<p>Woolite brand is good. Using a delicate cycle on a good machime should be fine. The major problem is ruining things in a hot dryer. My gift silk long plain scarf became a small thick pad used in the dog’s bed after I overdid the drying… I avoid hand washables for the hassles. Care labels assume normal heavy duty washing and drying- think about how you can use a machine gently and you are fine.</p>
<p>Booklady, this may be more info than you want! </p>
<p>The type of felting with knit garments in the washing machine is technically “fulling.”</p>
<p>Felt making is an ancient process used to create fabric by tangling fibers using friction, hot water, soap. In middle eastern cultures, wool for making yurts was felted by being rolled like a rug and dragged behind camels. When I make felt, I start with loose wool or alpaca or mohair fibers, lay down layers of fiber in different directions, wet it down and roll it back and forth. Also, massage it. After the fibers attach to each other, they need to shrink, which is fulling. Eventually, the fiber becomes felt fabric.</p>
<p>Thanks, very interesting. I am in awe of all you folks who can make things.</p>