Felted Bag

Here are instructions on how to make your very own felted/fulled bag. For those of you who aren't familiar with the term "fulled", it's basically shrinking wool. You know that sweater you accidently shrunk in the wash? You fulled it.

Step 1: Knit 2 Circles

Loosely kint your piece. You can make whatever shape you'd like - I chose a circle. I used a medium weight 100% wool yarn and size 10 needles.

Step 2: Full Baby, Full!

In the smallest cycle possible, and in hot hot water, with 1 or 2 tablespoons of dish soap, drop your bag in. You should put your piece in a pillowcase. Though I haven't had problems clogging up my machine, others may have. Better to be safe than sorry - use a pillowcase. Check on the bag every 10 minutes to make sure it doesn't overfelt. Don't let it run through the spin cycle because it will cause permanent creases.

Step 3: Shape It

After about 2 cycles, this is the result. Pull the bag into shape and roll it out on a towel. It's now about 14" in diameter. See my felted ball too?

Step 4: Stuff It

Stuff the bag with plastic bags to give the it a rounded shape when it dries.

Step 5: Stuff It Good

It may take a few days to fully dry. I put this guy out in the sun on the second day, and it was good to go!

Step 6: Ta Da!

Cut a slit 2" down from the top of the bag. Instant handles! Now you're ready to show off your creation. Enjoy!