If you’re anything like me, then you may be looking for green tips, Earth friendly products, or whatever you can do to be more eco-conscious. And one thing I have heard over and over again is that dryer sheets are toxic and/or bad for the environment. So, I decided to try my hand at making some dryer balls using wool yarn I found at the thrift store.
While at a favorite local thrift shop the other day, I passed by a bin filled with yarn. Normally I wouldn’t give this a second thought, but with DIY dryer balls on my mind, I took a peek.
And sitting right on top was this bag of old wool yarn. Wonderfully enough, it was even from a local mill!
Just what I was looking for- 100% pure wool yarn.
Wool dryer balls are not a new concept. They soften and fluff clothing naturally, reduce static cling, help cut drying time, won’t decrease towel absorbency, and are chemical-free. Add to that the cost savings (from both eliminating the purchase of dryer sheets AND from the reduced drying time), they’re pretty magical.
And as if the magic needed sprinkles on top- they’re easy to make!
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How to Make Dryer Balls
To make some dryer balls, I started by wrapping the yarn around three fingers a few times (15 to 20 times) before slipping it off my hand.
Then, I pinched the “lasso” of yarn, and wrapped it another 15 times around the middle- like a bow tie.
Now it was time to start forming the dryer balls into a nice round shape. I pinched the bow tie loops together and began to wrap the yarn around and around.
Once the wool dryer balls were tennis ball size, they were ready to be finished off.
With an embroidery needle, I threaded the yarn tail through the needle and then pushed the needle through the ball to the other side (or close enough).
I pulled it through tightly a few times in varying directions. Eventually, the tail disappeared inside the ball!
Felting Wool in the Washing Machine
Using an old pair of stockings (mine were a relic of the Great Stocking Debacle of ’15- don’t ask!), I placed one dryer ball into the toe. I double-knotted the stockings/ pantyhose as close to the ball as possible to make a tight compartment.
My suggestion? Whirl the ball-in-the-hose over your head like a cowboy with his lasso. Just make sure no one is watching when you do!
Now, my 2 skeins of wool yarn (I purchased two from the thrift store) were enough to make five DIY dryer balls.
When all was said and done, the dryer balls looked like a weird caterpillar or maybe linked sausages. But at this stage, they’re supposed to!
I tossed my the whole thing in the washing machine with some towels, washed them all with hot water, and dried them on high.
I did two loads like this with the tumble dryer balls inside. After the second load dried, I snipped the stockings and peeled the wool balls from the hose- they “felted” themselves to the pantyhose a little, but were still easy to peel off.
DIY Dryer Balls from Wool Yarn
End result? Five perfect spheres of felted wool. The felting process in the washing machine really worked and the dryer balls were ready to live inside the dryer!
How great is that?! And, while you’re wrapping the yarn, you can add a few drops of pure essential oil to them for added fragrance. These laundry-specific essential oils would be perfect, as would this fresh linens blend.
I’m all set to rid myself of chemical-laden dryer sheets forever. And for a fraction of the cost of just ONE box of dryer sheets, I’ll keep my pocketbook just a tad fuller from now on!
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for a Green Life and Earth friendly products, then you may also be interested in these fire starters that are made from dryer lint!
I also hope you’ll check out my first book, “Crafting with Flannel”, too! It’s filled with loads of craft ideas for flannel shirts and fabric, both sewing and non-sewing projects!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Another reason for a trek to GW. I like these treasure hunts.
So great for 75 cents! It is neat that you have dryer balls made of locally milled yarn, too. I actually even love them just for the look in the bowl!
Right??!! I just love those old mixing bowls- of course, the one in the pic is quite small, making it extra adorbs.
Great idea!!
Thanks!
I wondered how to make these – thanks for the actuarial. Off to raid my yarn bin….
This has been on my project list forever! I saw them on pinterest and have wanted to do this 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Maybe I will get around to trying these soon!
I love this idea! We haven’t been using dryer sheets or fabric softener lately because of the chemicals. These would be great to use when we wash our baby’s clothes!
