Let's Knit Magazine - Your knitting, your style

Hi,

I won the above from ebay with the intentions of making felted bags with it.  It is 100per cent pure new wool but machine washable so not sure it will felt, I knit a sample swatch and couldn’t get that to felt.  The label says 40 degree wash and do not tumble dry.  Should I risk knitting bags to felt or has anyone any better ideas for it bearing in mind there are several colours including varigated.  Would prefer not to make blanket with it.

Thanks
Helen

i would do another test . knit 2 more swatches and wash one at 60 and the other at 80 and see what you get.
i got some yarn that i thought would felt and after knitting a hat it never did felt.
joyce

Yes I would guess the hotter temps might help, also sounds like tumble drying it might help felt it if they don’t want you to do that. Might be worth wetting and putting one of the failed swatches in and see what happens - be interested to know. Things certainly shrink in there if you don’t watch what you put in and there is always a reason they don’t want you to do something!

Unfortunately if it’s machine washable it probably won’t felt as it will have been treated in the creative process to make sure it doesn’t. However, you could keep on swatching and washing at higher temperatures and see how it goes! Good luck

I had this discussion at Sheepish wool shop in York.  You can’t use machine washable wools for felting they won’t work.  I’m using NORO Kureyon to make mine.  Only half an I - cord to go and into the wash it goes.  Can’t wait!!

hello Helen and welcome to the forum!
if it wont felt why not make a nice stripey blankie with it? this warm weather wont last!

Hi,
Thanks for your help, have tried felting another swatch and it has felted slightly but still not sure if I want to risk making a bag with it.

If you don’t want to make a blanket you could try hats, scarves, cuddly toys, socks (if it’s fine enough).  There are lots of things you can knit that only need a ball or less.

I bought some unbranded pink 55% cashmere, 45% silk on ebay.  I hope it’s ok when it arrives.  It’s only 2 balls so I was planning a scarf - I’d love to try a lacy pattern but I’m not sure my skills are up to it yet!!!

Good luck with your Norvik.