Wool sweaters show wear after several washings. The sweater itself is still in excellent shape but the color of the fabric is faded or small fuzz balls (pills) begin to form on the surface. Giving the sweater to a charity such as Goodwill is a possibility but why not turn that favorite wool sweater into a crocheted felted purse. The most difficult part of the process is removing the seams from the sweater and taking it apart. Complete this step and roll the wool yarn into a ball before beginning the pattern. Now the fun begins.
Material:
2 – Old wool adult size sweaters or 8 ounces wool yarn
Scissors
Size K/10.5/6.5mm crochet hook
Washing machine
Water
Tablespoon
Plain salt
Mild detergent
Basic Purse Instructions:
Row 1 – Work with two strands of wool yarn throughout the pattern. Chain 46 stitches. Double crochet in the fourth chain from the hook. The first three chains count as the first double crochet stitch in the row. Double crochet across the chain until the last stitch. Complete 4 double crochet stitches in the last stitch. Turn the chain. Work a double crochet in each loop across the opposite side of the chain until the last loop of the row. Work 4 double crochet stitches in the last loop. Connect the last stitch to the first stitch in the row.
Row 2 through 26 – Chain 3 stitches. Double crochet in each stitch around. Connect the last stitch to the first stitch in the row. Finish off.
Strap Instructions:
Row 1 – Chain 72 stitches using two strands of wool yarn. Double crochet in the fourth chain from the hook and in each stitch across. Turn.
Row 2 and 3 – Chain 3 stitches. Double crochet in the next stitch and in each stitch across. Finish off.
Finishing:
Step 1 – Place the basic purse on a flat work surface. Center the strap on either side of the basic purse and sew in place.
Step 2 – Weave all loose ends into the last row of stitching.
Felting Process:
Step 1 – Set the washing machine to a small load using hot water. Start the washing machine and fill the tub with hot water. Allow the washing machine to agitate but not to go into the spin cycle until Step 3.
Step 2 – Place the purse in the water with 1 tablespoon of mild detergent and 1 tablespoon of plain salt. The plain salt will set the color in the purse so it will not bleed.
Step 3 – Check the purse every 2 minutes until the desired felting is achieved. This may take up to 20 minutes. Remember, the purse will get larger before it shrinks and felts. The hot water will cause the will yarn to shrink at different rates so check the felting process periodically.
Step 4 – Spin the water from the washer when the purse reaches the desired size.
Step 5 – Manually rinse the purse with cool water and squeeze out the excess water.
Step 6 – Shape the purse and place it in a safe location to air dry.
Tips: Add embellishments to the purse such as buttons, beads or lace. Experiment with the pattern by mixing colors of wool yarn to create one-of-a-kind purses.