Thanks for linking up to the #HomeMattersParty! We hope to see you again next week. 🙂
Thanks so much!!
Perfect timing. I’ve been thinking about doing this because I don’t ever use dryer sheets but I have a serious static issue this time of year . I hadn’t been able to figure out how to keep them from unraveling but sewing the end in like a bunch of times totally makes sense. Now to find some actual wool……
LOVE THE IDEA, ONE WAY TO STOP YOUR CLOTHES FROM STATIC WHILE WEARING IS TO PLACE A SAFETY PIN ALONG THE SEAM OR HEM, WORKS LIKE A CHARM, SKIRT STAYS IN PLACE.
This is so neat. I need to try making some of these and giving this a try too. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday.
Wow. Love it. Thanks for sharing! I have dryer hedgehogs, but when they wear out, I’ll remember this. Pinning.
What are dryer hedgehogs?? That’s a new one that I haven’t heard before! 🙂
Fantastic! Pinned for later. Popping over from Worthwhile Wednesdays at Crafty Allie.
I love this! I think I have some wool yarn around some where or I know where to get some cheap! I cannot use dryer sheets because of their smell but my husband insists on them for his clothes. He uses foil balls. I must make these….thanks for the easy instructions!
Great idea!
Great DIY idea! Genius! Thank you for joining us at #purebloglove. We enjoy having you every week on Thursday night at 8PM through Sunday night. ~Cydnee
How many times can you use these balls of wool yarn?
Hi, Jacqueline- I’ve heard you can use them for at least a year!
I love my dryer balls – my new best friend! But this is a great idea and I NEVER thought of it! Love it! Just wanted you to know that you’re being featured at our WEEKEND WIND DOWN LINK PARTY today! Thanks for linking up with us! Have a great day!
Think I will try to unravel an old wool sweater and try this.
This looks like a great idea, except on the package it says “moth proof”, this means that some chemical had to be used to do that?! I do have some old pure wool yarn left over from project years ago…..definitely going to make some. Thx!
Great idea…and nice double in the title!
Oops- that was supposed to say “double entendre”.
I gotta sauce things up a bit sometimes. 😉
How many of the dryer balls do you use at one time?
I am wondering if these balls cause lint on your clothes? Or help to cause the little fuzzy balls (pills) on pants?
I’ve been using them for weeks with no problems like that- I had the same thought, but so far, so good!
So cool Sarah. I never knew you could use felt balls as dryer sheets. What a fun, easy, and inexpensive DIY project. I love it. Thanks for sharing with us at Great Idea Thursdays.
This is awesome and I can’t wait to give it a try! Thanks for sharing at Totally Terrific Tuesday!
So cool! I think they look a lot cuter than the plastic spiky ones that I use! Thanks for linking up!
I have four balls sitting on my craft table to be felted, but now I’m kicking myself for not looking for yarn at the thrift store. $0.75 is a LOT less than I paid for wool for mine!
Fabulous idea! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Beth!
Fantastic idea!! And I kinda love the title, ha!
😉 😉 😉
I have wanted to try these for the longest time! Thank you for sharing with Idea Box link party!
Wow, this is a great idea! Love this! 🙂
Cathy
I have wanted to do this for some time, but have never run across wool yarn or taken the time to buy some. Love how yours turned out! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Beautiful! 🙂
How many balls per load? I’m gonna try this!
I made five, Connie, and they just live in my dryer full time! 🙂
Very interesting, i wondered what they were, i dont own a dryer, i hang my clothes outside on a clothes line. This is so much better for the enviromnent, your clothes and your skin can absord vitamin D.
I’ve already got some dryer balls that I purchase, but never thought of adding scent! Thanks for the idea. One caution I’ve found however… a couple of years ago we had some problems with the tub on our dryer making noise. My husband discovered something was out of alignment (I don’t recall what specifically), but he said using those balls regularly and them bouncing around in the dryer could have contributed. Don’t know if it did, but I only use them for certain loads that are larger, like sheets and towels.
Oh, wow, I’ve never heard of that happening! I’ve used them for years without issue.