How to Make a Felted Rose Wreath

This lovely rose wreath can be used for all sorts of occasions but lends itself especially to romance and Valentine's Day. It's a great way to upcycle an old sweater, either one you have at home, or one you've purchased from the thrift store. Here is how to make it.

1. 

    Wash the woolen sweater in the washing machine on the hot cycle.
   Wash the woolen sweater in the washing machine on the hot cycle. You're wanting to shrink and felt the poor sweater! And pour more scorn on the hapless sweater by drying in on the hot cycle of your dryer. By the time it comes out, it's absolutely ready for craft use.
2. 

    Click on to enlarge
   Create the rosettes. Click on the template provided here to enlarge. This template shows how to cut the rosette shape (along the dotted line).
   • The size of the template should be around 3 inches or 7.5cm for the best rosette size. Adjust the template on your computer or by hand as needed.
3. 

    Cut out a piece of sweater that is large enough to create the circle.
   Cut out a piece of sweater that is large enough to create the circle. Place the template over this circle and cut around the dotted line and the outer circle line. This forms the basis of each rosette.
4. 

    Glue the rosette into shape.
   Glue the rosette into shape. You'll need to gradually work your way around the rosette, winding it into place and gluing at the same time.
   • Allow to dry before proceeding.
   • At this stage, you can make as many rosettes as you'd like and use them on all sorts of crafty projects from wreaths to clothing decoration.
5. 

    Create the wreath.
   Create the wreath. Draw a heart shape template in the size of your choosing. Obviously the larger the heart, the more rosettes you'll need to make for gluing on. Cut out the heart on light card stock. Cut out the middle of the heart, so that you have a broad edge of about 2" (5cm) across for placing the rosettes. Cover the heart with felt the same color as the rosettes, or a suitable contrasting color.
   • 

      Glue the rosettes onto the heart.
     Glue the rosettes onto the heart. Continue until completed. See the introduction photo for the final wreath.
6. 

    Leave to dry fully before hanging.
   Leave to dry fully before hanging.

• Naturally, do not wash a woolen sweater in hot water when you still wish to wear it!

• Unwanted woolen sweater (100 percent wool)
• Felt in color similar to or contrasting well with the rosette fabric, for covering the heart
• Card stock for heart
• Printer or paper and marker for the templates
• Scissors
• Glue suitable for fabric
• Additional embellishments (optional)