EASY TO MAKE DRYER BALLS

EASY TO MAKE DRYER BALLS DIY

Have you ever heard of wool dryer balls? The first time I saw them was at Luckett’s Antique Fall Market several years ago. I loved the idea of them then and I do now. Dryer balls can be tossed into the dryer with your wet clothes and they save dryer time, gets rid of static cling, are more! I didn’t buy them at Lucketts because they were $35.00 a piece! Not a bad price for one, but dryer balls work best when three are used.  So I tucked this idea in the back of my mind and finally years later made them! This is such an easy diy and it has wonderful benefits for our health and pocketbooks! Let’s make these easy dryer balls!

FEBRUARY 2017

Here are just some of the benefits of dryer balls…

  • saves energy by drying clothes faster
  • cuts down on static cling
  • drys clothes faster
  • reduces wrinkles
  • softens clothes
  • no chemicals
  • each ball last about 5 years

That’s a pretty big list of why you should make them!  Each dryer ball took less than 5 minutes to roll into a ball! Easy- peasy!

You will need:

  • about 2 skeins of yarn for 3 balls- It is important to only use 100% wool yarn. I use Parsons yarn. You can find it HERE and HERE
  • scissor
  • old pantyhose

EASY TO MAKE DRYER BALLS DIY

  1. Begin making a wool yarn ball. Wrap the yarn around your four fingers 10 times.
  2. Slip the yarn off your fingers, turn 90 degrees and wrap the yarn around the middle of the yarn loops.
  3.  Turn the yarn another 90 degrees and wrap the yarn around the ball another 6 times. Continuing turning the ball at  45 degree angles and wrapping it 6 times with the yarn.

EASY TO MAKE DRYER BALLS DIY- instructions 4-6-stonegableblog.com

 

4. Make balls a little larger than the size of a tennis ball. I made mine the size of a baseball. 

5. To secure the end of the yarn, use scissors to pull up a section of the yarn and secure the end under it.

6. Put the wool balls in one leg of a pantyhose and tie a length of string (I used yarn, although it felted too) between each ball. I made 9 yarn balls so I used both legs of the pantyhose.

Wash the dry balls in the pantyhose along with white towels if you are using light colored yarn and jeans if using dark colored yarn. Add just a little laundry soap in the first wash. Use the hottest water. Dry with your laundry on the hottest setting.

You may have to wash and dry the dryer balls 2-3 times to get them to “felt”. They are felted when you cannot pull up the yarn when you run your fingernail over them. I have a heavy duty setting on my washer and used extra hot water. I washed and dried them once and they felted.

DRYER BALLS-3

Now pop them into the dryer with your wet clothes and reap the benefits! I keep them in a little basket in my laundry room, ready to be used over and over!

You might like to add a few drops of essential oil to your dryer balls and your laundry will smell fabulous too! You can get my favorite essential oils, Purification, HERE

 

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EASY TO MAKE DRYER BALLS DIY

 

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180 Comments

  1. Claudette Fowler says:

    Love that you use YLEO!

    1. Oh a must try!!! Love it..

    2. Maryellen says:

      Have to make some. I also hate to fold laundry, also do in my family room with TV!!!

  2. Flora Turner says:

    I love anything DIY! Thank you for the instructions. This would be great for my kids to help with!!

  3. Colleen van de Kraats says:

    Yvonne does 1 skein of yarn make a few balls? Great idea, I’m buying yarn today!

      1. At the beginning of the instructions you said you used 2 skeins to make three balls. But in your above reply to the question you switched it to 3 skeins for two balls. I’m sure one is a typo just not sure which. Thanks for the instructions. Just learned of these earlier this week.

        1. Sorry, My mistake. Use 2 skein for 3 balls. Thanks for letting me know!

  4. Anne Marie says:

    What a great idea – I always wondered how these were made!

  5. Nicole Hobbs says:

    If you have several friends that raise sheep, as I do, wool roving is an excellent choice for dryer balls. I’ve made several with the same method you use and they are great!

  6. Candace Geldreich says:

    I can’t wait to make these! I have long haired cats and cat hair is an issue. I have heard these were great for that. Thanks!

