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Felting is actually the manipulation of fibers.

It changes your knit or crochet project to a totally different appearance in not only size but look and feel. In order for your project to actually be susceptible to the felting process you want to use wool fibers.

The fibers characteristics include tiny scales just like the human hair. The scales will open up once they are exposed to the soap and water. (Again, just like human hair) The air that was trapped in the wool is now released and when the fibers are agitated in your washer (or by hand in your sink) they tangle. The hot water combined with your soap make the fibers slippery. Once the felting process has been performed you cannot ‘undo’ the felting.

The felting process is usually done in your washer but you can also perform the process in your sink. It will take longer for the hand felting process however. If you do use your washer be sure to check your project periodically to ensure you are achieving the results you want. You want to stop the processing when you reach the desired results. The actual process of felting ‘shrinks’ the piece you have created. With that being said; remember the piece you create (knit or crochet) should be made larger than you actually want the finished product to be.

There are other things to consider that also affect the outcome:

1. How hot your water is

2. How fast/hard your washers agitator works

3. The softness/hardness of your water

4. The type of soap used

5. The color of your yarn (This has to do with the dye that was used more so than the yarn itself.)

Felting Steps:

1. Wash your finished crochet/knitted piece in warm soapy water. The soap speeds up the process. I’ve read in several books and other web sites (Wikipedia) that you can add baking soda to the water to improve the outcome but I’ve never done it myself. I’ve not had any issues by not using it. I’ve also attended several classes where they have said it is okay to throw in other pieces of your laundry. I have done this and must tell you I think it actually adds to the felting process because there is more friction from the other clothing and it actually sped up the felting process.

2. Rinse your felted piece with cool water. I simply set my washer to use warm water to wash and cold water to rinse.

3. Drying – After felting your finished piece it will more than likely be lopsided and distorted. It is important to block your piece and let it air dry. (See tab on Blocking to assist in the process.)