Collection: Washing and Care
Wool Felting- for diapering
* Wash no more than 8 yards at a time. Five is a good amount.
* Warm wash, cold rinse and dry on second hottest setting.
* Repeat.
You can wash with a regular mild laundry detergent but will get better results from a wash formulated specifically for wool.
You can expect a 25-35% shrinkage. For one yard expect to lose 6-8 inches.
Once your wool is felted, you can cut and sew. Wash on cold and air dry to prevent further shrinkage.
This process applies to both 100% wool and to wool blend. Though the wool blend should be able to be washed gently after felting.
Wool Washing-clothing
Wool always has the best outcome when washed by hand in luke warm water with a mild detergent or soap. Hang or lay flat to dry. For further instruction on washing wool diaper covers please see our 'FAQ's' section.
Wool Dying
When I dye wool, I felt it first then dye it. That is just my preference. Wash warm, rinse cold and dry hot. Do that twice. The blend will shrink about 13" to the yard.
I put the pot of water on the stove and add the dye. Stir in the dye and let it go a bit.
Then I toss in the DRY wool.
Stir it up and bring it to a boil. Really, a boil. You don't have to stir a lot while waiting for the boil. I stir now and then, but nothing wild.
Once it is boiling, I add 1 cup of vinegar and stir vigorously. I stir about 5 minutes and then check to see if there is still color in the water. I take out a clear measuring cup full of hot water to see if it is clear. If it isn't, I add more vinegar and continue to stir vigorously. It should clear after 5-10 minutes.
After I am satisfied, I throw it in the washer just to SPIN. Spin it out and toss it in the dryer for 15 minutes.