Eliminate dryer sheets from your laundry routine by learning how to make wool dryer balls from yarn that are a more sustainable option!
Over the past decade, I’ve done my best to hone in on a more natural laundry routine, which includes making my own homemade laundry detergent and laundry softener, as well as using wool dryer balls in place of dryer sheets. The first dryer balls I ever had came from a lady who made and sold them at a farmer’s market I stopped by. Since then, I’ve had it on my list of things to make myself and I’ve finally gotten around to it and can’t wait to share with you just how easy they are to make! But first, let’s talk a little bit about what wool dryer balls are and what they do.
VIDEO
Common Questions About Making Wool Dryer Balls
What are wool dryer balls?
Wool dryer balls are made from tightly woven wool that has been felted through a process of high heat. They are placed inside the dryer and help to soften laundry, reduce static and shorten dry times. They’re a great sustainable alternative to dryer sheets that are biodegradable and reusable for several years.
How do dryer balls work?
When 3-4 dryer balls are placed inside the dryer, they create space between the items inside, which helps with air circulation and cuts down on dryer times. They also help to reduce static and soften clothes by absorbing humidity and not allowing the clothes to rub together as often.
What type of wool yarn should I use to make dryer balls?
I recommend using 100% wool yarn that has not been treated. You want the yarn to felt, meaning the fibers shrink and get matted together, forming a ball. Treated wool yarn will not felt.
Why does my wool yarn have a smell?
100% wool yarn that hasn’t been treated contains lanolin, which is a wax that is secreted by sheep. This lanolin gives wool a slight scent of well, how sheep smell! But don’t fret, the smell should lessen over time and if it bothers you, feel free to add some drops of essential oil to the dryer balls before throwing them into the dryer.
PIN FOR LATER!
The following may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure here for further information.
How to Make Wool Dryer Balls from Yarn
Tools You May Need
- Scissors
- Large yarn needle
- Large stock pot
- Pair of pantyhose or stockings
Materials You May Need
- 100% wool yarn (I used the colors Natural and Birch Tweed)
Directions for Making Wool Dryer Balls
Pull the end of yarn from the yarn skein and tie 2-3 knots at the end.
Begin wrapping yarn around itself to form a ball. Be sure to continue rotating the ball as you wrap to get an even sphere.
Once the ball reaches the desired size (between the size of a baseball and softball, about 2.3 oz), cut a long tail.
Thread a large yarn needle onto the yarn then insert it into the side of the ball and pull it through. Repeat this two or three times, then cut off the end.
Add your completed wool dryer balls to the leg of a pair of stockings, tying a knot in between each ball.
Add the balls to a large pot of boiling water and boil for 20-30 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the water to cool until you can handle it, then wring the water from the balls.
Throw the dryer balls, still in the stockings, into the dryer and dry on high. You may need to dry a few times to get them completely dry. You may need to repeat the boiling and drying process 1-2 more times.
Once the dryer balls are felted, meaning you can’t pull any strands of yarn and everything is stuck together, they’re ready for use.
NOTES
- I was able to get 3 dryer balls fro one skein of the natural colored wool yarn and 2 out of the birch tweed colored wool yarn. I was able to combine the remainder of the two and get a 6th one.
- It’s important to make sure you wind the yarn somewhat tightly without any loose strings.
- These dryer balls will shrink in the felting process.
- Be sure to use a wool yarn that DOES NOT say “superwash” as it will not felt properly.
DIY Wool Dryer Balls
Eliminate dryer sheets from your laundry routine by learning how to make wool dryer balls from yarn that are a more sustainable option!
Materials
- 100% wool yarn (I used the colors Natural and Birch Tweed)
Tools
- Scissors
- Large yarn needle
- Large stock pot
- Pair of pantyhose or stockings
Instructions
- Pull the end of yarn from the yarn skein and tie 2-3 knots at the end.
- Begin wrapping yarn around itself to form a ball. Be sure to continue rotating the ball as you wrap to get an even sphere.
- Once the ball reaches the desired size (between the size of a baseball and softball, about 2.3 oz), cut a long tail.
- Thread a large yarn needle onto the yarn then insert it into the side of the ball and pull it through. Repeat this two or three times, then cut off the end.
- Add your completed wool dryer balls to the leg of a pair of stockings, tying a knot in between each ball.
- Add the balls to a large pot of boiling water and boil for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the water to cool until you can handle it, then wring the water from the balls.
- Throw the dryer balls, still in the stockings, into the dryer and dry on high. You may need to dry a few times to get them completely dry. You may need to repeat the boiling and drying process 1-2 more times.
- Once the dryer balls are felted, meaning you can't pull any strands of yarn and everything is stuck together, they're ready for use.
Notes
- I was able to get 3 dryer balls fro one skein of the natural colored wool yarn and 2 out of the birch tweed colored wool yarn. I was able to combine the remainder of the two and get a 6th one.
- It's important to make sure you wind the yarn somewhat tightly without any loose strings.
- These dryer balls will shrink in the felting process.
- Be sure to use a wool yarn that DOES NOT say "superwash" as it will not felt properly.
How to use wool dryer balls:
Place 3-6 into the dryer, along with a load of laundry, and dry normally. Use less for a smaller load and more for a larger load to help reduce dry time.
LOOKING FOR MORE EASY SEWING PROJECTS?
- How to Make a Reusable DIY Bread Bag
- How to Sew Reusable Bowl Covers
- How to Sew a Flannel Blanket
- How to Make a Homemade Reusable Heating Pad
Did you make one of these wool dryer balls with yarn? If you did, I’d love to see how they turned out! Tag me on Instagram @thesimplehomeplace to show me your own recreations of these dryer balls!
Leave a Reply