What is Needle Felting?

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Needle felting is a craft technique that uses barbed needles to interlock wool fibres, forming firm shapes and designs. This method allows for the creation of both flat, two-dimensional pictures and three-dimensional sculptures. The technique relies on a specialised mat as the work surface and employs needles with notches or barbs at their tips. By repeatedly poking loose wool fibres with these needles, the fibres tangle and mat together, gradually compacting into a denser, more solid object.

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The Needle Felting Process

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1. Gather materials: To begin, you will need a felting mat, a felting needle (or a multi-needle tool), and loose wool fibres such as wool roving or carded wool.

2. Shape the wool: Take a small amount of wool and loosely form it into the basic shape of the object you wish to create.

3. Stab with the needle: Using a stabbing motion, repeatedly poke the wool with the barbed needle. The barbs catch the wool fibres, causing them to tangle and mat together, which results in a firmer texture.

4. Add details: Build up your design by adding more wool fibres. This allows you to create finer details, such as eyes, ears, or whiskers if you are making an animal sculpture.

5. Refine the shape: Continue poking and sculpting the wool until the piece reaches the desired firmness and shape.

 

Applications of Needle Felting

 

Needle felting is a dry felting technique that uses one or more specially designed needles to manipulate wool fibres. It is commonly used by artists and craftspeople to sculpt objects and decorate textiles with wool. The technique is suitable for creating soft sculptures, dolls, figurines, and two-dimensional wool paintings.

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History of Needle Felting

 

Needle felting originated in the 1980s, when David and Eleanor Stanwood adapted the process from industrial felting. They took needles from a wool factory and used them to create handmade felt without the need for water or soap. Their skills were passed on to Ayala Talpai, who authored books and taught others about needle felting. While needle felting remains less popular than wet felting, it has developed a strong following among those interested in arts and crafts.

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What do you need to felt:

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• ​Felting needles (available in a wide range)

• Core wool

• Wool tops

• Foam block

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Optional Extras:

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• Leather finger guards

• Whiskers

• Eyes / Noses

• Multi-needle tool

• Chenille stems

• Armature wire

• Glue