Nuno felting. Technical tips.

There are some technical hidden stones I have learnt experimenting with nuno-felting:

Shrinkage

- Although averagely during "hardening" process piece of felt shrinks by 30% (if to spin in washing machine at 800+ speed can potentially shrink to 50% (by the way, help to dry felt much quicker too(!))) in case with nuno-felting it depends on what kind of fabrication is used as to incorporate it with. For example, stiff (but comparatively loose woven cottons) will prevent felt from shrinking to much.
- If you using resist to separate two layers of felt then depending on the way its applied it also can prevent felt from shrinkage. For instance, if nuno-felt is wrapped around to create seamless tube then expect to appear much more shrinkage at sides that are not wrapped (about average 30%) and much less (maximum 10-15%) on wrapped ones, especially if resist material is quite strong.

Suitable fabrication for nuno-felting

- Variable sort of wools including jersey works with felt beautifully;
- Most of silks (especially organza and chiffon) except taffeta (or dupion) and use satin densely woven versions;
- Some cottons, loosely woven;
- Cotton/silk or silk/viscose mixes, but once again, comparatively loosely woven;
- Some synthetics, such as poly or nylon organza, but take into consideration that to make them work with felt will require more rolling.