Need help felting a stubborn piece please!

#1

I knit the cup warmer from this KP pattern:

http://www.knitpicks.com/Come+in+From+the+Cold+Coaster++Cup+Warmer+Pattern_PD50517221.html

I knit it in Telemark, just as the pattern says. I stuck it in the washer in a pillowcase on [B]hot[/B] with a bunch of DH’s old jeans and jean shorts, but after 26 total minutes agitating, it hasn’t felted a bit!
This is not my first felting project at all, so I’m stumped. I’ve felted smaller things than this, but I haven’t felted Telemark before.
Any hints? How can I get this felted? It was supposed to be a Christmas present but one thing after another keeps delaying it.

#2

That’s odd! Maybe try putting it in the dryer?

#3

I agree with Jan, try popping it in the dryer. If that doesn’t work, you may need to try felting by hand. It’ll take a heck of a lot longer, but that way you’ll be able to see what’s happening as it happens.

#4

Have you tried a hot wash and a cold rinse?

#5

I am in the same boat. I bought some handpainted yarn from BrownSheep (top of the lamb) to make felted slippers but the darn stuff just refuses to felt. I’ve tried all the suggestions ; even boiled it but so far no luck. Right now it is going through the hot dryer for a second time. If that doesn’t work, I will pass them along to the biggest feet in the family.:gah:

#6

Uh oh, that is interesting. My friend bought the same pattern and yarn from KP. I will have to warn her about that.

Why would wool not felt? Does anyone know?

Good luck and keep us posted.

#7

It went in the dryer… still not felted.

Our washer automatically does the cold rinse, so it’s been hot washed/cold rinsed twice now. I’m about to take it outside and run over it with the car a few times to see if THAT makes it felt! :hair:

#8

What color is the yarn? I have read that the very light color yarns have been processed in some way that makes them difficult to felt. :shrug:

#9

The only way to fuzz wool that’s reluctant to felt is to clean it of whatever is keeping the fibers smooth.

I use borax, washing soda, baking soda, laundry soap (Fels Naptha) and a washboard to strip out the oils or additives for small pieces like your coasters and cupholders. For anything much bigger, I just give up.

#10

I’m not the OP, but I just tried to felt a tote and all the colors felted beautifully except the yellow. I could just cry. :waah:
I have some Fels in my cupboard, so maybe I will try that and some baking soda.