Felted ball – before and after

In this DROPS video we show you how to make a small ball. The piece can be felted either in the washing machine or the tumble dryer – read description below.
Remember: Subsequent washes are as for a normal wool garment. See example DROPS Extra 0-1530.

BEFORE FELTING:
Wind the strand into a ball as follows: Wind around two fingers then, after a few rounds, loosen the strand from your fingers and continue winding the strand around the yarn until it becomes a ball. Wind the strand round and round until your ball is the desired size. Put the ball in a thin sock/nylon tights before felting.

FELT IN WASHING MACHINE:
Washing machines will vary when felting. If the piece is not felted enough, it can be felted again. If it is felted too much, it can be stretched/shaped to the correct size while still wet.
DO THE FOLLOWING:
Lay the piece in the washing machine, using a programme of approx. 40 minutes (not a wool programme).
Wash at 40 degrees without pre-wash, detergent is optional. After washing, shape the piece while it is still wet.

FELT IN TUMBLE DRYER:
Felting in a tumble dryer gives good control over the degree of felting. The tumble dryer can be opened during drying to check the size of the piece. If it is not felted enough it can be thoroughly wetted and felted again. If it is felted too much it can be stretched/shaped to the correct size while still wet.
DO THE FOLLOWING:
Lay the piece in water so it becomes completely wet, then place it in the tumble dryer and begin the drying process. Dry to the desired size, checking regularly.