A Simple and Inexpensive Way to Get Wool for Felting

Felting is an AMAZINGLY fun activity. I'm a knitter, so I usually create a project from scratch, knit VERY oversized, and then felted down in hot water to my required dimensions. BUT, there is a wonderful shortcut I have found...

Investigate your local Goodwill, Salvation Army or other charity re-sale shop. Hit the sweater racks, and look for 100% wool sweaters. Especially in the Men's section. BIG wool sweaters = More potential felted fabric.

Look for Pullover sweaters that are in excellent shape (no nubs!), and can be cut apart into "yardage". Cardigans are ok, but since there are 2 front pieces, you have less to work with than with a pullover. If it's too much work to pull them apart at the seams, then cut right up the edge of the seams to make the largest pieces possible. Sleeves are great if you are making slippers and need smaller pieces.

I have used DOZENS of bargain sweaters, mixing together the cut-up pieces for patchwork bags. There is NO limit to what you can do.

Felted wool is dense and heavy, so you need to either be able to hand-sew the pieces securely, or have a sewing machine that can handle thick pieces. This is SUCH a fun activity with wool.