Make Felt From Wool Fabric
When you think of felt, you may think of the flimsy, frayable polyester mainstay of kindergarten craft projects everywhere. But this synthetic imitation felt is a poor imitation of felted wool. Wool felts have been used for all sorts of projects--from waterproof coats to briefcase linings to poodle skirts from the 1950s. And with modern washing machines, it's quite simple to turn pieces of wool into versatile wool felt.
Instructions
1. Many traditional tartans are made of 100 percent wool, and retain their design when you felt them.
Choose the fabric you want to felt. It should be roughly twice the size of the finished size you're aiming for. So for example, if you want a 3-inch square of felt, you'll need a 6-inch square of wool. Be sure you're using 100 percent wool, and not a blend; a wool-polyester mix won't felt as easily, and might not felt at all. If you're using old woolen clothing, tear out the seams before felting--the thread usually isn't woolen, and therefore won't felt. This can lead to misshapen results or tearing.
2. Set the washing machine to hot wash and cold rinse.
3. Add the wool pieces and the detergent to the washing machine, and start the cycle.
4. Check on your piece of wool periodically, at least the first couple times you try this, to be sure it's not shrinking more than you desire.
5. When both the wash and rinse cycles have finished, remove the felt from the washing machine. Do not put it in the dryer. Lay a clean towel on top of your washer, or in some other waterproof and well-ventilated place. Place the felt on top of the towel and let air-dry.
Tags: washing machine, Felt From, Felt From Wool, From Wool, From Wool Fabric, Make Felt, Make Felt From
