How to Allow for Shrinkage With Felted Yarn
- 1). Calculate your desired size for the finished object. For example, for a pot holder, you may want to create a perfect 6-by-6-inch square. Or you may be making a sweater you would like to measure 24 inches long and 20 inches wide. Note these measurements.
- 2). Make the planned garment or object larger by accounting for the amount of shrinkage in construction. Generally ,you will lose about 20 percent of the length and 35 percent of the width of the yarn in the washing and felting process. Add an extra 20 percent to the length and 35 percent to the width of your item. For example, on a knitted square that should measure 6 by 6 inches when completed, construct a square that measures about 8 by 9 inches.
- 3). Use larger hooks or needles in the crochet or knitting process. Using a larger needle will also compensate for any shrinkage in the felting process by creating a larger weave in the garment.
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