How to Felt Wool

If you have ever tossed a wool sweater into the washing machine and dryer, then you have successfully, albeit unintentionally, felted wool. Crafters use felted wool to produce a variety of products ranging from potholders to pin cushions to purses, and it is quickly becoming a popular medium in which to work. Luckily, the process for felting wool is quite simple.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 100 percent wool fabric
• 2 large bowls
• 1/4 cup detergent
• Dryer, optional

1. Select a piece of fabric made of 100 percent animal fibers. Sheep's wool is the most common, although the hair from any long-haired animal, such as a llama or alpaca, will work.

2. Fill a large bowl with hot water and dissolve ¼ cup of detergent. Prepare another large bowl with ice-cold water.

3. Submerge the wool fabric into the bowl of hot water, and agitate the fibers by rubbing them together vigorously.

4. Wring as much water out of the wool fabric as possible. Repeat the agitation process in the bowl of cold water.

5. Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 until the wool felts, usually 5 or 6 times.

6. Toss the felted wool into the dryer on high heat, or lay flat to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop flea markets and thrift stores to find wool garments to felt.

• Be sure to select 100 percent wool, as synthetic blends do not felt.

• You can also felt wool in the washing machine by selecting a hot wash and cold rinse cycle. Place the item in a zippered mesh bag and agitate against another heavy garment, such as a pair of jeans.

Resources

• Read more about how to felt wool in a washing machine.
• Read more about how to felt wool.