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Another way to produce felt is to knit or crochet a loosely spun bulky yarn and then agitate it. Basically, one just knits or crochets double the hook or needle size when making an item. For instance, if a project calls for a number five needle you would use a number ten, and so on. You make up the garment as usual and then subject it to agitation. So if you have a slipper pattern you think would be great in felt, then make it up at the larger needle or hook size. You produce a very weak looking, lacey, article indeed, but then you can pop it into the washing machine and agitate it (remember the sweater?) until it is felted to the degree you desire. This is best done agitating it for a few minutes and stopping the machine to check on the degree of felting that has taken place.
http://www.woolworks.com Most patterns strongly suggest trying a swatch at the larger hook size to check for proper shrinkage. I think this is a good idea, particularly if you work with homespun yarns as I do. They are subject to a great deal of variation in fiber, twist and the like and are more unpredictable in the felting process. Another way is to actually make traditional felt by agitation of washed fiber. Felt balls can be made by simply putting washed fiber in the toe of an old sock or nylon stocking, tying it and then ythrowing it in the wash cycle of the washing machine for a few washes. It will turn into a nice ball safe for tossing about in the house! This is done by first carding the fiber and then laying the carded batts in layers over one another at ninty degree angles as in the photos below.
Then lay the mass flat on a cloth and roll it up. Take it to a water proof area and then pour soapy hot water over it while rolling it about. A fun way to do this is to pour the hot water on it on a sidewalk and let your kids rub the felt roll up and down the walkway! Unroll and check after a bit to see if it has felted to your satisfaction. Let it dry out of direct sunlight. You now have a nice piece of felt! Other felt projects and instructions are at: International Felt Makers
North American Feltmakers
Felt Makers List
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