Using Washing Machine or Dryer in Wet Felting Process

breezy
Junior Member

Posts: 14

Using Washing Machine or Dryer in Wet Felting Process Apr 13, 2019 21:23:10 GMT

Quote

Post by breezy on Apr 13, 2019 21:23:10 GMT

Hello!

I haven't been on the forums for ages but have another question for the group. Does anyone use a washing machine or dryer in their wet felting projects? If so, at what stage? The more specifics the better! It also feels relevant to mention that I don't have a great grip on the differences between the felting stage and the fulling stage. I would appreciate your help!

I have used a dryer on air-tumble dry or low heat settings with mixed results. In one case the felted piece came out awesome, and the other (same project but with different wool) came out really fuzzy. Maybe a difference in wool, or perhaps I strayed from the original process since I didn't document what worked the first time.

Thank you!

lyn
Goddess

Posts: 4,050

Using Washing Machine or Dryer in Wet Felting Process Apr 13, 2019 21:30:28 GMT Pandagirl and breezy like this

Quote

Post by lyn on Apr 13, 2019 21:30:28 GMT

Hello there!

'Felting' is when the wool fibres mesh together - 'fulling' is when the felt shrinks and hardens.

I don't use a washing machine or dryer but I know other members do so I hope they can help with that.

Lyn
rosiepink.typepad.co.uk/

Shepherdess
Global Moderator

Ottawa, Canada

Posts: 7,394

Using Washing Machine or Dryer in Wet Felting Process Apr 13, 2019 23:09:38 GMT Pandagirl and kelly like this

Quote

Post by Shepherdess on Apr 13, 2019 23:09:38 GMT

I use the dyer to roll my felt. so once I have rubbed it a while and it is holding together. I roll my plastic felt plastic sandwich around a damp towel and then wrap another damp towel around that. I am often using hand towels not big towels. Depends on the size of the project. Then into the dryer with no heat for 10 min. Then out unroll and flip and rotate and roll it all up again and back in the dryer for another 10 min. The dryer rolls and drop the package. It doesn't save much time unless it a really big heavy project. Mostly it is saving effort. When it's shrunk almost enough I take it out and finish it by hand. I am usually making several things at once to this lets me do lay out and design while the dryer does the work.
The washer seems far to uncontrolled for me.
Hope that helps

Last Edit: Jan 12, 2020 15:55:03 GMT by Shepherdess

Ann
Ottawa Canada
feltingandfiberstudio.com/
www.shepherdsspringfarm.ca/

breezy
Junior Member

Posts: 14

Using Washing Machine or Dryer in Wet Felting Process Apr 14, 2019 23:03:05 GMT Shepherdess and lyn like this

Quote

Post by breezy on Apr 14, 2019 23:03:05 GMT

Thanks Shepherdess! You're always so helpful. I appreciate you reaching out too, Lyn.

It's a good idea to keep it rolled. I had been skipping that and the results were uneven and left certain areas sticking together.

I appreciate you both!