Wool Felt FAQS

● What kind of wool is used for felting?
Many types of wool are used for felting. However, Merino wool is the most popular for felting due to its lightweight and luxuriously soft qualities.

● Can wool felt be dyed?
Yes, wool felt can be dyed. Depending on the felting method, you can dye wool before or after felting.

● How much does wool shrink when felted?
Wool shrinks anywhere between 20-50% when felted. This variation depends on factors like wool type, how the wool layers are organised before felting, water temperature, and more. For anyone working with wool felt, we recommend felting a test piece to observe shrinkage.

● How to care for a wool felt hat?
The best way to care for a wool felt hat is to use a soft-bristled brush to remove marks - do not dry clean or wash. Discover our guide on cleaning, storing, and handling your felt hats for more tips.

● What types of hats are made from wool felt?
Most commonly, we use our Merino wool felt to create cloche hats, berets, boaters, and fedoras in a collection of short and long-brim styles.

● Where does Helen Kaminski source its Merino wool felt from?Our Woolmark certified, 100% pure Ultra Fine Merino Wool Felt is sourced from Barunah Plains in Victoria, Australia. Our Merino wool is then hand blocked by expert artisans in Spain using time-honoured traditions, creating the timeless and long-lasting silhouettes you love today.

● When can I wear a wool felt hat?Merino wool is a breathable and classic fibre, meaning it can be worn all year round. Wool felt hats are more typically worn during the cooler months of autumn and winter. They also make for the perfect accompaniment to any cool weather occasion, whether that’s a winter wedding, garden soiree or weekend trip to the vineyards.Learn more about our pure Merino wool, or enhance your style with our collection of timeless wool felt hats, including men’s felt styles and more at Helen Kaminski now.