Diana started out making felted coasters and has moved on to bags, hats and all things felt
Requirements
The small coaster takes about 32g yarn
You will need:
50g ball 100% woollen super chunky yarn 8mm or 9mm straight knitting needles
A darning or tapestry needle to weave in ends
Instructions for knitting
Cast on 22 stitches
Knit 35 rows in garter stitch, all knitted rows. Measure your work after 35 rows, it should be approx 24cm. This felts to about 16cm.
Cast off
Weave in ends and trim any bits.
I have become a great fan of felting knitted items, particularly table mats and coasters. They are quick and easy to do, they make brilliant gifts at a fraction of shop bought products. I use mine to stand plants on as well as table protectors.
You must use 100% woollen yarn, I find that super chunky is best as it gives a thicker mat and also knits up quickly. For all the mat projects I have made I use Drops yarn, Eskimo. It is very reasonably priced and often is on special offer from Wool Warehouse, so I tend to stock up with lots of different shades.
When knitting things to felt try to keep the tension of your work even. Uneven knitting tension does show up on your finished felted item. Loosely knitted items shrink much more when felted, than tighter knits. So if you are a loose knitter use 8mm needles for this project, otherwise use 9mm.
Once you have tried the pattern which makes a large coaster or one to take a small plate or plant pot sized mat, have a go at making larger ones or rectangular ones for your dining table.
Th felted dimensions of this are approximately 16cm X 16cm.
Finishing
Remove the item immediately after the washer stops and stretch your mat out flat leave to dry naturally on a flat surface. I like to dry mine on a clean tea towel.
From this simple idea you can make cushion pads, picnic mats, even a house rug.
Felting
Put your work in the washer with a small quantity of non-biological detergent. NO fabric conditioner.
You can put a couple of towels in with your work, but don't fill the machine. Set washer to 40 degrees and medium spin.
Allow it to wash through a full cycle.
Felted
coaster