Gorgeous wet felted poncho with Merino wool on Cotton gauze.
Cut a piece of cotton gauze measuring 1.20m.
Double over the cotton gauze.
Measure 35cm in from each side at the bottom. Measure 27cm from the bottom and up at each side. Cut a gentle curve between the two points on each side.
In the middle of the fold cut 30cm for the neck opening.
Cut approx. 8cm down from the neck opening – this is the front.
Take the poncho over your head to check the neck opening is large enough. Note that the piece shrinks during felting.
The following steps from 7-12 describe how to do wet felting – (however, in this case we have described how to wet felt a scarf – not a poncho - in different colours). The same method is used to make patterns on the poncho. Start by putting a large piece of lining fabric out on a large table and spread out the poncho completely. Pull the wool lengthwise.
Divide the wool into six or seven lengths.
Make a design by laying the wool onto the poncho.
Wet the wool with soapy water.
Put a piece of fine mesh netting or tulle over and felt by running your fingers round on the tulle with circular movements. Be careful so the wool will not move.
When the wool is completely moistened and starting to integrate with the cotton gauze, roll the scarf into the lining fabric. Seal with string or rubber bands - remember to seal the ends - so nothing can get out. You can now felt the whole parcel in your tumble dryer. Start out with 20 minutes. Unpack carefully and see if the wool is felted onto the cotton gauze. Felt for longer if needed.
After finishing the felting, unwrap the scarf and rinse gently in cold water. Rinse several times and add a bit of vinegar in the final rinse water. Lay the scarf flat to dry.
Other examples.
