MisDixie

LOL...when in doubt read the instructions! Been there and done that....many times.
I have done a lot with wool but not a wool quilt...yet!
Cheers!

gale

If it's felted, you don't have to finish the edges. If it isn't, you have to because it'll ravel.

Glassquilt

In the felt you buy the wool fibers are not woven but mixed together with hot soapy water until the scales all lock together. Not structurally strong
The felt you get from washing the the suits you bought will be practically indestructible. (Process is called ‘fulling’ and the fabric is 'fulled wool' just in case the quilt police try to give you a test before you kick them out.)

peaceandjoy

Well, they are cut up, washed and dried.

If I'd been willing, I probably could have gotten more out of them, but when I met resistance, I went around. So wherever there was anything bonded that didn't easily pull off, I cut around it. I didn't open seams.

What I got was still plenty for what I need. And a baggie of buttons. Cutting into a couple of them was almost painful - they were as nice, or nicer, than some of the ones DH wears to work! A quick jab with the scissors and the dye was cast.

Next I will have to look in women's for reds/purples/blues...

irquilter

I have felted many men's Jackets from thrift stores. As soon as I bring them in the door I wash them in the hottest water my machine has with the normal amount of detergent on the longest agitation (this will not work well in a front loader because there is no agitator) I then toss them in the drier until they are bone dry, this produces a lot of lint so I check my lint trap often to clear it. I then cut off the buttons, cut away the lining and padding, cut out the sleeves, and cut down that sleeve underarm seam. I then cut off the collar and in my case discard it, Now I have a vest like piece which I open at the shoulder seams. Now all pieces are flat and I can fold and store according to color :o)

ka9sdn

You said you should have read the instructions. Yes, but look at all the info people sent. Great education for many.

rexie

I was interested to see your answers. I just acquired several yards of lightweight wool fabric. I was thinking of a lap quilt or something, but now I am so confused....to wash, not to wash, cold water/hot water...

Glassquilt

Once the wool has been washed in hot water with soap and thoroughly agitated you won't have to worry about it again.

sosewbusy

My first lesson was with wool that was second hand and I was practically a baby. I put the quilt together and later; may have been years; washed the thing only to have a few blocks suddenly half the size. What a puckered mess. If I had known I would have washed all and then know the finished size. Now I felt all the time. Most books recommend Ivory soap and definitely no softener. When you felt a sweater or a crocheted item that you make it can get so strong that no pencil can even puncture it. Works great for the handbags I design and make.

jaciqltznok

I take apart old wool clothing and to really felt it you need to boil it and then plunge it into ICE cold water....then boil it again and toss into the washing machine...then a hot dryer! It is labor intensive work, so make sure you know exactly what you are going to use it for before you start taking it all apart!