Have you ever machine washed and dryed a wool sweater only to find it could then only fit a small doggie? Well, don’t throw out your mistake, in fact, make some more mistakes and wash a bunch of sweaters to sew up everything from stuffed animals, baby clothing, blankets, quilts, pillow cases, toys, purses, wall hangings, coasters, table runners….okay, you get the idea. Here is how to reclaim that wonderful natural fiber, wool, from old sweaters, and keep these textiles from ending up in the trash and our land-fills.

This wet felting method works with sweaters that are 90% or more wool. It also works for cashmere. The combination of the hot soapy water and the agitation from the wash is what makes the wool fibers felt. The scales on each fiber open and catch on one another to create a denser, thicker, more sturdy fabric which can be transformed in many ways. When the fabric is a blend of synthetic or other animal fibers and less than 90% wool fibers, the felting process doesn’t work as well. Although cashmere technically doesn’t felt, it does become denser, softer, and fluffier. This felting process doesn’t work as well for fine merino wool garments. In my opinion, the fabric, remains flat and the edges tend to fray more than true felt which doesn’t fray at all.

So here is how to do it…

1. cut along sweater seam lines and separate the sleeves (and open these) from the back and the front
2. separate like-colors together
3. place pieces in washer and wash on a hot cycle with ample detergent
4. after the spin cycle, check the felting process. If you would like the pieces to be “tighter and thicker” wash again on the hot cycle with detergent.
5. dry pieces in dryer on medium heat. (remember to empty the ton of lint from the lint catcher…there will be a lot.)
6. if you got your pieces from the thrift store, to get rid of potential moth larvae (who will eat right through your stash of felt and the rest of your wool and cashmere wardrobe) place your felted pieces in a plastic bag, seal it, or tie it up tight, and place it in the freezer for 24 hours.
7. And there you have your cool felted wool sweater pieces, ready to be cut, sewn, appliqued, quilted, needle felted, and anything else you can craft up.

See my sweater thrifting post to find out how to come by these sweater materials! Keep organizing, and keep creating.