How to Make Wool Dryer Balls

How To Make Wool Dryer Balls

1. Prepare Materials

   If you're going to use old woven or knit wool fabrics, like old coats and sweaters, cut the garment into thin strips or ribbons.

2. Wind Up a Ball

   Wind the wool yarn or fabric strips into a ball. Start by wrapping them around your fingers, and be sure to switch directions often to get a ball that's equally round—the same way you'd wind a ball of yarn. Wrap tightly and in an orderly fashion until you have a ball about the size of a tennis ball, around 2 1/2 inches in diameter. 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. It's best to make several balls before proceeding to the next step.

   Some suggest using a tennis ball as the core and adding wool yarn or fabric around it as a quick way to make a ball. But these balls won't last as long as a solid wool ball, and you still have the problem of chemical exposure.

3. Create a Sack of Balls

   When the balls are the correct size, put them into an old sock or the leg of a pair of pantyhose, using cotton string to tie off between each one.

4. Soak and Felt in Hot Water

   Add the filled sock or pantyhose to a pot of hot water, and bring it to a boil, which will make the felted dryer balls. Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat source, but allow the balls to soak until the water is cool. 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. Some dyed wool yarn or fabric is not colorfast. This won't be a problem when the balls are finished and used in the dryer.

5. Dry the Core

   Next, squeeze any excess water from the balls, and put the sock of balls in the dryer to dry on high heat. When dry, cut the strings between the balls, and remove them from the sock or pantyhose. 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.

6. Finish the Ball

   Using the ball cores, begin the wrapping process again with the wool yarn or fabric strips. 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.

How to Use Your Wool Dryer Balls

• Put three to six balls at a time into your dryer, depending on the size of the load. You can take the balls out of their stocking or socks or keep them in while using them to dry your laundry; it's your choice.
• Spray your balls with water and put them in the dryer to create a steam effect which can further reduce wrinkles.
• Make your wool dryer balls smell good by adding a couple of drops of essential oil to them before you put them in the dryer.
• When you want to clean your dryer balls, pop them in your washing machine with your regular laundry and wash them in hot water.