Dryer Balls are an eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener. They bounce around in your dryer, separating and pulling moisture out of your clothes so that they dry faster - saving you money and time! Plus they're super simple to make yourself. If you like, you can add some drops of your favorite essential oil to the balls before tossing them in the dryer to lightly scent your laundry (just make sure to use clear essential oils as to not spot your clothes).

Materials

• Skein of 100% wool yarn (not wool labeled "superwash" or "machine washable")
• Scissors
• Nylons or knee-high stockings
• Crochet hook
• String or cotton/acrylic yarn (this will be used to secure the wool balls in the pantyhose)

Directions

Start by wrapping your wool yarn around your first two fingers about 10 times.

Pinch the bundle of yarn and pull off of your fingers. Wrap more yarn around the middle of the bundle.

Wrap yarn around the bundle until you have a small ball.

Continue wrapping until you reach the desired size.

Using a crochet hook, tuck the end of the thread under several layers of yarn. Pull it through and cut the end.

Repeat these steps with the rest of your yarn until you have 4-6 balls.

Next, cut the leg off an old pair of nylons. Put your finished balls into the toe of the nylons. Tie a piece of string or cotton/acrylic yarn between each ball to separate them. Tie off the end of the pantyhose.

Throw the entire thing into the wash with towels.

Wash in a hot wash cycle with a cold water rinse. Dry in the dryer with the rest of your laundry using the hottest setting.

Remove the balls from the nylons and check to see that they've felted. Some yarns will take longer to felt, so you may need to repeat the washing and drying process up to 4 times.

You will know the balls are ready when you can scrape your fingernail over the ball and the strands don't separate.

Your dryer balls are now ready to use!