GALWAY- CHUNKY or WORSTED
Felted Bracelet
MATERIALS: 1 -100g ball of Galway Chunky or Worsted, set of double pointed needles size US 13, beads, needle & strong thread for sewing on beads.
GAUGE: 3 sts = 1 inch.
I-cord: Cast on 5 sts. Knit 1 row. Without turning, slide sts to other end of needle, wrap yarn around back and knit the 5 sts again. Slide sts to other end, and repeat wrapping of yarn, knitting, and sliding.
With either a single strand of Chunky, or a double strand of Worsted, cast on 5 sts.
Knit an I-Cord 11½” – 12” long (this will fit and average sized wrist of 7” to 7½”). Work to 12½” for an 8” wrist.
Cut yarn and thread end through a blunt point needle. Run needle through the five sts on knitting needle. Slide the 5 sts off the needle but do not pull them together yet.
I-Cord produces a hollow tube much like fingers in a glove. Place the beginning end of the I-Cord into the finishing end and gently tighten by pulling on the yarn threaded on blunt point needle. Sew together trying not to make the join too bulky as excessive bulk will cause a bump after felting.
Felt by hand as follows:
Wet bracelet thoroughly with hot water and dish detergent. Gently roll around in palms like a ball for several minutes adding hot water as needed. Unfold and refold bracelet to felt evenly several times during this process. Begin to felt more firmly rearranging the bracelet often and adding hot water and soap as needed. Turn on cold water and rinse bracelet for a minute.
Open bracelet and place over fingers with your palm facing you (like you are beginning to put in on to wear) Using hot water and detergent. Roll the bracelet back and forth on your fingers to felt in a different direction. Felt around the whole bracelet.
Continue this process until the desired firmness and size is achieved. Bracelet can be stretched while still wet to make larger. Felt is very strong and you will not hurt it.
Squeeze out excess water with a towel and allow to air dry. Sew on beads or whatever you wish. DO NOT sew beads on the inside of the bracelet (the part that touches you wrist) it will make the bracelet smaller.