Are you looking for the perfect quick crocheted gift? I love the easy Felted Trivet and Coasters from Gifted by Mags Kandis. You can quickly whip up several sets in a couple of evenings, and these fun circles are perfect for crocheting newbies. The felting process means any imperfections will disappear in the wash, and because you use a larger hook to create loose stitches, it is easier to see where to put your hook.

After you have finished crocheting the project to be felted, the magic begins. Let's look at the felting process:

Felting: It's a word that inspires delight and fear, excitement and apprehension. I've washed my fair share of completed wool sweaters and even once was given a vest that, amazingly, fit me perfectly despite the fact that it had been washed and felted. But I have also experienced the wonderment of creating a project, carefully placing it in the washer and checking it, perhaps too often, to witness its transformation into a dense, slightly fuzzy fabric. If you have never felted before, there are a few things to remember.

Choosing the right yarn is essential for felting. Synthetic yarns with bases such as cotton, linen, or nylon do not felt. Yarns with an animal fiber base such as wool, alpaca, or mohair make wonderful felting yarns. The yarn should not be superwash because it is treated so that it does not shrink in the wash.

The most important thing is to swatch. Create a few swatches and play with the felting until you get the desired finished fabric.

The hook size generally called for in a felting pattern creates a very loose stitch. If you are creating your own pattern, a good rule is to go up several hook sizes from the recommended hook size. Notice the looseness of the stitches in the first unfelted swatch below.

Felting requires supplies you will generally find at home. You can felt in your kitchen sink, but a washing machine will make the work much faster and easier. Place the crocheted fabric in a zippered pillowcase or lingerie bag. This keeps fibers loosened from your fabric out of the plumbing and plumber bills out of your mailbox.

Toss the bag in the washing machine along with a couple of towels or old blue jeans to help with agitation. Set the washing machine to the lowest water level and the hottest water setting. Remember that with hot water, colors may run so don't add towels or jeans that may stain your crochet or towels or jeans you don't mind being stained by the yarn. Add a small amount of mild detergent or soap.

Consult your pattern for an idea of how long to felt the project. The longer the crochet is agitated in the washer, the more felting occurs and the denser it will become. The second and third swatches above were felted for differing lengths of time. You can see that the third swatch is much denser, and the stitch definition is almost completely obscured. If you are unsure, it is a good idea to check it after the first 10 minutes and then again every few minutes after the crochet begins to visibly felt. Rinse the fabric in cold water to stop the felting process.

Once you know the best length of time for felting your selected yarn, you can begin your project. When it is done, follow the felting instructions above. While the fabric is still wet you can block the project to any shape. Use towels, bowls, or anything else the proper size to form the felting around. If your felted item is flat, like the Felted Coasters, pin them to shape on a blocking board. Then let it air-dry.

Felted crochet is a magical process and creates great quick gifts. Try out this fun technique by purchasing your copy of Gifted: Lovely Little Things to Knit and Crochet by Mags Kandis and creating exciting gifts this Valentine's Day.

Best wishes,