How to Process Raw Wool Into Wearable Art
Many wearable art projects can be completed from raw wool. The wool can be processed by felting, knitting, crochet or by using the raw wool in a weaving project. Raw wool has an advantage over yarn in that it has no dyes or additives, so it can be molded to any purpose, dyed any color, and it can take any shape. Wool can be obtained directly from farms or from stores that specialize in fiber projects, such as knitting stores and stores that cater to wool spinners. Online sources of raw wool will lead to these types of stores as well as back to the farms.
The word "wool" usually refers to wool from a sheep, but other fiber animals provide wool that can be used in art projects. Domestic alpacas provide very soft wool that is wonderful for use in hats and scarves, and for children's sweaters. The alpaca wool is lightweight and felts easily.
Things You'll Need
- Raw wool
- Large pot of water
- Stove
- Gentle soap
- Dyes
- Felting needles
- Knitting needles
- Crochet hooks
- Loom
Instructions
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After obtaining the wool, it needs to be washed. Place the wool in a large pot with warm water. Use a detergent that is specific for gentle fibers. The type used to wash lingerie is appropriate if you do not find any specialized soaps in the place you purchased the fiber. Soak the fiber for 15 minutes or longer if it is very dirty, but do not stir or it will felt. Gently lift the fiber from the water and place in the sink. Fill the pot again with warm water and gently replace the fiber in the pot. Again, do not agitate, but let the fiber soak for another five minutes. Repeat one more time, or until the soap is gone from the fiber and the wool looks clean.
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The next step is to dye the fiber. Any commercial dyes can be used. Once the wool is clean and the color that you want, it is time to begin processing it into wearable art.
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Using felting needles, the wool can be felted into many different shapes. Felted hats and slippers are popular choices. Felting can be done in a washing machine or by hand.
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The felted strips of wool can be knitted in strips. This technique is best for delicate projects or wall hangings, as the raw wool is not that strong when knitted to itself. For a more durable project, combine the raw wool with a strand of stronger yarn. This same technique can be used for crochet.
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Weaving with raw wool creates durable wearable art pieces, because the warp of the loom stabilizes the piece. Vests, coats and other flat objects can be created in this manner.
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