Wool wetbags

[Mickiswing]

I'm thinking I might make a wetbag or two from leftover pieces of recycled sweaters. Just a simple square, probably with a drawstring. But what should I use for the drawstring? I can easily crochet a wool drawstring, but was trying to come up with a way to use part of the sweater for it. Any ideas?

TIA!

[LeosMama]

You're so creative!

If the sweater is large enough, maybe you could use the seams from the sleeves and sides. You know, just cut the seam out so it comes out in a long strip. I would stitch it all together and then, if it's long enough, try felting it. Hopefully it gets stronger, rather than falling apart. So then it won't unravel, and should make a nice tough cord. What do you think, would it work?

[Mickiswing]

Oooh, you've just given me an idea! If it works, I'll post pictures. :P I probably won't get to it today, but maybe tomorrow. thanks!

[LeosMama]

bump!

I'm getting impatient! I know it's too soon to ask, but I'm doing so anyway...

What did you decide to do for the drawstring? Did it work?

[Mickiswing]

Originally Posted by LeosMama

bump!

I'm getting impatient! I know it's too soon to ask, but I'm doing so anyway...

What did you decide to do for the drawstring? Did it work?

LOL! I haven't tried it yet, but here's my idea. When I was a kid, we did a project at home and my mom showed us how to turn a piece of paper into a long loop without gluing or taping, just by making specific cuts.

Here's how you do it. Take your paper, or square of recycled wool in this case, and fold it in half the long way. Then starting on the left side, make a straight cut across, until you're an inch or so from the edge. Then, move up an inch, and make another cut, this time from the right. You just alternate cuts from each side up the whole square, then unfold, and you've got a huge loop of fabric.

I'd round off the corners a little, cut it so it was now one long strip, then thread it through the casing of the bag, then knot the ends together.

So if anyone tries this before I get a chance, please let me know how it works!

[LeosMama]

This is a great idea, Micki. But just one caveat - make sure the sweater is felted first or it will unravel!
I'm sure you know this, but just thought I'd mention it for posterity!

[Jes'sBeth]

I'd be anxious about doing this... You're going to lose structural integrity here I think since the strands of wool aren't going to be very long or entangled with the ones beside them. Essentially, every time you get to a 'corner' of the wool it's only going to be hanging on by a corner and when you pull on your string you're going to put pressure on the cut not on the fibre possibly causing it to break. The reason yarn, twine, rope, string etc is strong and holds together is because the fibres are spun together and you always get an equal quantity of fibres all stacked up against each other. Make sure you do a small test patch before you do it cause I don't think this is going to hold up for an extended period of time if you're pulling on it like you would a drawstring. I think you'd be way better off to use complimentary or contrasting wool to make a string.

My Mom's super quick way to make drawstrings is this...

* Get a ball of wool and a friend
* Stand on opposite sides of a room (or a bit more than twice the length you want the finished string to be)
* Hold the end and toss the ball of yarn to your friend.
* They grab it, hold onto the yarn and toss it back
* Continue until you have several strands (4 for a skinny drawstring, more for a thicker one) then cut.
* Each person now twists the whole strand in opposite directions.
* Discuss the weather while twisting
* Keep twisting
* Twist a bit more
* Test to see if it's twisty enough by loosening the tension between the 2 people (drop the string in the middle towards the floor, keep holding the ends!) the string will twist together... you're done if it twists together tightly.
* One person now hands their end to the other person and straightens out the twisty cord by running their hands down the length to get any kinks out. Essentially when you fold it in half, the whole thing will twist together and give you a twisty rope looking thing.
* Tie an overhand knot where the 2 ends are now meeting so that the whole thing doesn't untwist
* Cut to length and use (you need to tie a knot when you cut it. I always cut my folded end just to get symmetry on both ends.)

If you can't find someone to help you, you can loop the other end around a doorknob and just twist the one way. It takes longer but totally works.

I've made hundreds of these. They take about 5 mins to make in total. I probably started helping when I was 3... it's super simple.

Hope that's helpful!

[Shiloh]

awesome idea!
saw this thread and just whipped up a pail liner with some old felted I had.
did the tube, 'french' seams I think they are called, squared the bottom sewed half way in on four sides, top undone but hey if I have enough energy to rethread that bobbin tomorrow it will be done!

I love...
okay that's understatement


recycled wool sweaters.
I think I am going to do some wetbags wool jersey on inside and sweater for outside with funky button or tie of somekind, ...the ideas are endless!