  7. Love the idea! I’m on the lookout for wool sales! Can’t wait to make them. Now to find some pantyhose, haven’t worn any in years.

  8. A great idea. What would happen if you dropped the balls into boiling water and then the dryer? I wonder if it would felt them faster?

    1. I think you need a combination of hot water, soap and agitation in order to achieve felted wool, but my knowledge is limited.

  9. I love the dryer ball idea. Plan on making several for myself, daughter and daughter in law.

  10. Great idea! You learn something new everydsy! Thanks for the tutorial! Also loving your podcasts!

    1. I’m thrilled you are enjoying the podcasts. They are so fun for me too!

  11. erika wilson says:

    love this idea…i’ll be making some. Great tip.

  12. Kim Nicewander says:

    I have read about dryer balls and they have been on my to-do-list. Thank for your post and the clear directions.

  13. My daughter’s concern is that they will leave lint on her athletic and dress pants? Is this a problem?

  14. Having used purchased ones for years, I look forward to using your tutorial to make new ones. When the balls seemed to lose their effectiveness, I tied them into socks to wash and then dry. Seemed to help for awhile but they diffidently need to be replaced. Thank you Yvonne!

    1. Yes, I too have a set that I purchased but look forward to making these when they wear out. I think they would make lovely gifts along with a nice bottle of detergent and essential oils. Thanks for the tutorial.

  15. Great idea! Never knew about this!!

  16. Lovely idea to make for myself and to give as gifts.

    1. I’m giving 3 to my daughter and three to my daughter-in-law! Great gifts, you are so right!

  17. As a knitter, I have a closet full of wool yarn. Will be making the dryer balls too.

  18. What a great idea! I have never seen this before but I would like to learn if I can make them without a dryer.

  19. I love using dryer balls but have the spiky, plastic ones. I have to try these! Plus, they’d look great in a basket in my laundry room! Thanks for the instructions!

    1. And don’t forget to infuse them with a pretty smelling essential oil!

  20. I have never heard of dryer balls but they sound like a good investment! Thanks for the DIY!!!!

  21. Never heard of this idea but would like to try it. Once the balls have felted do you discard the panty hose and use just the felted balls in the dryer?

      1. Thanks for clarifying. Have listened to all of your podcasts and looking forward to the one tomorrow!

      2. Thank you for clarifying! Love this idea . So pretty and practical.

  22. Thanks for sharing. I have used tennis balls as dryer balls in the past. They’re pretty noisy. I bet if I felted a thick layer of wool over them they would be quieter, and it would require less yarn than if they were wool all the way through.

  23. I’ve heard about this. Thanks so much for the easy tutorial!

  24. I have never heard of dryer balls, but the idea sounds interesting. I will pin this and give it a try and ask my friends if they have ever used dryer balls.

  25. Ohhh, I like the idea of using YLEO on the dryer balls, my Mom has generously given me several bottles of oils. Thank you for the tutorial, it looks very easy to follow! Too bad I do not have any wool yarn on hand, as this would have been a great project with todays snowstorm! How did you fare with the snow?

  26. Perfect, Yvonne! I have made countless rag balls for my primitive decorating, and these are the best for use in the dryer, and will also make a neat accessory display in a nice antique wooden bowl! And as a knitter, crochet person plenty of yarn is at hand. Bless you!

  27. Norma Middendorf says:

    What a cool idea!

  28. Debby Carmack says:

    Great idea! Thanks for another great DIY.

  29. I am fascinated by this! Can’t wait to get started!

  30. I have never heard of this. Great idea and easy to make….thanks

  31. Dryer balls are fantastic! I bought six of them and use them all together all the time, I am sure they really do help with everything they claim to do. However, I have never thought of adding essential oils to them for a little fresh scent in the laundry. What a brilliantly simple, sensible idea. One that I am going to implement straight away, thank you so much for such a great little tip. xx

  32. Jere Newcomb says:

    I am definately going to make these. Several in fact.

  33. Jere Newcomb says:

    I am going to try this idea and keep for me and give as gifts

  34. Love the idea and the tutorial. I’m on it!

  35. Shared on Facebook for my Essential Oil friends to see how inexpensive dryer balls can be. Thanks for this great DIY. xx-hb

  36. I use a set of 6 dryer balls all the time. Mine are are also wool and I bought them either on Amazon or Jet for $30-$35 FOR THE SET! (can’t remember exact price, I’ve had them a while).

