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Post by tracey on Sept 1, 2016 15:00:13 GMT
Hello everyone, one of my many crafting ideas (too many crafts so little time!), is to wet felt a rug. I think I have settled on Corriedale. My question to you all please is basically how much wool to buy. I know this totally depends on the size etc that I make, but if anyone has made a rug, and kept a note of wool amounts, how many layers, and the dimensions, that would be a massive help to me. Many thanks.  |
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Post by MTRuth on Sept 1, 2016 19:33:02 GMT
To estimate how much wool is needed for a project, make a sample with the wool to be used and the number of layers that will be used in the project. Weigh the sample and measure the two sides. The amount of wool per square inch (or square centimeter) can now be determined.
Example: If the sample measures 6" x 6" and weighs 1/2 ounce, the ounces of wool per square inch are .0139.
6 × 6 = 36 so for 36 square inches it takes 0.5 ounces of wool
0.5 ÷ 36 = .0139 so each square inch takes .0139 ounces of wool.
Now multiply this value by the square inches in the project. To determine the square inches in the project, measure each side and multiply these two measurements.
Example: To felt a rectangular piece measuring 36" x 50"
36 × 50 = 1800 so there are 1800 square inches in the project.
1800 × .0139 = 25.02 so 25.02 ounces of wool is needed to make a 36"x50" rectangle.
To convert the example above into the metric system, if the sample measures 15.2cm x 15.2cm and weighs 14.17 grams, the grams of wool per square centimeter are .061.
15.2 x 15.2 = 231.04 so for 231.04 square centimeters it takes 14.17 grams of wool.
14.17 ÷ 231.04 = .061 so each square centimeter takes .061 grams of wool.
Now multiply this value by the square centimeters in the project. To determine the square centimeters in the project, measure each side and multiply these two measurements.
Example: To felt a rectangular piece measuring 91.4 cm x 127 cm
91.4 x 127 = 11,607.8 so there are 11,607.8 square centimeters in the project.
11,607.8 × .061 = 711.92 so 711.92 grams of wool is needed to make a 91.4 cm x 127 cm rectangle.
If the project uses a resist, remember to double the number since there will be two sides. For a more complex project, such as a garment, measure the front, back and sleeves separately. Then add those numbers together at the end of the calculations.
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Post by tracey on Sept 1, 2016 19:48:43 GMT
Oh wow Ruth, thank you so much for taking the time to send all that information, sounds like a plan! Very kind of you.
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Post by MTRuth on Sept 1, 2016 22:09:30 GMT
That actually came from my book The Complete Photo Guide to Felting. So I just copied and pasted.
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Post by Shepherdess on Sept 3, 2016 11:15:10 GMT
As for number of layers many thin layers are better than a few thick ones. Especially when making something thick and sturdy. I think dividing your wool into 6 or 8 layers would be good. that is assuming you are using top. If you are using batts things are different.
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Post by tracey on Sept 4, 2016 6:36:56 GMT
Hi Ann, many thanks for the information. Yes I would plan on many layers. There was a rug in the studio where I attended the wet felted course that started my addiction, and the tutor said she had used ten layers.
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