What is felt?
It's a product that is made from unspun wool by adding water and soap.
The felt could be either thick and soft, airy and light, rough and heavy, lively colored and natural.
Sometimes, to me, the process still seems like magic: you take tufts of fluffed wool, rub it with water, and you have a beautiful piece of wearable art. The wool is what makes the process all possible. There are microscopic scales that cover the individual filaments of animal hair and these scales are responsible for the fiber's ability to felt together.
This technique is called wet felting and has been practiced for thousands of years. Based on archaeological findings from the Central Asian Steppes, felting of animal hair has been a means of creating unwoven fabric for clothing, shelter, and artistic expression since at least 600 BC. There is further evidence that there may have been even earlier knowledge of the process.
Another technique is called needle felting.
Unlike wet felting, does not require soap and water; it is accomplished by using felting needles to make figurines or apply additional fibers to decorate fabric or garments (those can be made of felted material or knitted, crocheted or woven material).
Today felt is still in use in many parts of the world and as a craft and art, is gaining in popularity and recognition.
Care:
Felt does not require frequent washing. However, if necessary gently hand wash and rinse in lukewarm water, using a wool/silk detergent. Lightly squeeze out excess water (avoid wringing). Iron with steam (using wool temperature settings).
It's a product that is made from unspun wool by adding water and soap.
The felt could be either thick and soft, airy and light, rough and heavy, lively colored and natural.
Sometimes, to me, the process still seems like magic: you take tufts of fluffed wool, rub it with water, and you have a beautiful piece of wearable art. The wool is what makes the process all possible. There are microscopic scales that cover the individual filaments of animal hair and these scales are responsible for the fiber's ability to felt together.
This technique is called wet felting and has been practiced for thousands of years. Based on archaeological findings from the Central Asian Steppes, felting of animal hair has been a means of creating unwoven fabric for clothing, shelter, and artistic expression since at least 600 BC. There is further evidence that there may have been even earlier knowledge of the process.
Another technique is called needle felting.
Unlike wet felting, does not require soap and water; it is accomplished by using felting needles to make figurines or apply additional fibers to decorate fabric or garments (those can be made of felted material or knitted, crocheted or woven material).
Today felt is still in use in many parts of the world and as a craft and art, is gaining in popularity and recognition.
Care:
Felt does not require frequent washing. However, if necessary gently hand wash and rinse in lukewarm water, using a wool/silk detergent. Lightly squeeze out excess water (avoid wringing). Iron with steam (using wool temperature settings).