What is Needle Felting?

Needle felting is a creative craft that involves sculpting shapes and figures using wool and special felting needles. It’s a simple yet versatile technique that allows you to create amazing creations with just a few supplies. Let’s take a closer look at the key components of needle felting.

The Wool

Wool is the primary material used in needle felting. Each wool fiber is covered in flat, overlapping scales, which, when agitated, come into contact with each other.This contact locks the fibers together, causing the wool to felt. The orientation and direction of the scales are random, ensuring a secure bond during the felting process.

The Felting Needles

Felting needles are unique tools designed with tiny barbs on the end. These barbs, aligned in one direction, play a crucial role in felting. When the needle is repeatedly stabbed into the wool, the barbs pull the wool in but prevent it from sliding back out. This action tangles the wool fibers and causes the scales to interlock, resulting in felting.

The Felting Cushion

A cushion or pad is essential for needle felting. It provides a surface to work on, allowing the felting needle to penetrate the wool without reaching the table or your leg. The cushion absorbs the needle’s impact, making the felting process smoother and more comfortable.

The Process

The Process: To start needle felting, roll up a small amount of wool and begin stabbing it with the felting needle. As you repeatedly stab and turn the wool, the needle pulls more wool into itself, and the fibers with their scales interlock and felt. With continued stabbing and turning, a firm round shape begins to form. Additional wool is added as needed to sculpt and shape the creation.

Felted 3D Sculpture

Creating a 3D sculpture through needle felting involves building upon a basic shape. Wool is added strategically to form the main body, while wire may be used in the legs for stability. The process often begins with the head, though sometimes it is made last. Achieving a smooth and firm texture is essential, especially when adding details such as spots. This meticulous process can take several days to complete, resulting in a stunning finished sculpture. A project like this takes several days to complete.

What is roving?

Roving refers to wool that has been washed and carded, aligning all the fibers in the same direction. Carding involves combing the wool to smooth out the locks and create a long, fluffy “roving” that can be spun into yarn or used for felting. Hand-painted roving is a visually appealing option for needle felting projects.

For more information on carding and how our wool is processed in our very own mill check out this video.