Choosing the Right Yarn for Felting
Avoid a felting disaster by choosing the right yarn
Felting is fun and allows you to make some great projects with your knitting, but only if you choose the right yarn. Choose the wrong yarn and you end up with an oversized "something or other." To avoid a felting disaster like this, not to mention wasting good yarn and your time, follow these tips on choosing the right knitting yarn for your first felting project.
The perfect felting yarn
So just what is the perfect felting yarn? The perfect yarn is one that will shrink up and matt. This is what gives that felted look that you're after. With knitted fabric you've felted, you can make all sorts of projects like hats, bags, purses, wallets, slippers, and vests, but the knitting yarn has to cooperate.
The best bet for yarns that felt well are natural yarns. Wool yarn is a popular choice often used by felters. Your yarn shop will have plenty to choose from, just be sure they contain natural fibers like wool, mohair, or alpaca.
Also read the label of the yarn you are considering felting. If the label says "machine washable" it will not work. Beware of yarns labeled "superwash." This means they can stand up to being machined wash and not distort or lose their shape. This is not what you want.
Test the yarn first
Before even starting to knit your actual project, you need to test the yarn. Here's how:
Step #1 -- Cut several inches from the skein. About 12 to 24 inches will be plenty.
Step #2 -- Roll the length of yarn around in your hands to form a loose ball.
Step #3 -- Add a small amount of liquid soap and warm water. Roll and knead the ball for about 10 minutes or until the ball begins to stick together.
If after 10 minutes of kneading your length of yarn, it does not stick together, it's probably not going to felt well.
When starting your first felting project, take your time choosing the yarn. Visit your favorite yarn shop and talk to the owner and the regulars who hang out there. Odds are, they have had some felting experience and will be happy to help you choose the perfect yarn for felting.
