This chapter is part of our Fair-Isle Knitting Video Class. Click here to learn more.
Felt the Bag
This step is really simple.
Put all the knitted pieces into a pillowcase and throw them in the washing machine with the temperature set to hot. Use detergent.
If you have a top-loading washer you are in luck, because it’s easy to stop the cycle and check on how the felting is going. Top-loading washers also use more agitation, which is one of the key ingredients in the felting process.
If you don’t have a top-loader, that’s okay too - just set the cycle to regular or heavy wash, use hot water and detergent, and throw in some towels or jeans for extra friction.
You’ll want to continue the washing cycle until you can’t see the individual stitches in the purse anymore.
Once you get to this point, stop, because if you keep going, the purse will keep shrinking, and the shrinking happens faster once the stitches disappear.
One regular wash cycle should do it - it might take two if you have a gentle washing machine.
When you take the knitted pieces out of the wash, lay the small bits and the i-cord handles out flat to dry, adjusting their shape with your fingers.
I recommend that you put the bag over a box to dry - this will ensure that the bottom and sides are nice and flat.
