A felted bag is always an exclusive accessory. It is impossible to replicate the design exactly. And is it necessary to copy an already existing thing if felt provides endless possibilities for creativity and decoration?
Creativity and mathematics
Felt is called textile clay for a reason - a wool product can be given any shape, even the most outlandish one. With a little experience of felting, it is better to start with simple shapes.
Having decided on the style, it is necessary to design a pattern. Since the wool will greatly decrease in size during felting, the pattern should be evenly increased by about 30–40%.
The template is cut from a laminate backing or bubble wrap. Thin polyethylene will be difficult to turn over, but if there are no other materials, then you can do with them.
Subtleties of layouts
For a thin small handbag, 4 layers will suffice. If you want to make a more capacious bag, there should be 6-8 layers. Lay out thin strands of wool on the cutout template, going 1 cm over the edges.
Alternate the direction of the coat: on a horizontal layout, the next layer is laid out vertically, then diagonally and again horizontally. Try to keep the strands of the same thickness, then the canvas will turn out to be even.
When all the planned layers are laid out on the template, lightly press the wool around the entire perimeter with your palms, try to feel the evenness of the layout. If you feel thin spots, add a few puffs of wool there.
Wet, rub, flip, repeat
Moisten the wool evenly with warm soapy water from a spray gun, cover with a nylon net and gently press your hands on the wool to soak the entire surface with soapy water.
If the arsenal has a vibratory sander, then walk the device over the entire layout, pointwise pressing the sole of the machine for 10-15 seconds in one place. This process of lapping can also be done with your hands: after soaping your palms, start gently rubbing the wool without pressure.
Carefully remove the mesh and turn the workpiece over, fold the protruding ends onto the template and repeat the layout on this side, then moisten, wash and grind. Fold the protruding strands to the other side and smooth them so that there are no folds.
Surface decoration
There are many possibilities to decorate a felted bag. If you wish, you can lay out a pattern or even a picture of strands of multi-colored wool, just first draw a sketch on paper - this will make it easier to correct the image.
A very interesting effect is provided by the use of silk scarves and viscose fibers. You can weld on a piece of lace, fabric or neps. Combine different materials to create a unique textured bag.
Rub, roll, throw = roll
Having slightly rubbed the decor, it's time to start felting. Rub the surface of the bag with soapy gloved hands, gradually increasing the pressure.
When the wool is firmly attached to each other, start rolling. Carefully wrap the bag in a bamboo mat or bubble wrap and a towel, roll the roll on the table 40-50 times. Expand, check and, if necessary, correct the decor, wrap it up again in a different direction, roll.
Unfold the roll and take out the bag. The template is already clearly in the way, so carefully cut the canvas where the style provides, and remove it. Turn the bag inside out and rub it again with your hands, paying particular attention to the cut and sides. If creases have formed, they can be easily smoothed out with soapy hands. Cut through the handles and rub the cut.
To add density and final shrinkage, throw the bag on the bottom of the bathtub or on the table, you can roll it on the surface with a rolling pin. If the density level suits you, rinse the bag in cool water and pat dry with a towel.
The final stage
Dry the bag in a straightened state, giving it the desired shape. After completely dry, sew back the lining and fastener.
In felting, it is very important to feel the material, control the degree of shrinkage, no master class can replace your own experience. Mastery is acquired through practice, having mastered the art of felting, you will provide yourself with original accessories and clothes.
