Felting recycled sweater for wool soaker?

[SollysMom]

I did a search, and it seems as though some people prefer not to felt a sweater before recycling it for a wool soaker, in order to preserve the softness and stretch. I get that it's a personal choice, I'm just curious to see what most people do. Please answer the poll and elaborate if you wish! Thanks in advance

[TattooedMama]

I do wash and dry on hot, but it depends on how tight the weave of the sweater was if it gets really "felted".

[Kari_mom]

I voted that I felt, because I do, but it is a light felting. The wool isn't felted as much as it could be at all. Just enough to soften up the wool, fill in the holes and start the felting process so there isn't any fraying when I cut the sweaters up.

[mehndi mama]

I do sometimes. For soakers, I only felt the sweater if it's one of those really thin, soft, super stretchy ones.

[Meksmama]

Just lurking ... to get everyone's felting opinions. I made one from a felted sweater that my mil accidentally shrank... I was going to make some recycled wool soakers from some sweaters I have. I can't bring myself to cut them up or felt them because I am afraid of the soakers not coming out good. Any advice on how to make sure I don't screw it up???

[possum]

I voted yes, but I don't make soakers (as in pull-up wool pants.) I felt the wool some and leave some give in the fabric. Then I make a wrap style cover. These are great because the extra give is good at helping the wrap hold the diaper in place (I don't use pins or snappis) and move with my extra busy boy.
Melinda

[thixle]

Originally Posted by Kari_mom

I voted that I felt, because I do, but it is a light felting. The wool isn't felted as much as it could be at all. Just enough to soften up the wool, fill in the holes and start the felting process so there isn't any fraying when I cut the sweaters up.

:

[mommy2j&a]

I didn't even know what felting was until now.

[Ok]

Along with the above-mentioned, I also felted to relieve my anxiety about dh accidentally washing them in the machine. If they were well-felted, then they can be washed in the machine occasionally-- an ease I value. Also, well-felted pants need less lanolin added back in (from my experience).