FCF Creations Felting Instructions

by Frances Clements Fawcett

FCF Felting Instructions: How to turn a sweater into felt

Materials you will need:

Wool sweater (It should be at least 80% wool in order to felt sufficiently);

1-2 TBS liquid soap (just enough to create suds – follow the guidelines for your own washing machine) ;

Zippered pillow case (to trap loose fiber so that it doesn’t clog your washer); and

Pair of jeans (for increased agitation).

Instructions:

Zip sweater into pillow case and toss it into your washer (top load or front load). If you are shrinking more than one sweater, zip each one into a separate case.

Add a pair of jeans or other heavy item to increase agitation.

Add soap, following your own machine’s instructions.

Turn machine dial to the longest hot water cycle.

Let the machine run through wash cycle and, if your machine allows it, turn the cycle back to the start before it drains the water for the rinse cycle.

Stop the machine (let water drain from door if you’re using a front loader), open the door and check the progress of each sweater. I usually need to stop and re-start my washer 3-4 times before the sweater is sufficiently felted. You get to decide when the material is felted enough.

After the sweater is felted, let the machine finish its cycle, or, alternately, you may remove the sweater and rinse it by hand in a wash basin or sink, then roll it up in an old towel to remove excess water.

Please be sure to check your washer for any stray wool lint and clean it out so that your machine doesn’t clog.

Hang the sweater up to dry, smoothing out any creases in the fabric. Once dry, cut and sew the material in any way you desire to make your very own creation!

Try a web search using the words “felting instructions” to find more detailed information.

Have fun!

Seek the Unique!

frances@fcfcreations.com (206) 909-0118

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