Be sure to take a needle and thread the end through the ball several times. Then put each ball in its own sock. Tie the sock off. Otherwise they will unwind in the washer and create a felting mess.
+Eric & Sally Livingstone You're absolutely right! I show all of that in my dryer ball video, but somehow forgot to mention it here. Thank you so much for pointing it out -- I have added a link and annotation to remind people. :)
Ugh, I missed the sock part. Big tangled mess! My fault though. Two questions - can acrylic yarn be used for the core? Second, how tightly do you have to wind the balls? Thanks, I'm looking forward to getting some of these made!
LaurieJM88 You’re commenting on the Christmas ornament video, but it sounds like you’re referring to the dryer ball video. If not, you should watch the felted dryer ball tutorial. The core was different, but I think I used old wool yarn in some of them. You should wrap them like you would wind a ball of yarn, unless you’re using wool roving, then you want to be a little more delicate.
LaurieJM88 I have not tried acrylic, but I’m not sure it would bind securely with the wool. If you try it, please let me know if it works, and yes, the stocking is important. :)
0JReynolds You should! I would imagine Joann's would have everything you need, but if not, I know Michael's has needle felting tools, roving, and yarn as well. You can also pick up starter kits for cheap on Amazon. :) Good luck - let me know if you have any questions along the way.
Ok, our JoAnns has turned itself into a sort dollar store. Very little beads, and other crafting goodies. I hate all that junk they have for a third of the store.
0JReynolds I feel your pain. Our Ben Franklin's turned half of the place into a decor store. Now it's closed down altogether. We no longer have a craft store....have to drive 40 minutes out of town for most of my craft supplies, unless I order online - and where's the fun in that? :(
Oh, I so agree! Our store are not so far but with traffic and finding a parking place it's about 40 minutes. Almost have to pack for a trip! Lol. I miss neighborhood stores. I'm confused as to why they aren't everywhere with people crafting and sewing now at days.
Thanks for your replies. One other question, is the size of the sock important? My second try balls have not felted completely through three washings and one dry. I'm wondering if it matter if the sock is very tight (mine were) - do they need a little room to move around inside the sock? Or is tight good?
LaurieJM88 Tight is good, but be sure you have agitation in the washer that can withstand the hot temp. like jeans or towels. Also, a little soap and then into hot dryer.
If you're talking about roving, I would estimate about an ounce (about 28 grams), depending on the size you want your wool ornaments to be. Some of mine are quite large and others are very tiny. You can start small and add more roving as you go. :)
I love your tutorials, but was less enthused with this one, I was hoping for flat ornaments felted, but I think I learned enough from the others I watched to try it on my own!! Thanks for your beginner one esp. Learned a lot from it.
You have no idea! I’ve finally found a Christmas ball I know I can make. Thank you so much! I can’t wait to make them! I love your technique!
I have just begun to watch these 3-d tutorials and I am really enjoying them. Thank you.
Emma Neville That’s great! You’re welcome.
Great little video thanks
Love it!
Beautiful. Could also use long upholstery needle
Really cute! I've gotta try doing this
Be sure to take a needle and thread the end through the ball several times. Then put each ball in its own sock. Tie the sock off. Otherwise they will unwind in the washer and create a felting mess.
+Eric & Sally Livingstone You're absolutely right! I show all of that in my dryer ball video, but somehow forgot to mention it here. Thank you so much for pointing it out -- I have added a link and annotation to remind people. :)
Ugh, I missed the sock part. Big tangled mess! My fault though. Two questions - can acrylic yarn be used for the core? Second, how tightly do you have to wind the balls? Thanks, I'm looking forward to getting some of these made!
LaurieJM88 You’re commenting on the Christmas ornament video, but it sounds like you’re referring to the dryer ball video. If not, you should watch the felted dryer ball tutorial. The core was different, but I think I used old wool yarn in some of them. You should wrap them like you would wind a ball of yarn, unless you’re using wool roving, then you want to be a little more delicate.
LaurieJM88 I have not tried acrylic, but I’m not sure it would bind securely with the wool. If you try it, please let me know if it works, and yes, the stocking is important. :)
I hope our JoAnns has these things. I want to give it a go!
0JReynolds You should! I would imagine Joann's would have everything you need, but if not, I know Michael's has needle felting tools, roving, and yarn as well. You can also pick up starter kits for cheap on Amazon. :) Good luck - let me know if you have any questions along the way.
Ok, our JoAnns has turned itself into a sort dollar store. Very little beads, and other crafting goodies. I hate all that junk they have for a third of the store.
0JReynolds I feel your pain. Our Ben Franklin's turned half of the place into a decor store. Now it's closed down altogether. We no longer have a craft store....have to drive 40 minutes out of town for most of my craft supplies, unless I order online - and where's the fun in that? :(
Oh, I so agree! Our store are not so far but with traffic and finding a parking place it's about 40 minutes. Almost have to pack for a trip! Lol. I miss neighborhood stores. I'm confused as to why they aren't everywhere with people crafting and sewing now at days.
Thanks for your replies. One other question, is the size of the sock important? My second try balls have not felted completely through three washings and one dry. I'm wondering if it matter if the sock is very tight (mine were) - do they need a little room to move around inside the sock? Or is tight good?
LaurieJM88 Tight is good, but be sure you have agitation in the washer that can withstand the hot temp. like jeans or towels. Also, a little soap and then into hot dryer.
LaurieJM88 Are you using all wool yarn (that hasn’t been treated with chemicals, ie “superwashed)?
Hi, really great ideas and tutorials. How much wool in grams would go for a ball, approximately? Thanks
If you're talking about roving, I would estimate about an ounce (about 28 grams), depending on the size you want your wool ornaments to be. Some of mine are quite large and others are very tiny. You can start small and add more roving as you go. :)
thanks so much for a great tip!
I use synthetic fish filter fibers for the core, it works great!you can find it in a pet store and the cost is low,in italy cost 4,90euro for 250 gr
Can you use the sink
Marissa Brunje You mean, to wet felt them instead? Yes!!
I love your tutorials, but was less enthused with this one, I was hoping for flat ornaments felted, but I think I learned enough from the others I watched to try it on my own!! Thanks for your beginner one esp. Learned a lot from it.
I will be doing some flat ornaments very soon! I was just thinking about designs the other day.... :)
Thanks!!