How do I care for my Lynn's Lids hat or cosy?

I recommend spot washing with a damp cloth or hand washing with a wool wash in cool/tepid water. Do not machine wash.

Hand wash according to product's instructions, roll it in a towel to get out excess water and then put in its original shape to dry. It will likely take a couple of days, depending on the humidity in the air.

I personally use Eucalan but also recommended is Soak or Woolite Delicates. Anything that states it is good for hand washing wool should work.

 

How do you make your hats?

There are four steps to the process:

 

1. I knit them up with 2 strands of worsted weight wool on big needles so they are thick, loosely knit, and extra large.

2. I felt them using hot water, agitation, and soap until they shrink to a thick felt (about 5 mm or 1/4" thick).

3. I stretch them over a block (round or flat, whatever shape the hat is supposed to be) and leave them alone for a couple of days to dry.

4. Lastly I shave off the fuzz.

To see it in action, watch a video on my process on my Etsy shop About page.

 

Why go through the extra work of felting? Why not just knit your hats?

I like felted hats for a few reasons:

 

• They are windproof.

• They are water-resistant (and as a bonus, wool stays warm when it's wet).

• They are super warm.

• They keep their shape. Once blocked, the flat tops stay flat, the curled cloche edge stays curled, dinosaur spikes and scales stay standing up.