DIY Network

Felting the Bunny Felt the bunny in the washing machine and add stuffing before he dries. From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-311

The felting process will create a dense fabric and give stability to the bunny, so he can stand up to lots of hugs!

advertisement

Temporarily stuffing the bunny with fiberfill will help mold him into the correct shape. After he's completely dry, replace the fiberfill with wool roving.

1. To protect your washer from excess fiber, place bunny in a zippered pillow protector.

2. Set washer for hot wash, low water level and maximum agitation.

3. Add a small amount of Wool Mix (see note below) or use a mild detergent.

4. Extremely hot water is not needed or desired. You must be able to handle your project during the process.

5. Using the rinse and spin cycles is not recommended as they may set permanent creases in the felt.

6. After about 5 minutes (this is very important), check on the progress. Remove bunny from the bag to get a good look at what is happening. Check again every 5 minutes. Reset the washer to continue agitating if necessary. Do not let it drain and spin.

7. When the bunny is felted to the size you want, remove from the washer. If felting with Wool Mix, no rinsing is needed, but if detergent was used, the bunny should be rinsed thoroughly by hand in warm water.

8. Roll in towels to remove as much water as possible.

Finishing

1. Stuff firmly with fiberfill while wet and mold to the shape you want (figure A). Legs can be pinned in position if desired. Allow to dry completely (this will take several days). If you wish, pat him into shape anytime you think of it, while he's damp (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

2. When dry, brush to remove any clumps of wool.

3. Mark position for eyes and make a hole with a knitting needle for each one (figure C). Remove temporary stuffing and attach eyes (or, if you prefer, you can embroider the eyes).

4. Restuff with fleece to desired firmness, leaving a space in the tummy. Fold Lycra in half and sew 2 sides, leaving one side open. Fill this bag about half full with poly-pellets, then sew the remaining side. Place this bag in the tummy of your bunny and finish filling with fleece.

5. Using a strong thread, sew the opening closed (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

Tail

Make a pompon in angora (figure E), using crochet cotton to tie it (the angora is too fragile to hold the knot firmly). Sew onto the bunny using the ends of the crochet cotton.

Wool Mix note: Wool Mix is a rinse-free wool wash that is excellent for felting and is available in many yarn stores.

Nose

Use a felting needle and a short piece of darker-colored yarn to needle-felt the nose in place (figure F). Be very careful: the barbs on the needle are extremely sharp!

Figure E

Figure F

RESOURCES :

Yarns, knitting needles
Skacel Collection Inc.
Website: www.skacelknitting.com

Felting supplies
Fiber Trends Inc.
Website: www.fibertrends.com

Patterns for felt lamb, koala and teddy bear and other felted knits
Fiber Trends Inc.
Website: www.fibertrends.com

Wool Mix
Baabajoes Wool Company
We apologize no further information is available.

Felted Knits
By Beverly Galeskas
Interweave Press 2003
Website: www.interweave.com

GUESTS :

Beverly Galeskas
Fiber Trends
Website: www.fibertrends.com