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Recycled Wool

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1013 -- More Projects »
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To remove excess water from a wet wool item, lay it on a towel and roll, pressing down firmly.

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A large knit sweater becomes an adorable child’s garment when the wool is shrunk into felt and finished with whipstitching.
Crafter Kathleen Taylor explains how to give new life to unused wool sweaters and hats by shrinking them into felt for craft or sewing projects.

  • Place all-wool items (sweaters, caps, etc.) into a lingerie bag before loading in the washing machine. This will prevent them from stretching and support the items while they shrink. You can include numerous items in one bag.

  • Add 1/4 cup laundry detergent and set the machine on the smallest load, with a hot wash/cold rinse cycle. Let the machine agitate for at least five to six minutes. The soap and hot water cause the fibers to open up, and then the cold water causes them to mesh and shrink, forming a thick felt that is wonderfully warm.

  • Wool felts at different rates, so check items during the agitation. Look to see if the individual stitches are no longer visible. They should be completely meshed together. The finished product won’t ravel or pick and will shrink 40 to 50 percent.

    * Note: Wear gloves when checking the items in the wash since the water will be very hot. Remove an item if it has felted, and continue agitating other items until the stitches are no longer visible. Return all items to the bag and finish the rinse cycle.

  • You can spin dry the item in the machine, although some items will crease. You can also dry the item flat, rolling it in a towel to remove the excess water.

  • If wool is scratchy, line garments with fleece or other soft fabric.

  • Another option for creating wool felt is to knit an item (like gloves or hat) oversized, and then proceed with the felting process. The finished product, after it shrinks, should be the right size.
Resources
Knit One, Felt Too
by Kathleen Taylor
Storey Publishing, 2003
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Guests
Kathleen Taylor
E-mail: kmtaylorcnvc.net
Also in this Episode
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1013
•Recycled Wool
•Laundry Box Totes
•Homemade Oils and Vinegars
•Smart Solution of the Day
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