Cables & Felting

#1

Has anyone ever felted cables before? How does it turn out?

#2

I’ve done it using size 13s and a single strand of Patons Classic Merino Wool. The first time, my cables got kinda lost in the felting process. I was terribly disappointed but have kept trying.

Second attempt, used the 13s again with one strand of Patons Classic Merino wool and one strand of 100% acrylic. It felted far less and the cables were distinguishable. It is a very nice bag just alot bigger than I planned and since it was experimental I made it black and not my best color. Second row, far left on this photobucket link:

Third attempt not done yet. I’ve purchased a book from Patternworks that shows a gorgeous, multicolored, felted, cabled bag. It calls for 10.5 needles and they have a suggested yarn with 75% wool and 25% mohair or alpaca. Now, to me that sounds like 100% animal fiber. I intend to use size 10.5s, one strand of Patons Classic Merino and will see how it turns out. Maybe the smaller size needles, which I know will felt less, will make the difference.

I will not give up on this, obviously! I know that Patons felts faster than most wools so I’ll be watching it very closely. If you try one, I’d love to see it! Mary

#3

Thanks! I’m trying to write a pattern for a bag and thought about making the straps cabled! We’ll see though…I haven’t decided on an actual style yet!