There are many wonderful choices of textiles crafts to experiment with but one of my favorite textile crafts that I have dabbled in is felting.
The general process of felting involves the process of matting wool fibers together by using special felting needles or intermingling wool fiber together through the use of hot water, agitating the fibers and then putting pressure on the fibers such as rolling up the fibers in a towel and pressing out the excessive water. I have tried both methods and have found the use of the felting needles to be less messy but I have also hurt myself more times than I can count when I used the needles. The method of felting used is just a matter of personal preference.
Felting is great fun and experimenting with both methods is a wise choice, also there are so many wonderful free felted patterns offered online that experimenting with the felting methods is made easy.
Here you will find 5 free felted patterns:
Felted Wide Brim Hat Pattern
This free felted hat pattern is really colorful and looks so fun to wear. The directions are very explicit and easy to follow plus there are also variations given of the hat that are offered in the directions. The knitting directions are fairly simple and would be appropriate for a beginning level knitter with some experience, although knitting is great fun, I believe the crafter working on this free felted pattern will find the felting portion of the directions to be the most exciting.
Felted Easter Eggs Patterns
These super cute free felted eggs are great for Easter or any time of the year. The felted egg samples shown are presented in bold and bright colors but it would also be fun to use a creamy white or light brown wool for egg felting. The felted eggs could be placed in a basket to displayed in the kitchen for year round use.
Felted Potholder Pattern
Here you will find a really easy free felted pattern, crochet is involved with this pattern but only knowledge of chain, single crochet and slip stitch is needed. The potholder has a zig zag pattern and is very fast to make, this would make an excellent, quick gift.
Felted Knit Bag Pattern
This free felted bag pattern not only has an outstanding shape to hold a variety of items but I also really love the colors of fibers used in this particular felted pattern. The felted bag is perfect for everyday use as a purse or could be used as a carry all bag for such things as: books or diapers, the uses are endless.
Felted Wine Bag Pattern
If you are looking for that perfect gift to bring to girls night out or cocktail party then this easy free felted wine bag pattern is the right choice. The black and pink fibers shown in the photograph would be my first choice in colors but any preferred color combination would work well. This free felted pattern can be completed in a couple hours and it makes an excellent gift when it is holding a bottle of wine.
This selection of free felted patterns are only a fraction of the patterns available online, these particular patterns happen to be some of my personal favorites. If more felted patterns are desired, make sure to do a search on the internet and you will not be disappointed with the search results.
Sources:
www.knittingonthenet.com
www.activityvillage.co.uk
www.woolcrafting.com
www.straw.com
www.momsbudget.com
