Felting is a fabulous, funky way to transform a knit or crochet piece into something completely different. It makes a fabric that is dense, warm, and strong – perfect for bags or cold-weather items.

Ideal Yarns for Felting

Yarns made of wool (non-superwash) and other animal fibers are perfect for felting. When the fibers of wool are exposed to moisture, heat, and agitation, they cling and tangle together, creating felt! However, the felting process is irreversible – once felted, you can never go back. Consider using yarns like Fishermen's Wool, Lion Wool, Alpine Wool, LB 1878, LB Collection Organic Wool, and LB Collection Pure Wool.

The Felt Formula

Felting is achieved by exposing wool to water, heat, and agitation. The amount of each element plays a part in how the piece felts. Felting can be done in the sink, but washing machines work great too and do the job much quicker. However, the felting results may vary between different machines, so follow the specific felting instructions for your project and check your piece several times during the process.

Felting Steps

1. Wash in warm water with soap. Soap speeds up the felting process. Adding baking soda or washing soda to the water can improve felting. You can wash your felted items with other laundry to increase agitation, but be sure to check the tips below.

2. Rinse in cool water. This "locks" the fibers in place. Most machines have a warm wash/cool rinse setting.

3. Air dry. Shape your piece before it dries. If necessary, pin it into shape on a blocking board.

Special Note on Felting with Landscapes Yarn

Landscapes is composed of wool and acrylic fibers. Only the wool will felt. Wash by machine on a long setting with hot water and cold rinse with detergent and several pieces of clothing to agitate. If your water is hard, add baking soda or washing soda. You may need to wash the item several times to achieve the desired felting. To felt additionally, dry by machine on a regular setting until almost dry, then lie flat to shape.

Tips for Felting

Washing: When washing your felted piece with other clothing, try putting it in a mesh lingerie bag to prevent it from getting stuck.

More Washing: Ensure the clothing you wash with it won’t run or pill.

Relax: Mistakes in your handwork won’t show up after felting.

One of a Kind: Each felted piece is unique due to the various factors involved in the process.

Gauge Gratification: Because felting varies, gauge is crucial. Patterns may have you make a gauge swatch, felt it, and measure it before and after. This helps control the process.

Check It: Check your piece multiple times if felting in the washing machine to ensure it’s just right.

Felting Factor: Test your machine’s “felting factor” by making a swatch and checking it several times before the end of the cycle.

Cut It Out: Felted pieces can be cut without unraveling, allowing for creative designs like fringes or woven strips.

Mix It Up: Mixing yarns can create interesting textures. Only the wool will felt, creating textural differences.

Have Fun: Let your imagination guide you in this versatile craft!

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