Love Token Free tutorial

Felt Valentine

February is one of those months that need a little special attention. Here’s a quick project to make your sweeties felt valentines.  It’s simple and fun. 

 

Here’s what you’ll need to make a felt heart:
Stuffing wool
Merino top-color of your choice. Outback Fibers is a great source for wool and supplies.  http://www.outbackfibers.com
Felting needle
Liquid dish soap
Sandwich-size plastic “zipper” bag
Assorted beads, buttons and ribbons for embellishing
Old, clean towel
White vinegar (tbsp. for rinse water)

Place the folded towel on a firm surface to make a workspace.  

 Using the stuffing wool, create a firmly needle-felted heart shape.  

 

Wrap and lightly needle three layers of merino wool top around the heart shape

   

You’ll need a container large enough to immerse your heart in hot soapy water.  

(I use a squirt of Ivory liquid dish soap.)

 Dip the heart into the hot soapy water and put it in a zipper bag. 
 Begin gently massaging the heart until it reaches a soft felt stage. Pinch the fabric and pull up.  If the fibers come up, you need to continue massaging until the fibers have securely meshed.  

Remove the heart from the bag and continue to massage the heart using the palms of your hands to rub the felt surface until the fibers are firmly meshed.

 
 

Rinse well under warm running water.  Place the heart in a vinegar bath for 5 to 10 mins.  (1 tbsp vinegar to 1 quart of warm water.)  This brings the pH of the wool back to normal and neutralizes any soap residue.

 

        

Wrap the heart in a clean towel to dry.  Press firmly to remove excess water. The heart can also be placed in a standard oven at 225F for about an hour to speed drying.

Embellish to your heart's content.

Cheers,

Deborah