Superwash Merino, Felting & The Sailor Slipper Trend

Let’s talk about choosing the right yarn (before you learn the hard way)

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably seen the sailor slipper trend floating around. Chunky, cozy, handmade slippers that look like something straight out of a Scandinavian winter.

They’re cute. They’re comfy. And they’re felted.

Which brings us to a question we’ve been seeing a lot:

“Can I use superwash merino for this?”

Short answer? Not really.
Long answer? Let’s get into it.

🫧 First, what even is felting?

Felting is what happens when animal fibers (like wool) are exposed to:

• Heat
• Moisture
• Agitation

Those three things cause the tiny scales on the fiber to open up, interlock, and tighten together.

The result:

• Your stitches blur together
• The fabric becomes denser
• The piece shrinks and thickens

That’s exactly what makes those sailor slippers so sturdy and warm. They’re intentionally felted after being crocheted or knitted.

🧶 So, where does superwash merino come in?

Superwash merino is amazing for a lot of reasons:

• It’s incredibly soft
• It’s easy to care for (yes, you can machine wash it)
• It takes dye beautifully (which is why our colors pop the way they do)

But here’s the catch:

Superwash wool is treated specifically so it won’t felt.

The treatment either smooths down or removes those outer scales, or coats the fiber so they can’t grab onto each other.

So when you try to felt it…it just kind of stays the same.

Why this matters for the sailor slipper trend

A lot of people are jumping into this project assuming any “wool” will work, and then end up confused when their slippers come out:

• floppy
• oversized
• or just not structured

If the pattern calls for felting, you need a fiber that can actually felt.

🧵 Quick rule of thumb: know your fibers

Before starting any project (especially something trending), always check:

• Is the yarn superwash or non-superwash?
• What is the fiber content?
• Does this fiber felt well?

It saves you time, money, and a little bit of heartbreak.

🧶 So what should you use for felting?

If you’re making something like sailor slippers, look for:

• Non-superwash wool
• Ideally 100% wool (or a high wool percentage)
• A yarn with a bit of structure (not too silky or slippery)

That’s what’s going to give you that dense, cozy, hold-its-shape finish.

💭 Final thoughts

Trends are fun, but fiber content matters more than aesthetics when it comes to how your project turns out.

Superwash merino will always have a place (we love her for sweaters, scarves, and anything you want soft + low-maintenance). But when a project calls for felting, it’s all about choosing a yarn that can actually do the job.

And if you’re ever unsure?

Just check the label on our website, or ask. We’re always happy to help you pick the right yarn for whatever you’re making next 🤍