  37. Thanks for the great idea! I’m going to get right on that.

  38. Denise Moraris says:

    Great tip! Yarn sale will be going up today! Thank you!

  39. Love this idea Yvonne! Thank you for the tutorial!

  40. I get all my dryer balls from 1840 farm have for a long time they r great will keep on getting them from there

  41. Fran Braun says:

    Cool idea and now I won’t feel guilty about that wool scarf I never finished. I just have to find the yarn! Thanks!

  42. Jeannie S says:

    Thank you, I have seen them for sale and they are way to expensive to pay someone else when you can make your own.
    Love saving money and not using chemicals! Have a blessed day!

  43. I love this! I have always wanted to make dryer balls but just never took the time to do it. This is a good project while you’re watching TV.

  44. What a fantastic idea! I’ve always thought about trying dryer balls, but just never took the tie to actually buy some. Making my own instead is a better option – now off to buy some wool yarn. Thank you!

  45. Oh thank you so much!! I’ve wanted these but didnt want to spend the money!! I have the plastic ones, but love the idea of using wool! Im going to make some today!!!

  46. This is a wonderful idea. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks Yvonne and hope you are feeling better.

  47. Love this idea! Can’t wait to try it!

  48. Rebecca Nelson says:

    Thanks for the directions. I have wanted to do this especially with essential oils.

  49. JudyCinNC says:

    A DIY I can really get into … Love the idea of dryer balls. Love your blog. JudyC

  50. Interesting! I am totally intrigued! This sounds like a great project for when you need to sit for awhile ? Hope you’re recovering well!

    1. I’m walking… with a boot and a walker and am in a lot of pain. But at least it’s a step forward… no pun intended

  51. Thanks, I always wanted to make these and thought it would be complicated. Now off to buy wool yarn.

  52. Carol Seguin says:

    Great idea, I’m going to try this.

  53. Theresa Winterberry Lane says:

    What an easy DIY project. I look forward everyday to see what great ideas you have Yvonne. This is an easy project that my six year granddaughter can do with Gamma.Thanks and have a great day!

  54. Great idea, I want to make some!!! Thanks for the idea!!!!

  55. What a cool idea! I’m going to have to try this.

  56. Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. I have never heard of wool dryer balls, just the plastic ones. Another advantage to using them is that I have heard from an appliance repair person that dryer sheets can leave a buildup in your dryer which can shorten its lifespan.

  57. Jill Miglin says:

    Thanks Yvonne, for another great idea!

  58. Beverly Brown says:

    I saw Dryer Balls for the first time about 4 years ago, from a lady who spun her own yarn. I purchased my first one then and have used them since. I love adding oils to them and will never go back to dryer sheets or fabric softener. Great Tutorial Yvonne!

  59. I love dryer balls. Have been using the Norwex brand, but when they wear out, will make my own. My husband sells appliances and tells all of us customers to NEVER use dryer sheets. They are the most toxic chemicals, and they add a film to the inside of your dryer. This has ruined many a dryer.
    Thanks for your tutorial…always love to have some new ideas.

  60. Looks like a trip to Hobby Lobby is in order! Dryer balls scented with essential oils in a cute basket…life is good! Thanks for the tutorial! Might even have my grandkids…triplets…each make one for their mommy!

  61. These would be such EASY and QUICK Christmas presents!! Gonna shop for wool skeins on clearance all year long!

  62. Love this idea? Thank you for the DIY.
    Annette

  63. I absolutely love the texture of felted wool and use old wool sweaters for many craft projects. I can find them at Thrift Stores for pennies. They are easy to felt, using the technique you describe. Could these balls be made by cutting strips out of felted wool sweaters instead of buying yarn and wrapping the strips into balls as your instructions indicate? I love re-using anything possible for the environment and reducing waste.

    1. These balls could be make from the wool of an old all wool schedule. Not felted wool. I don’t think they would be heavy enough. But give it a try!

