come from responsible sources.

💡 Why Choose RWS-Certified Wool?

Choosing RWS wool means you're supporting:

✔️ High animal welfare standards
✔️ Environmentally sustainable farming
✔️ Fair and transparent supply chains
✔️ Better practices across the entire wool industry

It’s a way to align your crafting with your values—whether you're making a gift, a garment, or a treasured piece of slow fashion.

🧶 How We Represent RWS Wool at Knitted Clouds

At Knitted Clouds, we believe certifications should stand for something real. That’s why we’re proud to offer yarns that are RWS-certified, ensuring:

🐑 No mulesing
🌾 Responsible land stewardship
🔍 Full transparency from farm to fiber

We work with brands and mills that are committed to traceable, ethical production, and we’re always happy to share more about the origins of our wool—whether it carries a certification or not.

✨ Final Thoughts: Choosing Better Wool, One Stitch at a Time

The Responsible Wool Standard isn’t just a label—it’s a framework for doing better. For the sheep. For the soil. For future generations.

By choosing RWS-certified wool, you’re not just making something beautiful—you’re making a choice that supports responsible, regenerative practices in the fiber industry.

At Knitted Clouds, we’re here to help you make choices you can feel good about.

🧶 Want to discover yarns you can trust? Browse our RWS-certified collection here!