Felting has been around for thousands of years and it is something that children can do. This class will teach you how to turn plain wool fiber into pieces of felt that you can cut out, sew together and make into neat things. Here is how to make your own felt with just some wool, some dish soap and a disposable pie pan or plastic plate. You can use larger containers to make bigger pieces of felt as well!

Step 1: You will need about ½ ounce if clean and carded wool fiber divided into 3 parts. Spread the first portion out evenly in the bottom of the pan so that it is completely covered. Spread the second layer evenly cross wise (so they make a +). Spread the third layer in the same direction as the first.

Step 2: Lightly drizzle a small amount of detergent over the fibers. Gently pour ½ a cup of hot water over the wool. (Only use as hot as you can handle.)

Step 3: Carefully push down on the wool with your hand flat, getting out the air bubbles and add more water until the wool is completely covered. Push down around the edges matting the fibers.

Step 4: Using you one hand to hold the pan, place the other flat on the wool with your palm in the center and fingertips at the edge. Gently move your hand in small circular motions on the wool, rotating the pan slowly until the wool firms up. About 5 minutes. After this you can start working in faster circles for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Carefully (over a sink or pot) drain out the water and flip the wool. Add more soap if needed and more water to cover the wool. Repeat step 4.

Step 6: To rinse the felt, run warm water over the wool in the pan and pour out the soapy water. Now turn on the cold and rinse the rest of the soap out of the felt while pressing it down into the pan until all the soap is gone. You should now have felt.

Optional Step 7: If you want to make your wool stronger and more durable run hot water over it while you roll and squeeze it. The more you do this the stronger it will be.