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Suzan's Helpful Hints


Many people are interested in felting woven wool and wool jersey knits. I often refer them to Diane Erickson's technique:


Felting is a process that heightens the weave of woven wool fabrics. As the fabric is agitated, the wool fibers lock tighter together thus shrinking the fabric.

Felting is not an exact science ... the amount of shrinkage is based on any number of factors including: the fibers and the spinning process that was used and the weaving process used to constrict the fabric.

Woven wool fabrics will shrink 15 - 30%; wool jersey (a knitted fabric) up to 50%. Loose weaves will felt, or shrink up more.

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Suggestions:

Use a combination of fabrics to add interest to your project. Houndstooth, plaids and other pattern weaves, will create interesting color and texture. You may want to do some test pieces (minimum size 10" x 10") to get an idea about shrinkage and color/pattern changes. To test, do the following process with sample scraps, place in washer with towels to add bulk.

 

Process

This is a simple method of felting by using the washing machine. Put fabric through one wash cycle (hot or warm) with a small amount of soap and one hot dry cycle.

One suggestion for keeping a large piece of yardage on grain is to baste selvages together before the process, and separare before cutting out pattern.

Pressing: Your may steam, holding the iron above the fabric as needed.

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