Needle Felting a Zebra

Looking Back at My First Needle Felted Zebra

This was my very first needle felted zebra, made in 2012. Around that time I had become fascinated with creating African wildlife in wool, and I went on to needle felt giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and other African animals.

I had no idea then where those projects would eventually lead. That love of creating African wildlife became the inspiration for my annual Felting Safari, where needle felting artists from all over the United States gather in Fort Ransom, North Dakota, for an immersive week of felting, learning and creating together.

In 2026, the story came full circle when I returned to the zebra as the featured project for Felting Safari 5.

A lot has changed at Bear Creek Felting since I made this first zebra. Today we raise around 350 sheep on our North Dakota farm and process our wool in our own fiber mill in Fort Ransom, preparing it specifically for needle felting.

The very beginnings of a Zebra! Keep reading to see my step-by-step guide on how to needle felt a zebra!

The zebra has 2 1/2 legs. Many hours have gone into the process this far. I put wires in the legs to give them stability.

Here I have worked on the legs and added some wool here and there sculpting my way out.

My favorite and hardest part: the head. I also added more definition and hooves.

I completed the body, legs and made sure he is very firmly felted before I start adding the stripes.

Finished! My very first Zebra!

Needle felted Zebra #1 by Teresa Perleberg September 2012