I’m often asked: How much does it cost to start needle felting? It’s a great question—many crafting hobbies can be expensive! Luckily, needle felting is one of the most affordable crafts to get into. The basic supplies are budget-friendly, and even high-quality, sustainable materials won’t break the bank.

If you’re unsure where to start or how much you need to spend, I’ll walk you through needle felting essentials so you can build your shopping list with the most cost-effective options.

Essential Needle Felting Supplies

1. Felting Needles

To get started, you only need one felting needle—though you’ll need to replace it occasionally. These specially designed needles have tiny barbs near the tip, which catch and tangle wool fibers as you poke. The more you felt, the denser your wool becomes.

Felting needles come in various sizes, depending on your wool type and detail level. My go-to size is 36, which I include in my starter kits.

💰 Cost: A set of two felting needles is just $3.50.

🛠 Pro Tip: Take care of your needle by always moving it straight up and down—angling it can cause the tip to break.

2. Felting Cushion

Your work surface is just as important as your needle! The most affordable option is a basic foam felting cushion. However, foam wears out quickly and leaves little bits in your project, leading to waste and frequent replacements.

That’s why I recommend wool felting cushions. We source locally raised USA wool and craft eco-friendly, long-lasting cushions. They’re durable, sustainable, and provide the perfect felting surface.

💰 Cost: Wool cushions are a bit more expensive upfront but last for years—saving money in the long run.

🛠 Pro Tip: Our ND-made wool felting cushions are the only ones made with locally sourced, ethically raised wool and processed using eco-friendly products.

3. Wool

Wool is the heart of needle felting, and this is where you can spend the most. I highly recommend starting with Romney wool, as it’s the easiest to felt with. Most store-bought kits use Merino wool, which is soft and common but not ideal for needle felting.

💰 Cost: A small bundle of quality wool costs around $10-$20, depending on the type and amount.

🛠 Pro Tip: A needle felting kit is a great way to save money—it includes the perfect amount of wool, needles, and a cushion, so there’s no guesswork!

Advanced Needle Felting Supplies

Once you get hooked on needle felting (pun intended!), you may want to upgrade your tools.

4. Multi-Needle Tools & Holders

Holding a single needle for long periods can cause hand fatigue. A simple fix? Use an empty ballpoint pen as a holder! But for larger projects, a multi-needle tool lets you felt faster with multiple needles at once.

💰 Cost: Less than $30, and it saves time and effort!

🛠 Pro Tip: A felting needle bundle with 36 and 38-size needles (the ones I use most) and a multi-tool is a great investment.

5. Needle Storage & Reverse Needles

Felting needles are very sharp, so proper storage is important. A carrying case keeps them safe, especially if you like felting on the go.

You can also try reverse felting needles, which have upward-facing barbs. These let you pull colored wool to the surface, creating unique patterns and textures.

💰 Cost: Storage cases start around $22, and reverse needles cost about $10 per set.

Final Thoughts: How Much Should You Budget?

If you’re just starting, a needle felting starter kit is the most cost-effective way to begin—it includes everything you need for your first project.

💰 Total Estimated Cost to Start Needle Felting:

• Basic supplies: $20-$40
• Advanced tools (later on): $30-$60

Overall, needle felting is an affordable and rewarding craft. You don’t have to buy everything at once—just start with the basics and build your collection over time.

🎯 Ready to start? Check out our beginner-friendly needle felting kits with everything you need in one package!

Other Articles you may enjoy:

• Can I make a felting needle?
• Is needle felting easy?
• Needle Felting Inspiration