Materials Needed:

• 100% wool yarn
• Old pantyhose or tights
• Scissors
• Crochet hook (optional)
• Laundry detergent (for felting)

Step 1: Begin the Core

1. Start by wrapping the wool yarn tightly around your fingers about 10 times.
2. Slide the loops off your fingers and pinch them together.

Step 2: Form the Ball

1. Wrap the yarn around the loops in the opposite direction, forming a small ball.
2. Continue wrapping the yarn tightly around the ball, changing directions frequently to keep the ball round.

Step 3: Secure the Yarn

1. When the ball is about the size of a tennis ball, cut the yarn, leaving a few inches of tail.
2. Use a crochet hook or your fingers to tuck the tail under several layers of yarn to secure it.

Step 4: Prepare for Felting

1. Place the wool ball into an old pantyhose or tights leg, pushing it all the way to the toe.
2. Tie a knot in the pantyhose or use a piece of non-wool yarn to tie off the section containing the wool ball.

Step 5: Wash and Felt

1. Toss the pantyhose with the wool ball into the washing machine with a load of laundry. Use hot water and a small amount of laundry detergent to encourage felting.
2. Transfer the load to the dryer and dry on high heat.

Step 6: Check and Repeat

1. Remove the wool ball from the pantyhose and check for felting. The fibers should be tightly fused together.
2. If necessary, repeat the washing and drying process to ensure the ball is fully felted.

Step 7: Use Your Dryer Balls

1. Once fully felted, your wool dryer balls are ready to use! Simply toss 2-4 balls into the dryer with your laundry.

Tips for Success

• Ensure you use 100% wool yarn that is not labeled “superwash” or “machine washable,” as these types of wool will not felt properly.
• You can add a few drops of essential oils to the dryer balls for a natural fragrance.
• The more dryer balls you use, the more effective they are at reducing drying time and softening clothes.

Enjoy your eco-friendly and handmade wool dryer balls!