Cutting wet felt

[zed]

I just realised recently that I don't very often cut wet felt, and thinking about it, any time I have the edges have been awful, really wobbly.

I was thinking of changing my hat resists so I don't cut the bottom open, just lay out up to a line like I do with bags, but then I thought I'd ask when people thought was the best time to cut, since it might be easier

[lyn]

What if you made the resist slightly deeper at the cutting point, so that you could cut the resist out, then when the hat is almost fulled, re-cut the edge straight (you should have enough time between cutting and complete fulling to seal the edge?)

[Shepherdess]

Yes I cut my hat out and then trim the corners. They always seem to have a funny little dip up. I retrim if needed near the end. If anyone knows how to stop the little dip I would love to know.

[MTRuth]

When I cut from a resist, I don't cut all the way to the edge. Then when it stretches a little, you don't get that dip. I have also found that certain wool breeds cut better than others. The short fiber merino cuts really well and doesn't get wobbly lines. But some of the coarser breeds always seem to get wobbly. I think Lyn's idea of cutting twice is good. Then you don't have to worry so much about the first cut and it's easier to trim once the resist is out.

[zed]

I don't think I explained myself very well. I didn't mean 'wonky', but wobbly, like the edges go with breeds like Wensleydale. When in the felting do you decide to cut? Early on, or when it is well felted?

Ann, I got those dips too, I was thinking of not following the curve right to the edges, but cutting straight across, then trimming.

[MTRuth]

I usually cut out a resist at prefelt stage.

[Shepherdess]

I like to do it just as it starts to shrink. It's still prefelt but holding well. I will give that a try Ruth.

[zed]

Thanks. I might just try to not go over the edge, see how that turns out

[michelledib]

Hi Zed, I have started cutting earlier (like Ruth prefelt stage)and don't get that funny edge you are describing.

[Pandagirl]

Michelle, I like your avatar. Nice shippers!

[zed]

Thanks, Shelley

[michelledib]

Thanks Marilyn! I love making slippers. Am working on some slightly crazy ones at the moment, will show them
when they are finished.

[koffipot]

The cut edge always stretches. Like Lyn, I allow a little more so I can trim it once it's almost fulled.

[zed]

Maybe I'll do a few samples to try different methods.