Wool Dryer Balls are amazing little products. They help dry your clothes quickly and also soften your clothes without using fabric softener or dryer sheets. They are also supposed to reduce the static electricity of the clothes.
DIY Wool Dryer Balls
To make these balls, you will want to make sure to buy 100% Wool. Do not buy “Superwash” or anything that advertises being safe for the washer – they will not felt properly. I used Patons Classic Wool Roving for mine. Other than the yarn, you also need the cheapest pair or pantyhose you can find. I used a pair that I no longer wear but you probably could find them at the dollar store. A 100% wool sweater could also be unraveled for the yarn, this would be a perfect upcycle for a thrift store sweater.
First, start wrapping the yarn around your fingers then start forming a ball. Keep wrapping until the ball is approximately the size of a tennis ball. Snip the yarn and tuck the loose end into the ball. I was able to get three balls out of my yarn skein.
These balls need to be felted in order to become dryer balls. This is where the pantyhose come in. Put the balls one at a time into the pantyhose and tie a knot on each side of the ball. Wash the balls in hot water and then dried. I just threw them in with my sheets. This wash will tighten up the fibers (as if you shrunk your favorite wool sweater) and felt the wool. If the balls ever start unraveling, simply put them back in the pantyhose and re-felt them in the wash.
To use, simply throw them in the dryer with the clothes and let them go to work.
I also learned that little chihuahuas named Pip think that they are dog toys. Mine fell on the floor and he immediately started playing with them.
Have you ever tried wool dryer balls? How did you like them?
Washi Kawaii says
I’ve tried a sort of rubbery/plasitcy dryer ball I got from a store and they work great. I’ll have to give these a try too!
Kendra says
Thanks for commenting. I’d love to hear if you try making some.
amber says
I want to do this! I have some Fisherman’s wool that I’m not using. Do you know how long they are good for, if not forever?
Kendra says
I’ve read some commercial ones say that they are good for 1000+ washes and if they seem to not be working as well to re-energize them by washing them in hot water again.
Emmy says
No way, I never ever would have thought of this. Sounds so easy too
Ashley says
I have been wanting to make these!! Thank you so much for sharing how to do it!!
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Wool balls help with static cling? Had no idea! I’m currently using the plastic dryer balls and hate them. I’m thinking you could spray some essential oils on these and your clothes would come out smelling wonderful. Definitely pinning this idea and trying it. Thanks for the inspiration and great tutorial!
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters says
Ugh! Everything has been so dry this winter. Totally going to try this. Never heard of it! Thanks for linking up at Found & Foraged.
Susan says
I’ve thought about making wool dryer balls and now you’ve nudged me. I’ll be making some up this weekend. Thanks for sharing at the This Is How We Roll Link Party on Organized 31.
Christine from So Domestically Challenged says
How cool! I’ve looked at these before on Amazon and they’re a fortune! I’m so excited to be able to make them myself!
Thanks so much for linking up to the Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday! I hope we see you again next week!
Sarah R. says
I made some of these recently and just LOVE them!! I’m thrilled you linked up with us at Snickerdoodle Sunday…hope to see you again this weekend with your latest makes!
Sarah (Sadie Seasongoods)