It takes 22 steps and at least 12 skilled artisans to craft a Faribault Mill product from start to finish. Throughout the process, dozens of expert eyes meticulously scan every inch of the product for flaws. At Faribault Mill, we uphold strict standards and expect nothing less than perfection. When minor imperfections are identified during production or inspection, the item is labeled as a "Factory Second." While these Factory Seconds don't meet the criteria for "first quality," they are made from the same premium fabric, with flaws so subtle they can be hard to spot-offered to you at a discount.

There are 16 different types of blemishes that can classify a wool item as a Factory Second. These flaws vary in severity and visibility, so for our Factory Seconds sales, we selected 8 of the most difficult-to-detect flaw categories to feature on our website.

• Over/Under Napped A flaw is classified as Over/Under Napped when a blanket receives either too much or too little napping. This can affect the clarity and texture of the blanket, causing it to deviate from the intended design.


• Edge Effect The flaw is classified as an Edge Effect when there is a change in the finishing of a blanket or throw. Example: A turned under hem on a first quality blanket may change to a whip stitch edging on a second quality blanket.


• Color Variation The flaw is classified as an Color Variation when there is a slight color blemish on the blanket. This type of factory second is most common on lighter colored products.


• Mis-weave A flaw is classified as a Mis-weave when a single yarn is out of place. In most cases, this results in an inconsistency in the weaving pattern of the yarn.


• Off Pattern A flaw is classified as Off-Pattern when a patterned style is woven incorrectly. Example: the plaid squares on our Heritage Plaid throw might be woven wider than expected.


• Fringe Defect A flaw is classified as a Fringe Defect when the fringe on a throw is either improperly twisted or the wrong length. This issue occurs only on throws with fringed edges.


• Off-size A flaw is classified as Off-Size when a product deviates from our size specifications by up to 4 inches larger or 1 inch smaller. Example: a Queen-size blanket, typically 90x96 inches, might measure 89x96, making it slightly narrower.


• Mixed Fill A flaw is classified as a Mixed Fill when incorrect fill colors are used, altering the overall appearance of the blanket’s color.

For our cotton products, there are 4 different types of blemishes that can classify an item as a Factory Second.

• Bad Selvage A flaw is classified as a Bad Selvage when the edge is not smooth. There is no material defect, it is just a visual blemish on the edge.


• Tight Lines A flaw is classified as Tight Lines when item is woven tighter than normal on the loom, creating a darker line on the blanket. There is no material defect, it is just a visual blemish.


• Too short A flaw is classified as Too Short when the blanket is between 2-5 inches shorter than expected.


• Discoloration A flaw is classified as Discoloration when the yarn shows uneven coloring, such as a two-tone effect or sun-bleached areas.

Yes we accept the return of factory seconds for a refund within 60 days of purchase provided that the item is in unused condition. A $15.00 shipping charge will be deducted.

Our customer service team will be happy to answer any additional questions. They can be reached at 507-412-5534 or customerservice@faribaultmill.com.

Free standard shipping on orders $150 and over shipping within the contiguous United States. Regular standard shipping rates apply for the following areas: Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. Expedited delivery services are available for all areas, continental and non-continental, for an additional charge. Faribault Mill reserves the right, in our sole discretion, to change our delivery policy and delivery fees at any time.

You can view our shipping policy in detail on our Shipping & Returns page.

Purchased items are typically shipped within one to five business days.

Most orders are shipped via UPS however some are shipped via USPS, mostly smaller packages. Orders with a PO Box ONLY (no street address) will ship via USPS. MUST HAVE A VALID ADDRESS. Please allow 1 to 2 weeks for delivery to arrive. If you still have not received your purchase after 3 weeks, please notify customerservice@faribaultmill.com.

We do our best to accommodate changes or corrections to orders, however it is not always possible to intercept an order already in process. Please email or call within 30 minutes of placing an order during customer service hours of 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday (CST) and we will do our best to assist you. You can reach us by calling 507-412-5534 or by email customerservice@faribaultmill.com

Producing goods of the finest quality material and workmanship has been the cornerstone of our company since 1865. Your complete satisfaction is very important to us. Should you encounter any defects in material or workmanship with your purchase, we will be more than happy to repair or replace it. See our return and exchange policy below.

Orders may be returned for a full refund within 60 days of shipment, provided that the condition of the item returned is consistent with the condition originally shipped and received upon purchase. A $15.00 shipping charge will be deducted from your refund.

Proof of purchase, including your original order number, is required for all returns. We will credit your original method of payment for the merchandise purchase price. To generate a free prepaid return label visit our return label portal here here 24 hours a day or contact customer service through email at customerservice@faribaultmill.com or phone at 1.507.412.5534 to request one.

Purchases from retail store locations may also be returned or exchanged within 60 days at any of our store locations.

You can read more HERE.

Natural and renewable

Recyclable and biodegradable

Year-round comfort

Easy care

Read more about the benefits of wool HERE.

Wool is the original miracle fiber. It’s naturally stain, wrinkle and water-resistant, so our products rarely need cleaning. In fact the best way to refresh your woolens is the natural way: Simply shake or gently brush the woolens and hang them outdoors.

Dry Clean Only Products: Dry cleaning is recommended. You can also hand wash in cold water with a mild cleaning agent designed for wool. Hand wash does not mean the Gentle or Hand Wash cycle in a washing machine, as the agitation can cause the fibers to interlock. Line dry, taking care to rotate the woolen to prevent stretching. Iron only on low, only if necessary. Do not bleach. If these instructions aren’t followed significant shrinkage and a change in texture could occur.

Machine Wash Products: Machine wash cold, separately, on a gentle cycle. A gentle cleaning agent designed for wool is recommended. Side load washing machines are the gentlest. Line drying taking care to rotate the woolen to prevent stretching. Iron only on low, only if necessary. Do not use fabric softener, as it can increase pilling. Do not bleach.

Read more about caring for your Faribault Woolen Mill products HERE

If a blanket, throw or scarf wrinkles you can simply hang it for a day and wrinkles will smooth out, usually within 24 hours. Woolens can also be ironed on a low setting or carefully steamed.

Pilling is caused by wool fibers becoming intertwined on the surface of the woolen as a result of wear or abrasion, even with gentle use. The finer the wool, the more susceptible it is to pilling. A lint brush or nylon-bristled garment brush are the most effective way to remove pills. Brush in the same direction, along the length of the woolen. Regular, gentle brushing can prevent most pilling.

Selection: The woolen process begins with the selection of the highest quality imported and domestic fleeces. Each bail is sampled and checked for quality, providing the base of making the finest woolen products.

Dyeing: Loose fiber, intended for use in patterned or plaid products is stock dyed in large vats after washing. If fiber is dyed after being woven into fabric it is piece dyed. Half art and half science, only the highest quality colorfast dyes are used in the dyeing process to assure consistency.

Carding: The carding machine, performing somewhat like a mechanical wire brush, blends various types of raw wool or exotic fibers, removes excess matter and aligns each fiber in the same direction. Fibers come off the carding machine in loosely twisted strands called roving.

Spinning: Rolls of roving are placed on the spinning frame. The ends of roving are drawn through small rollers, The fibers are then stretched slightly and twisted as they are wound onto spinning bobbins to make strong yarn.

Weaving: Woven fabric is produced by intertwining two sets of yarn at right angles. The warp yarn travels lengthwise through the loom. The fill yarn is threaded through alternating raised and lowered strands of warp yarn.

See more HERE