  64. I have heard of using tennis balls but not wool.Great idea.

    1. These wool balls are so much less noisy and can be infused with essential oils.

  65. Thanks for this idea! Like you I didn’t want to pay the hefty price. I also like the fact that I can make them in a variety of colours.

  66. I will definitely be making these. Thanks for the tutorial!

  67. I’ve been using “lambie balls” for about a year.
    I always wondered about adding oils for a fresh scent but was unsure of using it in the dryer.
    How often do you put the oil on the balls?

  68. Lynn Loftis says:

    I am a newbie to YLEO. I am taking baby steps to be chemical free in my home and the laundry room is a good starting place. Already heard about dryer balls and they are pricey. Thanks for the diy info. Love being able to use my oils also.

  69. I use old cotton socks to felt wool balls. I put the ball into the toe, twist the sock tight and turn the remainder back on itself. I wash and dry them for a while with every load I do, warm or hot, excluding only gentle/cold. (Sometimes it’s necessary to free the wool fibers from the weave of the socks.) It’s worked for me, and IMO easier than nylon stockings, which don’t hold up as well.

    1. Yes, if the wool sticks to the panty hose then you can wash the in a cool wash and rinse.

  70. Vicki N. Martin says:

    Great idea, think I might try this.

  71. Love this idea and will look for wool yarn. Not only are they useful but they would look nice is a pretty basket in the laundry room!

  72. I’ve been making these for years, giving them as gifts. I get my wool yen at the thrift store to keep the cost down. I once unraveled a partial piece of knitting that had been donated to the store and was going to be tossed. No need to buy new!

  73. Donna Heinen says:

    Thanks for the great idea, never heard of it, but will try it out.

  74. Just wondering if the Essential Oil would come off onto clothes and leave spots??

    1. I’ve never had that problem. But I don’t use more than a few drops.

  75. A friend of mine who raises sheep, uses some of the wool for dryer balls. She sells them for $5.00. Will have to try adding essential oils.

  76. Lisa Tatum says:

    I didn’t realize it was that easy!

  77. Teresa Sole says:

    Thank you so much for the tutorial AND the link for the yarn! The right yarn makes all the difference! I tried this once with yarn that did not work and it was a great disappointment. I finally ended up buying some that were pre-made and yes, they were not cheap! Thank you again!!!

  78. I love how my wool balls make laundry fresher with essential oils.

  79. Rebecca Musser says:

    I received a set of 3 Woolzies dryer balls (from Bed, Bath & Beyond) for Christmas and love using them instead of the dryer sheets . I’ve found that static cling is still a bit of an issue, but i think it is because I’m using a large drum style dryer on two loads at a time. I really should be using more than 3. Now I can make several more instead of waiting until next Christmas! I also use essential oils on the balls. Seems to last for at least two loads before I need to add another drop.

  80. When I dry my down duvet, I use three tennis balls to fluff it back up. I need to get some good wool and make these. They are better for the invironment than dryer sheets and healthier, too. Thank you for the tutorial, Yvonne.

  81. Love this!!!!
    Thanks so much!!!
    🙂

  82. Joyce Fleming says:

    These are wonderful and I really appreciate the instructions to make my own. I bought a set of 6 for about 16.00. I have three fir my dryer and one to spare. The other two I put in a bag of catnip and give them to my kitties. When they get thru playing with them I put them back in the bag of catnip for next time. I bet my cats would love some colored ones as the ones I bought are pure white. Thank you again.

  83. Love this idea and most of all the other ideas you have. I’d like to make some also to put in my ironstone bowl on my dining room as decoration. Looks very farmhouse

  84. This is a “must” for me and I can’t wait to make them. I meet with several friend once a week to do crafts and I will show them your instructions, that are so easy to follow. Thank you once again, Yvonne!

  85. Donna Doiron says:

    Where have I been? Never heard of them before, but what a great idea. They even look cool! Will definitely be making some.

  86. Thank you, Yvonne – have been wanting these for a long time, but not at that price.

    They’re saying all the chemicals in fabric softener is very bad on our health – so this takes care of that.

    Gotta have soft clothes and towels, right!?

    Appreciate the inspiration!!

    Hugs! ♥

    PS Enjoying the Podcasts!!!

