Felting sweater... did I do it wrong?

[SollysMom]

I'm planning to make a wool soaker out of one of DH's sweaters tomorrow (and possibly longies out of the sleeves). The sweater is merino wool and pretty thin/stretchy. I washed on hot/cold then dried on medium, and the sweater doesn't feel any different or seem smaller. How do I know when it's properly felted? I wanted to maintain some of the stretch which is why I dried on medium, and I didn't want to waste too much water so I did an "express wash". Should I wash again, differently? Or should I use two layers of fabric when I make the soaker? TIA for any replies

ETA: Also, I'm planning to use one of these patterns/instructions. I'm leaning toward the second since the first doesn't have different size instructions. If anyone has used either and can give advice I'd appreciate it!

http://www.borntolove.com/frugal-column2.html
http://katrinassqs.blogspot.com/

[yankeeterrier]

Is it 100% wool or a blend? Blends won't felt as well. Also, in my experience merino hasn't felted as well as lambswool. If you want it for overnite use or a heavy wetter, I would double it.

I've used the katrina pattern with good results, so I would recommend it. I've gone with the higher rise she suggests as well.

The following is a good longie pattern, though it is sort of a no brainer.

http://www.cafepress.com/thatskindacool/864331

Jez

[SollysMom]

I don't know if it's 100% wool because my husband cut the tag out (even though he never wore it ). There's only a small tag left that says the brand name and "Merino Wool". So I would think that means 100%, but I can't confirm it with the actual tag.

I was thinking of doubling the fabric anyway, so now I definitely will. Thanks for the tip! I will also measure my DS to see about the rise. And that's the link/instructions I was going to use for the longies. Thanks again for the reply!

[SollysMom]

Well, I used the katrina pattern and it came out great! I didn't have enough fabric to double the entire thing, but I did add in the wetzone doubler. Also, I realized when I was checking out the sleeves to make the longies, that the wash/dry I did must have damaged the sweater because there were lots of little holes in the sleeves. Bummer.