you’ve got the option to find a variety of dryer balls on the market.
There are balls made from PVC that look like little hedgehogs as well as felted wool balls.
Some people swear by adding tennis balls to each dryer load to speed drying and reduce wrinkling.
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But you might also make homemade wool dryer balls.
Making your own felted wooldryer ballsis simple and a great way to use up leftover 100% wool yarn.
Dryer balls need to be crafted from 100% wool that has not been treated with any chemicals.
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you’re able to even recyclewool sweatersthat are no longer wearable.
Dryer balls are also much less expensive to make than to purchase.
And since they’re wool, they don’t hold moisture for long and can’t get moldy.
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The natural hair has barbs that latch onto one another to create a more solid finish.
This will provide the density you need for the ball to hold its shape.
The natural fibers also help control static much better than synthetic fibers.
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Wind Up a Ball
Wind the wool yarn or fabric strips into a ball.
Secure the end of your yarn by running it under several strands of yarn.
This can be done with a large needle or a crochet hook.
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It’s best to make several balls before proceeding to the next step.
The hot water will cause the wool to shrink and felt.
If you’re using anything other than white or natural-colored wool, you may see some dye transfer.
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Some dyed wool yarn or fabric is notcolorfast.
This won’t be a problem when the balls are finished and used in the dryer.
When dry, cut the strings between the balls, and remove them from the sock or pantyhose.
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The balls will be smaller (due to felting) and should look fuzzy.
You shouldn’t be able to unwind them.
These balls become the core of your final dryer balls.
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Keep wrapping until the ball is around 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
This is slightly bigger than the final product.
Repeat the soaking and drying process.
While this isn’t attractive, it won’t reduce their efficacy.
A dryer ball is probably done if little bits and pieces of it begin to fall off.
You canreuse wool dryer ballsfor hundreds of loads.
If you are experiencing static cling and think your wool dryer balls are depleted, first try recharging them.
Dry on high heat in the dryer.
Only 100% pure wool will work for dryer balls.
Wool is a very complex fiber.
For one, wool’s fibers interlock and felt nicely.
This process helps eliminate static cling in the dryer.
Barani, Hossein, and Shahdokht Rahimpour.
The Dyeing Procedures Evaluation of Wool Fibers withPrangos Ferulaceaand Fastness Characteristics.Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, vol.
2014, 2014, pp.
