Needle Felting Tips and Tricks

​When I was a novice needle felter, I made mistake after mistake. I stabbed myself more times than I can count, spent unnecessary hours on projects, and broke countless needles. Fortunately, I was also raising the very wool that is best for needle felting. It was an adventure, to say the least.

All that to say, much of what I know now, I learned through trial and error. I made mistakes, figured things out, and now I get to share everything I’ve learned with you. So, without further ado, here are some of the most important tips and tricks I’ve discovered on my needle felting journey.

1. Use a Wool Felting Cushion Instead of Foam

A felting cushion is essential for safe and effective needle felting, but not all cushions are created equal. Many beginners start with foam cushions because they are a low-cost option, great for those just wanting to try needle felting and see if they like it. However, foam breaks down quickly, leaving debris in your wool and creating an uneven felting surface. If you plan to needle felt more, investing in a high-quality wool felting cushion is the best choice for both your budget and the environment. At Bear Creek Felting, we’ve designed a durable, sustainable, and smooth-surfaced wool felting pillow that enhances your felting experience while lasting much longer than foam alternatives.

2. Use a Felting Needle Holder and the Right Size Needle

Having the right tools makes all the difference in needle felting. When I first started, I experimented with different holders, like wooden grips and Plasti Dip coatings, but many were uncomfortable or broke easily.

One budget-friendly option is inserting a felting needle into a pen and packing wool around it to hold it in place. However, my favorite tool is the single-needle felting holder we sell at Bear Creek Felting—it’s super comfortable and makes changing out needles effortless.

For needle size, different wool types work best with different needles. The needles I sell on my website are the best for our wool, and I use the Star 36 almost exclusively because it works exceptionally well with our carefully bred wool.

3. Use the Right Wool

Not all wool is suitable for needle felting. Avoid Superwash wool, as it’s chemically treated to prevent felting. Instead, try Romney or Icelandic wool, both of which have excellent felting properties.

I love Romney wool because it felts quickly and becomes very firm, allowing your sculptures to hold their shape. We have been working for over 20 years to improve our wool for needle felting, cross-breeding our sheep to enhance your felting experience. Our efforts have created wool with softer fibers, improved ease of felting, and superior firmness, making it ideal for needle felting projects.

4. You Don’t Need to Use Armature

One common misconception is that armature is necessary to create sturdy felted sculptures. However, Bear Creek wool felts so firmly that armature isn’t needed to maintain structure and durability. I only use wire in animals with long, spindly legs, such as a giraffe or deer, and I only use it in the legs.

5. Spend More Time Felting

For years, I’ve been asked how I get my sculptures so smooth and firm, and my answer is always the same: more time spent felting. In my classes, I constantly remind students to felt it more—the more you felt, the firmer and smoother your project will become.

Needle felting is not a quick process. When starting a project, expect to spend several hours to achieve the best results. Don’t give up too soon. If you feel frustrated, take a break and come back later. With a fresh perspective, you’ll be able to see what’s needed to refine your project. Patience is key—over time, your skills will improve, and your creations will be more refined, detailed, and durable.

At Bear Creek Felting, we’re dedicated to making felting easier and more enjoyable. These are just a few of the top tips I’ve learned over the years. If you want to take your skills to the next level, consider joining the Bear Creek Needle Felting Academy. It’s a supportive community offering step-by-step video lessons, expert guidance, and inspiration for felters of all levels.

Check out our Academy and follow us on Instagram for more needle felting tips and inspiration!