Felting

Susan B. saw my blog and asked for information about felting.  I am not an expert but I have felted two bags and I plan many more.

What felting is:
Felting is knitting (or crocheting) an item out of wool and then, with water and agitation, shrinking it to make a dense fabric.  Technically, this is “fulling,” while “felting” is a making a fabric (not an object) from fleece.  However, most people just use the term felting.

The Yarn:
Most animal fibers will felt, but wool is the most common.  100% wool is best, but a blend might also work.  If the label on the yarn states “machine washable,” it probably will not felt.   It would be a good idea to make a swatch to make sure your yarn will felt.  You might want to measure the swatch before and after felting to get an idea of how much it will shrink.
Patton’s Classic Wool and Lion Brand Wool will felt.

Lion Bran Kool Wool I don’t believe will felt.

The Technique:
Place your finished object in a pillow case or mesh laundry bag and seal shut (you can use a rubber band for the pillow case.)  Place in washing machine with a pair of jeans or other laundry to provide agitation.  Use a hot wash/ cool rinse cycle.  Check it regularly to assess how it is felting and when it is done.  Shape and let air dry.  One pattern called for felting each piece separately and then sewing together.  The other said to piece it together and then felt.  I guess it would be best to follow the directions in the specific pattern you are making.

Patterns:
http://www.knitpicks.com/projects/Projects_List.aspx
http://www.helloyarn.com/lopitote.htm

 http://www.blacksheepbags.com/booga_bag.html

http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/40647.html?noImages=0   (you need to sign up to see the Lion Brand patterns, but it is free.)

For more information:

http://knitting.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=knitting&cdn=hobbies&tm=13&f=00&su=p445.92.150.ip_&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.fuzzygalore.biz/articles/fulling.shtml