DIY Projects & Crafts Felt Balls Do you know you can transform shapeless wool fibers into colorful felt balls that really bounce? Making a felt ball is incredibly easy; simply wind wisps of wool into a blob, dip it in hot, soapy water, and gently roll it into shape with your hands. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Colors and patterns can be added to make the results resemble marbles or Super Balls. Smaller versions can be used to make necklaces and barrettes. What You'll Need Materials Felting wool Pitcher of hot soapy water (A formula of 4 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing detergent to 6 cups of water. Use detergent that does not contain scents or dyes.) Baking tray Sponge Kitchen scale Instructions Begin with a small wad of wool, then wrap lengths of wool tightly around it. Keep adding layers until your fluffy ball is approximately twice the size you want it to eventually become. Saturate the ball in the hot, soapy water, and then gently roll it from hand to hand without squeezing. Keep doing this for about 10 minutes, dipping it in the hot water as it cools. The wool will seem like a wet, scraggly mess, but don't worry. Soon the ball will begin to harden. Now add designs. To make stripes, work strips of wool into the ball with your fingertips. To make dots, wind some wool into a disk, like a cinnamon swirl, then dip it and work it in with your fingertips. After adding designs, roll the ball in your palms some more, dipping if it cools. Stop when it has shrunk to the size you desire. Rinse with cool water, and let dry.