  87. Thanks for this tip. I’ve tried store bought dryer balls in the past, but may try these.

  88. I have been dryer balls for years. I use 6 balls. If you are new to these you will love them. Thanks Yvonne.

  89. I ❤️ dryer balls! Putting a drop of your favorite scent of essential oil on one or two balls makes your clothes smell wonderful.

  90. Mary Ann Miller says:

    Thank you for posting this idea!

  91. I love using these, but have always purchased them. Thanks to you I can now make my own the next time mine wear out. 🙂 THANK YOU!

  92. What a great idea and thorough instructions. Want to make some of these as I now use tennis balls and they are noisy. I’ll have to ask my knitter SIL for some left over yarn.

  93. I didn’t know you could make your own so I’ve been using commercial wool ones. 3 blls keep sheets from wadding up

  94. What a fabulous idea!! Never heard of this. But I’m always up for something new. Fantastic!!!
    And hope you are feeling better.

  95. Do you still make your own laundry soap? Can you feature that again? Thanks!

  96. Do you think using an old wool sweater would work? Unraveling it and forming the balls could be a way to use the wool. Just wondering what your thoughts are on this?

    I’m gonna try making some soon!

    1. Yes, and it’s such a great money saving ideas! Just make sure to roll the ball tightly

  97. Linda Cunha says:

    Am new to your blog and really enjoy ready everything you post. I love doing DIY things and when wool yarn goes on sale, will definitely be doing the dryer balls.

    1. Hi Linda! Welcome to the StoneGable family! Hugs from a snowy StoneGable,
      Yvonne

  98. I never cease to be amazed at the great advice and ideas coming from StoneGable. Thank you, thank you!

  99. I’ve wanted to try these, love that I can make them now! I think I’ll make them for my daughters, too. Thanks for another great idea!!!

  100. Carol Elkins says:

    I’ve never heard of these! How cute!

  101. That is so cool… and they are so pretty, too!

  102. Maggie Nelson says:

    I never heard of this but I think is an excellent idea. Thank you!

  103. Susan Knight says:

    I made wool dryer balls for Christmas presents this year. I used one skein of wool and made five smaller balls. I use “purify,” a do Terra essential oil. One drop on each ball. I just touch the oil to the wool, turn it over and back, and that’s enough.
    I love how my laundry smells. No chemicals.

  104. I love dryer balls! Have been using them for years.

  105. Treeka Myers says:

    I’m so excited to try this! I have always used a liquid fabric softener in my rinse cycle. I love the scent. I’m not sure how my husband will like my YLEO instead, but I’m going to give this a whirl…I have been using the knobby dryer balls for a year. I feel like they have been too hard on our clothes. Any suggestions on man pleasing scents? Thanks for all the great inspiration! Richest Blessings! ?

  106. I’ve heard of the dryer balls. Im so glad you posted the DIY. I’m enjoying your podcasts, too. You and your friends sure seem to have fun together while giving us great ideas. I’m praying your pain subsides. I’m sure you are ready to be over all of it!!!

  107. You come up with such fabulous ideas. I will be sure to try this as I don’t like the idea of using dryer sheets because they can help clog up the dryer vent which in turn can become a fire hazard. Keep the ideas coming. God Bless!

  108. Bernadette says:

    Learn something new every day!! Thanks Yvonne!!

  109. Hi, i was shocked by the price that you pay for those balls. Here in Holland we use tennisballs in the dryer! They are cheep to.

  110. Looking forward to making these! Sorry to hear you are recovering but count on you to think of something clever to help us!

  111. Michelle Scott says:

    I wonder if you can start with something in the center, maybe a tennis ball or cuttings from an old wool sweater so that you don’t need to use so much yarn for each one???

  112. Darcy Schroeder says:

    Thanks for this! I am going to make some of these. I have tons of leftover yarn, just have to see if I have wool yarn!

  113. Lisa Grewar says:

    Thank you for the instructions. I am trying to reduce my environment footprint and these would be a wonderful alternative to fabric softener.

