by Kelley Hobart March 08, 2019 2 min read

Here are some tips on how to felt your knit projects on the stovetop instead of using a washing machine. This is especially helpful if you have a front-load washer since they often do not create enough agitation.

In this example I am felting a knitting project called Gnome Home by Tiny Owl Knits. These are cute felted point protectors for your double-point needles or circular needles. They also make great stocking stuffers! 

felted gnome needle protectors

How I made my Gnome Home pattern:

  1. I used #8s and cast on 14 stitches, knit 3 rounds in ribbing, decreased 2 stitches and knit 12 rounds of stockinette in my dark color, 10 rounds in white (for my face). Knit 1 round in dark brown, 3 purl rounds in dark brown (for my hat brim), knit 1 round using back purl bump 3 rounds below in order to make a nice brim for my hat. Knit 4 rounds in stockinette then began decreases by (K1, SSK, K2tog, K1). Repeat one more time on back side of hat. This made them too loose for my double pointed needles.
  2. Start bottom of circular Gnome sock as described: Using US #8s, cast on 8 stitches and decreased 2 stitches on the first round. I knit 12 rounds with my dark color then changed to my white face color for 10 rounds. I changed to my brown color and knit 1 round then purled 3 rounds. Then I knit 1 round connecting the purl round 3 rounds below. Knit 6 rounds even. Then (K1, K2tog) repeat once more. Knit 4 rounds even. K2tog 2 times. Pull tail through remaining stitches and weave in ends. Decorate face as desired and felt on stove top lightly as desired.
  3. I have a front loading washing machine so I used my stove top with hot water and soap in a medium sized pan and used my fingers to rub the fibers and cause felting to occur. Once my little gnomes were felted to my liking, I rinsed the soap out and put them on my needles to dry.

Supplies needed for project

Pattern: Gnome Homesby Tiny Owl Knits

Yarn:  Ultra Alpaca Light in your choice of colors (I used colors in my stash)

Knitting NeedlesKnitters Pride Dreamz US #8s or in size needed to maintain a loose fabric for felting. You can use DPNs or circulars with the Magic Loop method.

Tapestry needle: Chibi darning needles for weaving in ends

How to Felt on the Stovetop

Kelley Hobart
Kelley Hobart


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Alpaca Direct Blog

Kelley's Favorite Free Knit Sweater Patterns
Kelley's Favorite Free Knit Sweater Patterns

by Meg Bateman January 02, 2022 1 min read

Do you feel lost when it comes to picking out your first knit sweater pattern? This week, Kelley shared her favorite sweater patterns during Technique Tuesday. These patterns all feature minimal seaming, have detailed instructions, and have lots of completed projects on Ravelry! 

 

Free Beginner Sweater Patterns to Try

Kelley has knit the Brick Sweater several times, and has decided to knit it again with all our Technique Tuesday viewers! Grab some worsted weight yarn and join us for this informal knit along. 

Read More
Christmas Gifts for Knitters & Loved Ones
Christmas Gifts for Knitters & Loved Ones

by Meg Bateman January 02, 2022 1 min read

Do you have a knitter in your life that you would love to give a gift to? Not only do knitters love receiving knitted items, but you can get them some essential knitting supplies and tools as well!
Read More
How to Use the Fix-A-Stitch
How to Use the Fix-A-Stitch

by Meg Bateman January 02, 2022 1 min read

Do you struggle with fixing your knitting mistakes or dropped stitches? Kelley loves the Fix-A-Stitch tools! They're uniquely made to make it very easy to quickly fix your knitting mistakes. Here, Kelley demonstrates how to use the Fix-A-Stitch to fix stockinette, purl stitches, and garter stitch using the Fix-A-Stitch tools. 
Read More