Knitting and Felting: The Easiest Way

If you know how to knit and want to keep your feet warm, you must try making felted socks.

The classic felting method requires specific skills and time, so I suggest using a simpler option - felting in a washing machine.

You will need:

1. Knitting yarn - 100% wool without additives or additional processing. Inexpensive skeins or cones, including undyed ones, work perfectly.
2. Liquid laundry detergent (not specifically for wool).
3. Clear plastic bags.
4. White terry towels for drying the finished felted socks.

## Knitting the socks

To start, you need to knit a swatch using knitting needles or a crochet hook. Choose simple, dense patterns: stockinette or garter stitch, seed stitch (1x1), or single crochet. Use the finished swatch to calculate the number of stitches and rows per 1 cm.

After calculating, put the knitted swatch in the washing machine and wash at 60 degrees Celsius with liquid detergent. You can add a couple of towels to the machine for bulk.

Once the swatch is dry, take measurements to determine the gauge after felting.

Based on your calculations, knit the socks without a ribbing, making the leg the desired height or as slippers. In their finished state, they will be significantly larger than the target size and will "shrink" after washing.

## Felting in the washing machine

Stuff crumpled plastic bags into each sock or slipper and sew them shut with a basting stitch. This is done so that the inside of the item does not felt into a single piece. Put the socks in the wash at 60 degrees Celsius ("cotton" cycle). After the spin cycle, remove the bags, and use your hands to stretch and smooth out the legs. Lay the socks on a towel and dry them flat.

TIP! It is best to use a towel that is not new, but one that has been washed at a high temperature. It absorbs moisture better and won't bleed color.

## Decoration

You can decorate the felted socks with hand embroidery, using wool yarn that harmonizes with the piece and gives it special appeal.