What is wet felting
Wet felting is the oldest textile technique in the world — older than knitting or weaving. The principle is simple: wool fibers, in the presence of water, soap (alkali), and mechanical friction, tangle together and form a firm, inseparable felt. The scales on the surface of wool fibers open up in an alkaline environment and, under friction, lock into one another — irreversibly.
What you need
Wool — merino roving is the easiest to work with. Finer fibers felt more quickly. Corriedale is a good alternative.
Hot water + soap — olive oil soap, soap flakes, or mild dish soap. The water should be hot (not boiling).
Bubble wrap or a bamboo blind — for the rolling technique. Bubble wrap provides texture for friction.
An old towel — to absorb water.
Process — flat felt
Step 1: Layering
Lay thin wisps of wool onto the bubble wrap — first layer horizontal, second layer vertical, third layer horizontal again. At least 3 layers. The fibers must cross — this ensures the felt will be strong in all directions.
Step 2: Wetting
Sprinkle with hot soapy water. Cover with netting or plastic wrap and gently press down — the fibers will soak through. Do not slide — just press.
Step 3: Felting (fulling)
Gently rub in circular motions through the netting. Start lightly — the fibers are only just beginning to bond. After 5–10 minutes, increase the pressure. You can roll everything up in the bubble wrap and roll it back and forth (50 times). Rotate 90° and roll again — this ensures even shrinkage.
Step 4: Checking
Try to gently pull fibers from the surface. If they separate — keep felting. If they hold — the felt is done. The entire piece will shrink by 20–40% compared to its original size.
Step 5: Rinsing
Rinse with cold water (the temperature shock will help complete the felting). Squeeze out in a towel. Stretch into the correct shape and dry flat.
Projects
Mats and coasters — a simple flat piece. The ideal first project.
Scarves and neck warmers (nuno felting) — you felt the wool onto a fine fabric (silk, gauze). The result is a light, airy felt with the fabric's structure showing through. Beautiful and unique.
Bags and cases — felted wool can be cut, sewn, and shaped. It does not fray or unravel at the edges.
Shoes and slippers — felted wool is firm, insulating, and moldable. Traditional valenki (Russian felt boots) are wet felted.
Why only wool felts
Felting works because of the scales on the surface of wool fibers. Cotton, linen, and synthetic fibers have no scales — they do not felt. Superwash wool has chemically treated scales — it also will not felt (or only with great difficulty). For wet felting, you need non-superwash wool.
