What’s in a Name? Understanding Wet Felted Sheep Fleece Rugs (And Why They’re Not “Vegan”)
There’s something wonderfully grounding about working with raw fleece — the textures, the scent, the connection to the sheep it came from. I’ve been making wet felted sheep fleece rugs for years, and I’ve loved seeing more people discover the beauty of these natural wool creations.
But lately, I’ve noticed a few curious labels popping up online and at markets:
“Vegan rugs”
“Vegetarian sheepskins”
“Living rugs”
Now, I get where these names are coming from. People want to highlight the fact that the fleece comes from live, well-cared-for sheep — and I fully support raising awareness of ethical wool. But here’s the thing: these rugs are not vegan, and they’re not “vegetarian sheepskins” either. Let’s take a closer look at why naming matters — and what these rugs actually are.
What Is a Wet Felted Sheep Fleece Rug?
These rugs are made from shorn sheep’s wool — fleece that’s been carefully removed from the sheep as part of their normal care. Sheep need to be shorn regularly to stay healthy and comfortable, and the fleece grows back each year.
I take that raw fleece, full of locks and natural texture, and felt it by hand onto a wool base. This is called wet felting — using warm water, soap, pressure, and friction to bind the fibres into a strong, flexible backing. The result is a thick, lush rug with loads of character, warmth, and connection to the animal it came from.
You’ll see in the photos below how the back of the rug is fully felted — it’s not a hide or pelt, but a living sheep’s fleece that’s been transformed using only traditional feltmaking techniques.
Why These Rugs Aren’t Vegan or Vegetarian
Wool is a natural animal fibre. It grows on sheep, much like hair grows on us. Although the sheep are absolutely alive and well (and often quite pleased to be rid of their heavy coats!), wool is still an animal-derived material — and that means it’s not vegan.
Terms like “vegetarian sheepskin” are also confusing. A sheepskin, by definition, is the entire pelt, fleece and skin included. What I make are fleece rugs — the wool only, no skin, no slaughter involved. Calling them vegetarian sheepskins is well-meaning, but not technically correct.
And as for “living rug”… well, unless it gets up and walks off, the rug itself isn’t living. The sheep it came from, absolutely. But the rug? Not so much.
Let’s Call It What It Is
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to highlight ethical, animal-friendly practices — I’m all for that! But the best way to do it is with accurate, respectful language. I suggest calling these:
Wet felted sheep fleece rugs, or
Wet felted fleece rugs made from shorn wool
These names honour the sheep, the process, and the tradition of working with raw fleece. They also help customers make informed decisions, especially those who are trying to align their purchases with their values.
Why I Love Making These Rugs
Each fleece is unique — some tight and curly, some long and flowing. When I make a rug, I’m preserving that character while creating something durable and beautiful. There’s no skin involved, no stitching, no synthetic backing. Just fleece, felted into felt, using time-honoured techniques and a good bit of elbow grease.
I’ll be adding photos below so you can see the wet felted backing and the incredible texture of these pieces. They’re tactile, earthy, and full of life — not “living,” but very much alive in spirit.
In Summary:
- These rugs are made from shorn wool, not skins or pelts.
- No animals are harmed, but the wool is still an animal fibre — so not vegan or vegetarian.
- Let’s call them wet felted fleece rugs and appreciate them for what they are:
Natural, handmade, sustainable, and full of character.
Thanks for taking the time to read, and I hope this helps clear up some of the confusion around naming. If you’ve got questions, or want to learn more about the process, feel free to leave a comment or get in touch.
