Felt
the material formed by uniting and compressing fibers of wool, fur, and other substances fit for the purpose, into a compact body, by what is termed the felting process. This consists in mixing the fibers of the materials employed till they become interlaced or matted together in the form of a soft, loose cloth or sheet, which is done by the instrumentality of carding and doffing machines. The cloth is then wound on a roller, and carried to the felting machine, in which the fibers are combined and interlaced still more closely by the action of heat and pressure, till the loose substance is converted into a close, thick material, possessed of great strength and durability. Felt of a fine kind is used for making hats (see HAT); and a coarser description is used for table covers and carpets.