A backpack made from felted wool is not only stylish but also durable, making it a perfect accessory for everyday use. The process of felting wool enhances its texture, making it thicker and more robust—ideal for sewing bags and backpacks. If you’ve never worked with felted wool before, don’t worry! It’s much easier than it sounds, and the results are absolutely worth it.

The Felting Process: Preparing Wool for Sewing

Felting wool is a fascinating process that transforms loosely woven wool fabric into a dense, durable material. To achieve this, the wool is washed in hot water with agitation, which causes the fibers to interlock and shrink. This process enhances the fabric’s strength, making it resistant to stretching and fraying—perfect for crafting bags that hold their shape well.

How to Felt Wool:

  1. Choose a 100% wool fabric—preferably loosely woven.
  2. Wash it in hot water with a small amount of detergent.
  3. Agitate the fabric either by hand or in the washing machine.
  4. Rinse and dry it flat to maintain shape.
  5. The wool will shrink by 20-30%, so always purchase extra fabric.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Wool Backpack

A felted wool backpack requires gentle care to maintain its beauty and durability. Unlike synthetic materials, wool naturally repels dirt and moisture, making it easier to keep clean.

  • Spot Cleaning – Use a damp cloth with mild soap for small stains.
  • Hand Wash – If necessary, wash the entire bag in lukewarm water with wool detergent.
  • Avoid High Heat – Never use hot water or a dryer, as this may cause further shrinkage.
  • Reshape and Air Dry – Lay the bag flat to dry to maintain its structure.

Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

If you’d love to create your own felted wool backpack, we’ve got you covered! Watch our detailed video tutorial, where we take you through every step of the process. This project is perfect for sewing enthusiasts of all skill levels—even if you’re new to working with wool, you’ll find it surprisingly simple and rewarding.

More Creative Projects with Felted Wool

Felted wool is an incredibly versatile material, perfect for a variety of DIY projects. Here are some ideas:

  • Tote Bags – Stylish and sturdy for everyday use.
  • Laptop Sleeves – Soft yet protective for your devices.
  • Slippers – Warm, cozy, and easy to make.
  • Decorative Pillow Covers – A unique, rustic home décor element.
  • Wallets & Pouches – Small yet durable accessories.
  • Hats & Scarves – Elegant winter wear with a handmade touch.

Working with felted wool opens up endless creative possibilities. Give it a try and enjoy the process of crafting something truly unique and handmade!

You can get the pattern for this adorable wool backpack with Patreon Membership
As a Patreon member, you get so much more value! For a small monthly contribution, you’ll have unlimited access to all my patterns – including everything from the Etsy shop and every pattern used in my YouTube video projects. It’s the best way to support my work and enjoy a growing library of creative sewing tutorials.

Choose what fits you best – but if you’re planning to sew more than one project, Patreon is definitely worth it! 😊