How to Felt Without a Washing Machine

[Gimmeyarn418]

When using Wool of the Andes how long should this process take? When I felted my slippers the stitches were still quite defined and they did not shrink much. Any suggestions?

[KustomFu]

mold it over a bowl??? can you make a video showing what happens when you mold this fabric?

[wahinesurfergirl]

Can acrylic yarns be felted as well, and will it retain into whatever shape I want it to be in?

[knitpicks]

@wahinesurfergirl Only natural fibers, such as wool, can be felted - so anything acrylic will not felt. Additionally, any wool that is labeled as superwash or is machine washable, will also not felt.

[wahinesurfergirl]

@knitpicks Will cotton felt as well?

[knitpicks]

@wahinesurfergirl sorry, I should have clarified - only natural animal fibers, so any type of wool, alpaca, mohair will do the trick. also, a good general rule of thumb is that if it is at least 80% wool/alpaca/animal fiber - it should felt, even if it is blended with a bit of silk, bamboo, acrylic or other non-animal fiber.

[wahinesurfergirl]

@knitpicks Good to know. Thanks!

[apricotzombie]

I use a potato masher =)

[AbsolutelyNameless]

Thank you people want to sell a book for this info!

[Leafyberry]

Ha Ha Ha Ha This is a great idea! I will try it somtime when I don't have a wshing machine avalible. Great tutorial you guys!