Needle Felting with Gotland Wool

​What Wool Should I Choose for Felting?

Have you ever wondered if Gotland wool is a good choice for needle felting? If you’re new to needle felting or have been felting for a while, you’ve likely asked yourself which breed of wool works best. When I first started felting, I was fortunate to have a flock of sheep with wool that was perfect for my projects. Over the years, I’ve found that Romney wool is my favorite, and I use it in about 95% of my sculptures.

Many people have asked me which wool breed I prefer for needle felting. While I’ve always recommended Romney, I wanted to be able to answer that question more thoroughly. So, in 2015, I began an experiment: felting sheep sculptures using wool from the same breed. This project has allowed me to learn a great deal about different breeds and their wool characteristics. I’ve shared my findings on my website, offering my personal experience and insights.

Keep in mind that wool quality can vary even within the same breed due to differences in health and care. My observations reflect my experiences, but they may differ from others. Today, I’d like to share what I discovered about felting with Gotland wool.

Gotland Sheep

Gotland sheep are believed to have originated from flocks established on the Swedish island of Gotland during the Viking era. They are known for their beautiful, lustrous, long curly fiber, which comes in a wide range of grays. The wool is exceptionally soft and shiny, and their pelts are prized worldwide.

Gotlands were introduced to North America through a process called “up-breeding,” where non-Gotland foundation sheep were bred with Gotland genetics via imported semen. Over a decade, Gotland percentages in North America have increased to as high as 99% as of 2016 (source: gsbana.org).

While I haven’t personally met a Gotland sheep, I’ve been told they are friendly and inquisitive, making them a joy to own. One unique characteristic I found interesting is that they have naturally short tails, which is a plus for shepherds raising Gotland sheep.

Felting with Gotland Wool

I had previously used Gotland wool in sculptures, particularly for its curly locks, but I had never tried needle felting with Gotland roving until now. Kelly from Namekagon Valley Farm and Studio kindly sent me some beautiful Gotland roving and curly locks from her flock in Hayward, WI, along with the images of Gotland sheep featured in this article.

My Experience with Gotland Roving

Gotland roving is incredibly lustrous and soft, making it enjoyable for spinning into yarn. However, when it came to needle felting, I encountered some challenges. The fiber is slippery and smooth, which made it difficult for the felting needle to grab and pull it in. As a result, the felting process was slower and more frustrating than with other wool breeds. While it does eventually felt, it takes considerably more time and effort.

For my Gotland sheep sculpture, I used Gotland roving for the body but found it too frustrating to use for the legs. I ultimately switched to Romney for that part.

Using Gotland Curly Locks

The curly locks, on the other hand, were a delight to work with. They have soft, springy curls that add beautiful texture to a sculpture. While they do take some time to felt into place due to the smoothness of the fiber, the results are well worth the effort. Good-quality curly locks can be hard to find, and not all breeds have the same springy texture that Gotland does. I would highly recommend Gotland curly locks over most other breeds for adding texture to a felted sculpture.

Rating Gotland Wool for Needle Felting

On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give Gotland wool a 6 for needle felting.

Pros:

• Best for beautiful, soft curly locks – perfect for adding texture to sculptures.
• Great if you want a shiny finish – the luster of Gotland wool can add a unique touch to your projects.

   

Cons:

• Difficult to needle felt – the smooth, slippery fibers make it frustrating to work with.
• Limited color range – naturally available only in shades of gray.
• Shiny finish may not always be desirable – while some projects benefit from luster, others may not.

Share Your Thoughts

These are just my personal experiences, and I’d love to hear yours! Have you tried needle felting with Gotland wool? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you’re interested in learning more about felting and working with me, check out the Bear Creek Needle Felting Academy.

Related Articles:

• Needle Felting Through the Sheep Breeds
• Living with Gotlands
• Namekagon Valley Farm and Studio
• The Fleece and Fiber Source Book

If you raise sheep and would like me to test needle felting with your specific breed of wool, feel free to contact me. I love supporting small farms and shepherds!

Comparison Chart from the Needle Felting through the Sheep Breeds Series