You might have seen my earlier thread inquiring about good places to buy wool. I was thinking ready-to-work-with wool, and a generous member is actually sending me some scraps.
But there were also folks who suggested thrift stores.

While running errands today I went in a charity shop that sells everything from books to curtains, shoes to appliances, and clothing to video tapes.

I bought 8 men's jackets, all wool, for $7. So... Now what? I have to wash them in hot water, then dry them, right? Should I use fabric softener? Do I cut them apart first? If I do that, wouldn't they ravel a lot?

Thank you for your help!

Wool in hot water turns to felt! I would do the cold water wash and lay flat to dry. Wool is woven so it will ravel. I would leave them whole until after washing. You might just want to soak them with a mild detergent.

I would definitely NOT use fabric softener. From what I've read, you want to wash in hot hot water and agitate as long as possible. I would not cut them apart until after. Are they 100% wool? What a great find!!

After reading the pp... I thought the OP wanted wool felt? That's the impression I got anyway.

You could be right about that. I have a wool suit to make for a client. Guess my head wasn't thinking about felting. LOL

Here's the thread the OP was talking about when she asked about buying wool. Still doesn't say felt but since it's applique I think it would be. I am going to check out the stores in the thread too.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-151960-1.htm

What one does to just wash wool fabric to clean it and have it stay approximately the way it was before washing

and how one treats it to "felt" it -

two completely different treatments.

Probably should find what the original poster has in mind ??

This link was on one of the websites linked in the above thread:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2074433_felt-wool.html

I think the hotter the water, and the most agitation produces felt. To wash wool, you need cool water, and very gentle handling.

when i purchase wool jackets to use from thrift stores/yard sales i take them apart- remove buttons- what ever take the linings out- then wash them in hot water- and detergent-rinse in cold water then dry in a hot dryer- then it is ready to use for what ever i'm going to use it for- wool appliques- patchwork- hooked rugs, purses- what ever i am using it for-
you can also over-dye your wools in you want.