The Experiment
How does the acrylic felt I use stand up to washing in the washing machine?

What I knew
The cotton yarn I use comes through the washer great. I've washed my handbag lots and it comes out looking better every time.  I dry it about half-dry in the dryer on low and then air dry it the rest of the way.  But my handbag is all yarn.

I've seen two of my handbags with felt embellishments months after giving them away.  On both, the felt looked a little 'brushed,' but otherwise the felt and embroidery seemed to hold up well.  One had been washed in the washer and one hadn't.

The Test-ee
I sewed on several felt pieces, did a little embroidery (including French knots), and attached one seed bead. I made sure to use pieces of felt with sharp points on them.

The Test
Washed in the washing machine on normal in cold with Cheer Free detergent.

The Results
I couldn't tell the difference once it dried.  The sharp points of the felt were intact and, as you can see, everything looks exactly the same.  It seems to me, the 'brushed' effect felt gets is from daily use, not washing.  And, that is easily remedied by carefully trimming away the wispy bits if/when they appear.

Conclusion
I would feel foolhardy recommending that you toss one of my birdcage handbags into the washer without putting it in a lingerie bag and/or using the gentle cycle, but, I'm proud to say, it could probably handle the washer all on it's own.