Where can I find wool felt so that I can make a weather resistant poncho?
Question:want to make a no sew poncho, but not with fleece as I will be around open flames on occasion. So I thought wool felt would be a great option...but I have no idea where to find a good selection of wool felt fabric meant to be used as clothing or outerwear. I find lots of arts and crafts web sites but I want a thicker, higher quality felt. Anyone ever used wool felt for this purpose, and where can I get the fabric?
I have obviously tried all local fabric stores, and they have the thin kind, in tiny squares, for crafts. Or they have the loose batting to make felt, but I require already felted wool. I of course "Googled" this prior to using this forum, and tried all the websites listed in these answers. I do not see any felt offered which can be used as clothing. So, does anyone know if there is a certain name or kind of felted wool used for outerwear and coats, and where I can find that kind of felted wool for purchase?
Answers:
Wool is a super idea! Any natural fiber is much safer to have around open flame and wool has the added benefit of keeping its heat retaining qualities even when damp.
To make a no-sew poncho, you're going to want to buy a heavy wool that is at least 54-60 inches wide. I've given you a link to a very reputable store that carries different types of wool.
The two types you want, depending on the weight, are called wool flannel or wool coating. Wool coating is twice as heavy as the wool flannel. Both of these types are very soft and drape well. For added weatherproofing, you can spray them with Scotchguard. I'd go with the wool coating, myself. It will hold up well under a light drizzle even without the Scotchguard.
When purchasing wool, be sure to look at the weight of it. The heavier the wool, the warmer and more waterproof it will be. The wool coating weighs about 12 ounces per foot, while the wool flannel weighs only about 6 ounces per foot. I would suggest you order a fabric sample before committing to buying anything.
Good luck!
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