How to Make Felt From Pet Hair

I know what you’re thinking: ‘Why would anyone want to make felt from pet hair?’ But bear with me, because there are actually some great reasons to give it a try.

Not only is it a sustainable way to repurpose your pet’s shed hair, but it also creates a unique and personalized material for crafting.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of gathering, cleaning, carding, wet felting, and caring for your very own pet hair felt.

Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• Gathering and preparing pet hair is essential for felting, and it involves brushing the pet, using a fine-toothed comb, and collecting a sufficient amount of clean and tangle-free hair.
• Cleaning and sorting the pet hair is crucial, and it includes gathering loose fur, removing tangles or mats with a comb, washing the fur with pet-friendly shampoo, and air drying it before further processing.
• Carding the pet hair helps in creating a uniform texture, and it involves using a fine-toothed comb or hand carders with metal teeth to remove tangles or mats, loading carders with a small amount of hair, and brushing the fibers back and forth until they are ready for felting.
• Wet felting the pet hair is the final step, and it includes soaking the carded fibers in warm, soapy water, pressing and massaging them to create a solid piece, rolling them tightly into a cylindrical shape, agitating them against a textured surface to bond the fibers, and shaping and molding them as desired.

Gathering and Preparing Pet Hair

I’ll start by brushing my pet to gather and prepare their hair for making felt. This step is crucial in ensuring that the fibers are clean and free from any debris or tangles. I use a fine-toothed comb to gently remove any loose hairs, starting from the roots and combing towards the ends.

Once I’ve collected a sufficient amount of hair, I move on to the next step – spinning techniques. Spinning pet hair into yarn involves twisting and drafting the fibers to create a cohesive and strong thread. This can be done using a drop spindle or a spinning wheel, depending on personal preference.

Cleaning and Sorting the Pet Hair

To start cleaning and sorting, I’ll gather all the loose fur from my furry friend’s brush. I’ll use a fine-toothed comb to remove any tangles or mats.

Then, I’ll place the fur in a basin of warm water and add a small amount of pet-friendly shampoo. Gently agitating the water will help to remove any dirt or debris trapped in the hair.

After rinsing thoroughly, I’ll squeeze out the excess water and spread the fur out on a clean towel to air dry. Once dry, I’ll use a soft brush to remove any remaining loose hairs.

To store the cleaned and sorted fur, I’ll place it in an airtight container or sealable bag to protect it from moisture and pests.

Carding the Pet Hair

After gathering all the loose fur, I use a fine-toothed comb to remove tangles or mats. Once the hair is smooth and free from knots, I proceed to carding.

Choosing the right carding tools is crucial for efficient results. I opt for a pair of hand carders, which are small paddles covered in fine metal teeth. These tools help align the fibers in the pet hair and remove any remaining debris.

To card efficiently, I first load the carders with a small amount of hair and gently brush the fibers back and forth. This process helps separate and blend the hair, creating a uniform texture. I repeat this step until all the pet hair has been carded and is ready for felting.

Wet Felting the Pet Hair

Once the carded fibers are thoroughly soaked in warm, soapy water, I gently press and massage them to create a solid and compact piece. This step is crucial in the wet felting process, as it helps the fibers adhere together and form a strong bond.

To shape and mold the felted piece, I utilize various felting techniques. Here are the key steps I follow:

• Rolling: I roll the wet fibers tightly to create a cylindrical shape, applying pressure evenly to ensure uniform felting.

• Fulling: I agitate the felted piece by rubbing it against a textured surface, such as a washboard or bubble wrap. This helps further bond the fibers and tighten the felt.

• Shaping: I manipulate the wet felt by stretching and pulling it into the desired shape. This allows me to create curves, angles, and intricate details.

• Blocking: After shaping, I place the felted piece on a mold or form to maintain its shape while drying.

• Drying: Once shaped and molded, I let the felted piece air dry completely before further embellishment or use.

Finishing and Caring for Your Pet Hair Felt

I carefully trim any excess fibers and inspect the finished felted piece for any loose ends or imperfections that may require further attention. Once satisfied with the quality of the felt, I proceed to store and preserve the pet hair felt creations. It is important to keep these items in a clean and dry environment to avoid any mold or mildew growth. To maintain the softness and durability of the felt, I recommend following these tips:

Tips for Storing and Preserving Pet Hair Felt Creations	Tips for Maintaining Softness and Durability
Store in an airtight container or bag	Gently brush the felt to remove any dirt
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight	Avoid excessive stretching or pulling
Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture	Spot clean with a mild detergent if needed
Keep away from pets and sharp objects	Allow the felt to air dry flat

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Any Type of Pet Hair to Make Felt, or Are Certain Types of Fur More Suitable?

Long haired pet hair is generally more suitable for felting as it has longer individual fibers that interlock easily. Short haired pet hair can still be used but may require more processing. Alternative sources for pet hair can include groomers or animal sanctuaries.

How Much Pet Hair Do I Need to Make a Decent-Sized Piece of Felt?

To make a decent-sized piece of felt, you’ll need a significant amount of pet hair. Alternatives to pet hair, like wool or alpaca fiber, can also be used.

Can I Mix Different Types of Pet Hair Together to Make Felt, or Should I Stick to One Type?

Mixing different types of pet hair for making felt has benefits. It can create unique textures and colors. However, there are pros and cons to using fur from living pets versus deceased pets.

Can I Use Fur From a Deceased Pet to Make Felt, or Is It Better to Use Fur From a Living Pet?

Using deceased pet fur for felt making raises ethical concerns. While it’s technically possible, I recommend using fur from a living pet. For example, I used my dog’s fur to make felt, ensuring a sustainable and ethical approach.

Are There Any Special Considerations or Precautions I Should Take When Working With Pet Hair, Such as Allergies or Hygiene Concerns?

When working with pet hair, allergies and cross contamination are important considerations. Proper cleaning and sterilization of the hair can help minimize these risks. Hygiene concerns should also be addressed to ensure a safe working environment.

Conclusion

After following the detailed steps of gathering, cleaning, sorting, carding, wet felting, and finishing the pet hair, you’ll be amazed at the end result.

By utilizing this precise technique, you can transform your beloved pet’s hair into a beautiful and unique felt material.

Not only will you be able to create wonderful crafts, but you’ll also cherish the sentimental value that comes with using your pet’s fur in such a creative way.