Question About Felting

[Kellymike]

Hi there,

I hope this is the right place to post this. I have directions for felting an old 100% wool sweater and turning it into a cute tote bag. I've never felted before.

The directions specify that the process take place in a TOP LOADING washer. Just like that, with great emphasis on "top loading". Why would that be? I have a front loader, can I not make felt in it?

Hoping to get some input on this. Thanks!

Kelly

[Foxyie]

Hi kelly

i haven't myself really felted anything but i believe that it's easier to check to see where the felting stage is in a top loader

depending the yarn and the strength of a washer, detergent, water temp.. an item can go from nice and perfectly felted to a small shrunken mess quite quickly

so opening a front loader often to check on the progress of an item may prove to be really messy

i've heard it could be done in a front loader..
i guess most wouldn't reccommend it for a first try though

i found this article about hand felting in a bucket

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/FE...ingoldway.html

happy felting!