The kids and I had the best time making these felted soaps last week! It seemed so complicated at first but when we started getting into it, it was super easy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Supplies:

Wool Roving

Bar Soap

Pantyhose

Felting Needle (Optional)

A tip on using wool roving:

The roving should never be cut with scissors. When you need to “cut” the roving, simply pull it apart. This will keep the fibers from making a blunt end and help make a nice edge that you can tuck in so that it doesn’t show.

Step 1: Wrap your soap with a nice layer of roving.

Step 2: You can choose to add in another color to create a pattern on top of your main color. I used a felting needle to poke it in place just a little bit.

Step 3: Place your wrapped soap inside of a cut piece of pantyhose. Be careful to adjust the pattern inside if needed.

Step 4: Run the wrapped soap under a trickle of hot water. Make sure the water is as hot as you can handle. I first patted it down a little to get the water through to the soap.

Step 5: Once your soap starts to suds up, start the rubbing! The hot water along with the agitation of your hands is what will make the roving turn into a felt! Rub the wet soap in your hands for 10-12 minutes.

Step 6: Remove the soap from the pantyhose and rinse it with cold water to seal the felt in place.

Step 7: Squeeze out any excess water and use a paper towel to blot it dry. Let it dry outside in the sun for about 10-20 minutes and inside overnight before using it.

Now you have your own felted soap!!! The felt acts as a built-in, natural fiber washcloth!

Hope you make your own and don’t forget to tag @thehomegrownapple on Instagram when you do! Check out some of the patterns we tried below and I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

The kids ended up making a bunch to sell at a local Makers Fair and they sold out!