How to Easily Make Fun and Simple Wool Christmas Tree Balls

Step 1

Long before the New Year arrived, I decided to start making Christmas tree ornaments. This year, I decided to add wool ball decorations to the star of the celebration.

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Step 3

To make the wool Christmas tree ornaments, you will need:
• wool in various colors and shades;
• a felting needle, awl;
• strong thread;
• old nylon tights or socks;
• satin ribbons;
• polyester batting.

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Step 5

I decided to save a little wool, so I chose to use polyester batting as the base for the balls. Tear it into small pieces and shape them into a ball, which should then be wrapped as tightly as possible with thread. Once the ball reaches the desired size, secure the end of the thread.

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Step 7

Pay close attention to the shape of the ball so it doesn't turn out square or oval (although for some variety, you can also make an ornament with an irregular geometric shape:giggle🙂.

Now we can move on to wrapping our bases with colored wool. I might not have done it the textbook way, but I pulled off thin tufts of wool and arranged them in different directions over one side of the ball.

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Step 9

Pierce the wool all over the surface with a felting needle. This will secure the wool to the ball. At the same time, don't forget to smooth down the poked areas with your fingers so the wool lies as evenly as possible on the ball. It's important not to overdo it! Work gently and softly!

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Step 11

Turn the ball over and repeat the process on the other side of the ornament.

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Step 13

If there are any bare spots, be sure to fill them in with wool. As you work, reshape the piece so it stays a ball, adding more tufts of wool as needed. You'll end up with blanks like these.

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Step 15

Place our wool balls into old nylon socks or stockings (if you don't have any, you can buy the cheapest nylon footies) and put them into the washing machine.

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Step 17

The wash temperature should be at least 60 degrees. Add a little detergent or laundry soap and wash for 20-30 minutes. About the same amount of time will be needed for rinsing.

If you notice bare spots on the balls after washing, you can fix them by adding a fresh layer of wool, felting it onto the problem areas with the needle. I decided to add bright little polka-dot spots to the balls where there were gaps. Once they are added, repeat the washing machine process.

After washing, let the balls air-dry (after the washing machine, it won't take long). Remove any stray pills or fuzz. Use an awl to pierce the balls and thread satin ribbons through. Tie bow loops, and our balls are ready!

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