Can I ever wash my felted handbags?

[Jazzmatazz]

I've made a couple of felted bags, and they turned out great. They're darker colors, though. I have the yarn (a light yellow Cascade 220 and multicolored HipHop) for another one. Now I'm thinking light yellow is going to show dirt, so can I wash the bag one day when it needs it? I think the answer will be no, but I thought I'd see if anyone has experience with that.

[MaryB]

My experience is that you can wash felted items. Wash by hand in cold water using Woolite. Block and dry as you did when you first felted the bag.

[Sara]

Yep. Once it's felted, you just treat it with TLC like you would all your other woolen items.

[kewsew]

I spray my lighter colored bags with a fabric guard product that is used on furniture. It helps delay the inevitable! :D

Karen W.

[Jazzmatazz]

I'll be sure to scotchguard the bag. I wanted something more summery, but may wish I'd used a darker color. I need to get a grip, I've only been knitting since April and am on my 3rd purse. :XX:

[amy]

ooh, *cringe*, I don't think I could bear to spray that stuff on my wonderful natural fibers. (tree hugging hippie like KellyK here). I'd think it would be fine just washing it on occasion, no?

Well, happy knitting in any case! Sounds like a fun project. :D

[Kilgore_Trout]

Good to know.....I'll be felting my first felted piece soon. Does it really have to be blocked afterward? Oh how I dislike blocking...

[jodstr2]

I spilled a caramel macchiato yesterday on my felted bag. I washed it gently with cold water and a drop of Dawn dishwashing detergent and all appears fine so far.

[Kilgore_Trout]

Does anyone even know what a macchiato is?

[jodstr2]

espresso drink - really more fluff than coffee - this one is vanilla Torani syrup, espresso, steamed milk, a bit of caramel, foam on top, more drizzle of caramel.