MOLLY WILLIAMS TextileMatters

Olive oil soap is brilliant for felt making! It’s low on suds and moisturising for hard working hands.

Soap is alkaline and changes the pH of the wool fibres and this in turn causes the fibres to felt better and quicker.

Materials and Equipment

• 100g bar of olive oil soap
• Boiling water
• Saucepan
• 2 litre jug
• Whisk and spoon

The Process

Grate the soap into a saucepan and pour 500ml boiling water over the grated soap

Stir the mixture until the soap has dissolved and then pour into a 2 litre jug

Add enough boiling water to the soap mixture to bring it up to 2 lites and stir well.

Leave to cool – the mixture will thicken as it cools to room temperature.

If it is too thick just add more water. Then store in a container.

You can add the liquid soap to your felting water or apply it directly onto the fibres.

ENJOY !