  114. Great post!! I have been wanting some dryer balls, love the how too’s ,would a sock work if you don’t have pantie hose.? Can’t wait to make mine. Thank you for the how too’s. Will be keeping you in prayer.
    Hugs and love

  115. Love the podcast they are great!

  116. I want to try and make these and if I’m successful I’ll keep them in mind for hostess gifts.

  117. MaryLisa Noyes says:

    I bought them several years ago at Crate and Barrel. Very reasonable if people are not inclined to make them! Love them…

  118. I made dryer balls with my daughter and we split the cost of the supplies. She does her laundry at my house so we’ve saved lots of money on dryer sheets, too. It’s unique and worth doing! Give it a try. These instructions are very good ones, by the way! Thanks for your great blog here–I enjoy it.

  119. Never heard of making them from wool yarn but now with your easy directions will give it a try…great idea!

  120. Sue Starke says:

    Love this idea! I was wondering if the wool dryer balls could be felted more quickly by boiling them?

    1. Hi Sue, it takes the agitation of the washer and a drop of suds to felt them. Use the washer!

  121. This would be a nice craft to do with children to give as a gft to anyone who does laundry…which is everyone. Thanks for the tutorial!

  122. these are crazy amazing!! i bought plastic dryer balls about 13 years ago before they became the rage…mine are knobby plastic and i am still using them…but now that you’ve shown me how to make them…i’m retiring them. i also want to put the essential oil in them to make my clothes smell better. i know that when you put three dryer balls like the ones you have into the dryer with down pillows and duvet covers, they dry in half the time and they fluff up everything as well. i am so grateful you showed us how to make these! i am going to make them for my daughters-in-law and my daughter as little surprise gifts.

  123. I can’t wait to try this idea!

  124. Karen Scott says:

    I am loving this site. I learn something new every day. Thanks!

  125. Thanks for clarifying the reason dryer balls are needed. I never knew!
    Wanting to make some now. Thanks, Yvonne.

  126. Kelly Middleton says:

    Great tutorial!

  127. Stephanie Trubic says:

    Am I the only one that thinks these are perfect for displaying in a decorative basket? Love these!!!!

    1. No other readers have said so too! I think you are absolutely right!

  128. Edy Cowan says:

    Love these…..
    Well done diy

  129. Catherine Litterell says:

    I definitely will be making these and giving them as gifts. My granddaughter just joined the US Coast Guard and has moved to Texas. This will be a great gift that will give her a grandma hug whenever she does her laundry.

  130. Will definitely be making dryer balls!

  131. I am excited to make these! I see the yarn comes in a variety of colors. Can you use some of the brighter colors? Are they colorfast? I wouldn’t want the color bleeding onto our clothes.

  132. Last week I purchased some alpaca dryer balls at the local farmers’ market. Thanks for posting the instructions on how to make them — Christmas gifts coming up!

  133. Katherine says:

    What a great idea!! Know what I’ll be doing today!

  134. This is such a clever idea, please let me know if you can use colored yarn, I have a few leftover skeins from another project to make these.

  135. That’s the easiest tutorial I’ve seen yet for dryer balls, great!

  136. Norma Rolader says:

    Oh my thank you for how to on these dryer balls I have read about them but not seen how to God bless

  137. Great tutorial! Thanks so much!

  138. Gloria Richards says:

    I am definitely going to do this… now to get the yarn. <3 Thank you.

  139. Can you suggest what essential oils smell really nice for your clothes? I love lemon and rosemary, but not sure I want my clothes smelling like rosemary! The website you suggested for essential oils looks awesome.

  140. What a great idea and very complete tutorial! I am definitely going to try making these. I have an another benefit to add to your list: They will look so cute sitting in a basket or bowl in your laundry room! Thanks for sharing!

  141. Sandra lowery says:

    Thank you so much! Will make great and easy Christmas gifts!

  142. Donna M. Pruitt says:

    Love these might have to make. I am in the process of making your pom pom wreath and I think these would look awesome on it too or just placed in a bowl on my coffee table with of course your essential oils.

  143. Gail K Whitis says:

    Can’t wait to make, gift and use these dryer balls! Thanks so much for this tutorial!

  144. I gotta make some of these. They sounds amazing. I am always up for savings. Thanks for sharing.

  145. I love this idea and going to make theses!! Thank you!!!