Saturday, March 03, 2012

Homemade Wool Dryer Balls

Yes or no?

I will say that for a long time I didn't quite understand the need to have any, when I could just throw in a dryer sheet and call it good.  But since I AM trying to switch to as much homemade stuff as I can, I decided that it was as good a time as any, to get into the Wool Ball making.

Homemade Wool Dryer Balls

If you've been using these for a while, you know just how neat they are and if you, like me, have never had them before, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  Besides, it's a good way to use up those extra balls of yarn you have laying around the house.

So you may be wondering, what are the pros of using these, and that is a very valid question, so here is what I have found:


  • They are free of chemicals usually found in dryer sheets and laundry softener
  • They help keep items crease free
  • They seem to separate the clothes in the dryer quite well, therefore cutting down the time of drying
  • They are way less expensive than purchasing some
  • Believe it or not, they are pretty sturdy

Homemade Wool Dryer Balls

Here's how you make them.

Grab the yarn you want to use, start wrapping it around two of your fingers several times, then pull it off your fingers and wrap the yarn around the opposite way, in other words you want to hold it in place so it won't fall apart.

And this is the fun part, just continue to wrap the yarn around, going all different directions.  Wrap it tightly, or as tightly as you can manage.  I dropped mine countless times *sigh* LOL

You want it to be around the size of a tennis ball.

Homemade Wool Dryer Balls

Next, you're going to grab either a crochet hook or an upholstery needle, and you're going to weave the end of the yarn into the ball, I actually went one way and then turned and went back another, just wanted to be sure it was not going to fall apart.

Now grab a pair of pantyhose, I actually had a new pair sitting around which I had totally forgotten about and was not going to need.  Cut one of the legs off.

Take one of the yarn balls and stick it into the sock, all the way to the toes.  Take a piece of embroidery thread and tie a knot just above it.

Homemade Wool Dryer Balls

Shove another ball in there and tie another knot after it, continue in that fashion for however many yarn balls you have.

Now you want to throw it in the washer and dryer. You are aiming for the hottest setting both on the wash cycle and the dryer cycle....I just threw mine in with a load I was about to start.

And that's it. They are now ready to use.  Remove them from the stocking and just toss them in whenever you dry a load of clothes :)


Homemade Wool Dryer Balls

The more you use them, the softer they'll become and the more felted they will be. I'm already noticing a difference in my laundry :)

Tomorrow I'll be making a big batch of Homemade Powdered Detergent, and so my journey to using homemade products continues.

I would love to hear from any of you out there who use your own laundry detergent or dryer wool balls.

20 comments:

kolfinnas korner said...

I inherited the plastic dryer balls from my MIL. I used them ALL THE TIME when I had a dryer I trusted to use. I loved mine.

Jen said...

Do you leave them in the stocking? Does it take away the static?

I like this idea.

autumnesf said...

I have the plastic ones I was gifted a few years ago and use them exclusively. I also have been making my own soap for years. Interesting thing - I still had lots of static when I use store bought soap. I don't have it with the homemade soap.

Amy @ Heritage Homemaker said...

I started making some yesterday, but didn't have any old hose, so they tried to un-wind. Will finish them up tomorrow. I have a lot of left over wool yarn I can create plenty of these :-)

nisilynne said...

I have been using homemade laundry soap for about 4 months now. Mine is liquid. I have not tried the powdered form. I absolutely love,love love the soap. I can't wait to try the dryer balls! Thanks for the how to!

Susanne said...

So you're clothes actually come out soft and static free?

Jen said...

How fun!! I think I may have to try this soon!

Anonymous said...

With all the yarn I have around my house I will definitely make these. I have been wanting to try the plastic ones, but haven't gotten around to buying them. Thanks for saving me a few pennies!

Anonymous said...

I love using Homemade things around my house:)) I can't wait to make the dryer balls:) I saw that you were going to make your own Homemade Laundry Soap, would you maybe share the recipe?? Thank you in advance:)))

PV Panels Oxford said...

I don't use anything in my dryer! Is this bad?! I have seen the plastic balls before but never really understood what they were for. I don't have a problem with clothes sticking together when they come out of the dryer, is that what they are used for?

Leigh said...

After they're felted you don't need to leave them in the stocking.

Sandra said...

I bought my wool dryer balls years ago from a mom at www.WoolDryerBalls.com Hers are made to last (unlike the raveled up ones out there) and hers are the best price around. We LOVE them- they work!!

Krista said...

I use homemade laundry detergent and fabric softener. I've never heard of the wool dryer balls. Do they really help with static? That's my biggest concern and why I still use dryer sheets. To use the fabric softener I have to remember to catch the wash at the rinse cycle which I sometimes don't do and I would love to have an alternative. Please let us know!

Anonymous said...

OK, this may sound dumb, but some of the yarn doesn't actually look like it's wool. But the name says Wool dryer balls. So does it in fact have to be wool?

Sally said...

Wool dryer balls have been on my list of things to make since...well, a long time. I have plastic dryer balls, but I really want to make my own, too.

Busana Muslim said...

Thank you for sharing this information to us... Keep coming

Donna said...

Does it have to be WOOL yarn? Or will any yarn do?

Do you know of a good home made softener to put in the washer? I like to hang my clothes out to dry (saving on the electric bill and love the outdoor sent), but want them softer after drying! anything for that? Thanks for the "recipes"! I plan on sharing with my daughter who is trying to use organic/home made with many things around the house!

Donna
PS Side note, vinegar cleans GREAT! The scent goes away after a bit so dont let that keep you from cleaning with it! and VERY Cheap!

Kelli said...

My understanding is that you must use 100% wool in order for them to felt and not fall apart.

Tara said...

I have used homemade laundry soap for years, at least 5 or so (unless someone gives us some). I love it and can't tell a difference between the homemade and storebought.

Unknown said...

OMG :)) They're so cute, I'm gonna try to felt my wool dryer balls