Felting old wool coats and blazers

[emelsea]

Has anyone ever done this? What happens?

I saw some 100% wool coats (full length) at Salvation Army today, and I started wondering what I could do with one. They already seem felt-y, but I'd be curious to see what happens to one when you wash it (but I'm a little chicken to try it out with my own washer and dryer).

[earthmama369]

I wash them on hot a few times (sometimes it only takes once, sometimes a few washings) and then dry them on hot. If they have a non-wool lining, you'll get some distortion, but it's easy enough to cut the lining out. They felt up fine and I haven't had a problem with the washer or dryer. Do clean out the lint screen on your dryer afterward, of course, but I think most people do that anyway.