Jacket project question.....what to bind with?

[freemotion]

I got a GREAT XL men's shetland wool sweater for $3 and just ran it through my washer in hot water on the cotton setting... most agitation. It didn't shrink as much as I'd hoped. I want that fabric really tight and thick. Do I just run it through the washer again? Or toss it in the dryer?

I want to make a nice warm vest....but since it is still so big, if I can shrink it down a bit more, there might be enough for a jacket!

 

[big brown horse]

I have found some types of sheep wool felt better than others. For example, cheviot wool is more felt resistant than other wools.

 

[Henrietta23]

I got a GREAT XL men's shetland wool sweater for $3 and just ran it through my washer in hot water on the cotton setting... most agitation. It didn't shrink as much as I'd hoped. I want that fabric really tight and thick. Do I just run it through the washer again? Or toss it in the dryer?

I want to make a nice warm vest....but since it is still so big, if I can shrink it down a bit more, there might be enough for a jacket!

Did you add detergent? I usually throw in a couple of DH's old pairs of jeans. That seems to boost the agitation. And yes, it sometimes takes me more than one cycle till I'm satisified with the end result.

 

[freemotion]

OK, I'll be brave and run it through another cycle. It did put a pair of jeans in with it, but only had one dirty pair available......amazingly sorta caught up with that type of laundry!

 

[Henrietta23]

OK, I'll be brave and run it through another cycle. It did put a pair of jeans in with it, but only had one dirty pair available......amazingly sorta caught up with that type of laundry!

If we were only a little closer to each other I'd loan you a few pairs!

 

[freemotion]

And I would gladly wash your jeans for you! But with the warning that they would come back covered in hair....er....wool.....er....tribble-seeds?

 

[freemotion]

Oh, hey, ladies, am I supposed to put this thing in the dryer? Or dry flat? It will be dried flat unless I hear otherwise. Going downstairs to check it now....

 

[freemotion]

Nevermind, it is perfect now! It is drying by the woodstove, tomorrow I'll see if it will be a jacket or a vest....

 

[big brown horse]

I dryered mine until it was felted to my liking, then I flat dried it the rest of the way.

 

[FarmerDenise]

I put mine in the dryer also. I have also found that not all wool sweaters will shrink - felt the same.
I think it is goats wool that seems to hold it's original shape best, but don't quote me on that