I also get a lot of questions about it so here are the most asked questions and answers:
- Can I do this with non wool sweaters? Absolutely! Never let the materials hinder your creativity. Be careful that they don't unravel too much while cutting and assembling. These sweaters may also stretch more than the felted wool. I think a regular binding might be nice around the edge with non wool sweaters, since the edges might be a little more unkept than the felted wool. If you cannot find wool sweaters how about trying to find wool suits and skirts? It will not be the same thickness, but it's still wool!
- Where can I find wool sweaters? Go to a thrift store in Wisconsin! Ok, if you can't do that check out your local thrift stores - some sweaters will already be pre-shrunk for you! Ask family and friends and check out rummage sales. Again if you cannot find wool sweaters what about trying wool suits or skirts? Go for it and try other materials!
- What percent wool should it be for felting?
The majority of the sweater should be wool or other animal fiber. While 100% is easiest, as low as 60 or 70 percent can work. Also note that every sweater will felt differently. - How do you do that closed blanket stitch around the outside?
This is the best illustration and tutorial I can find. If you are familar with a regular blanket stitch - it's doing the same thing but stitching in the same spot twice and angling the needle. - What size needle did you use for the outside stitching? I used a metal yarn needle that was 2.5inches long. If you have trouble pulling the needle through, try using some finger grips like what you'd use for flipping through papers.
- Did you use batting?Nope. It's so thick already!
- Did you do any quilting stitches to hold the layers together? I did not. I think it would be a good idea though to do some since both layers are so heavy and tend to separate.
- Did you cut the seams of the sweaters open before felting or not? Really you can do it either way! Most of them I did cut open and there were a couple that I got lazy with and washed as is. Cutting them beforehand lets you easily get the most out of the sweater. The seams will be hard to find after it is felted.
- How do you wash your finished blanket?
I have not washed my blanket so I can only suggest what I think would work the best. Spot clean clean when you can. Wash cold delicate and dry low delicate. Another option would be to dry the blanket flat outside maybe on a nice summer day! Did you know that wool has antimicrobal properties and more? - Isn't it itchy?
No don't find it that itchy. Also, since I use it when it's cold, I'm wearing layers already and it's not up against my skin. If you're concerned about itchiness use a flannel or fleece for the back. You could also use all cashmere or merino wool. These are generally much softer. - How long did it take you to make? It will vary on your experience and how you like to work. I liked working on it in chunks. One day I did the washing. I cut the squares in an afternoon. In one day I pieced the front. For the outside stitching it took me a couple long car rides and some movies/tv shows.
- How do you keep everything from unraveling?
Cut the sweaters than follow the instructions for felting. This shrinks up all the fibers and holds them together. - How many squares of each size did you use?
There are 28 5.5 in squares and 35 of the 10.5 in squares. I cut out way more than enough of the smaller ones so I could play around with the layout and color placement. I didn't use a specific pattern for placement of the squares. You can do more or less of the smaller/larger squares to your liking and what you get from your sweaters.
I also have an update about my blanket. I'm sad to say it needs some repair that I keep putting off. Cats like wool and little did I know that one of ours would like to munch on it. We can now not leave the blanket out. So be aware if you own cats or will be giving one as a gift to a cat owner.
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