How to Make Felted Wool Sweaters for Your Soap

By April Horton, published Nov 16, 2007
Published Content: 78  Total Views: 38,676  Favorited By: 25 CPs
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Felting soap is a really fun craft that the whole family can enjoy! Even the smallest of toddler's can get into this activity! This makes a wonderful group activity for both adults and children alike. This is a great crafting activity for parties, scouts meetings, school activity, fundraisers, etc.

Felting soap is essentially wrapping wool fibers around the soap and rubbing it until it becomes smooth. The resulting product is a wrapped bar of soap. You can experiment with different colors and fibers as you get the hang of felting soap.

The change in the texture of the textile is gratifying and soothing. It is a very tactile craft. This activity is best done in a group as company is fun while doing this activity! So gather your friends or family and let's get felting!

I guess first of all you are probably wondering what the point of a felted soap would be? The beauty of felted wool soap is you won't need a washcloth to bathe with! Your felted fibers will act as a built in scrubby. These would also make great stocking stuffers and gifts for birthdays or holidays!

It takes about 1/2 an hour or so to felt a bar of soap. You will need just a few materials. Soap being the main thing you will need. I like to use a homemade bar of soap but you can use any kind you happen to have on hand. Aromatherapy and goat's milk are a favorite of mine.

The next main supply would be dyed wool roving. You will most likely have to order this ahead of time or visit your local yarn store. I like to use Peace Fleece brand wool myself. But you can find wool roving in many web shops online and possibly through your local co-op. Or better yet find a sheep farm for a never ending supply! Ask around and you will be surprised what you might find. If you know someone that spins wool into yarn you could also acquire your wool that way as well.

Other things you will need for this activity is a bowl and a towel and access to water. Patience will also be needed when doing this activity.

First you will fill your bowl with warm water.

Next, loosely wrap your wool roving around your bar of soap. It is better to use thin wide sheet and wrap the bar a couple of time. Tuck any stray ends into themselves.

How to Make Felted Wool Sweaters for Your Soap

Felted soap in various stages of creation. The finished product is pictured on the right.

Credit: April Horton

Copyright: April Horton

Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
 
 
Great article, April! I plan on making these for Christmas gifts!!!

Posted on 12/06/2007 at 12:12:00 PM

 
Wow, what an awesome idea, thanks for sharing.

Posted on 11/27/2007 at 8:11:00 AM

 
Wonderful idea~Thanks for great instructions!

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 6:11:00 PM

 
Great idea! My daughter might still be a little young but I'll hold on to this one for the future.

Posted on 11/17/2007 at 12:11:00 AM

 
What a fun idea, April! Nicely written.

Posted on 11/17/2007 at 12:11:00 AM

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