Basic Needle Felting Techniques
Rules to "felt" by:
Rule #1: Don't Stab Yourself
Rule #2: Start with less wool than you think you will need. You can always add more.
Rule #3: You are felting with the SIDE of your needle, not the tip.
Rule #4: Start with the large needle, and move to the smaller ones as you go.
Click an image below to view a video tutorial
Getting to Know Your Tools
1. Wool Roving
2. Needles
3. Multi-Needle Tools
4. Finger Guards
5. Sponge
6. Cookie Cutters
Covering Your entire Ball in a Solid Color
1. Using solid Roving, wrap your dryer ball to measure how much you will need. (See Rule #2 above)
2. Use the multi-needle tool to attach the roving.
3. Add more roving in any spots where the white is still showing through
Adding a Small Shape Using a Cookie Cutter
1. Hold the small cookie cutter, sharp side down, against your dryer ball and press firmly.
2. Start with less wool than you think you will need. Stuff your wool inside the shape and stab around the inside perimeter of the cookie cutter.
3. Lift off the cookie cutter and clean up the edges of the shape by using the tip on your needle to pull a fiber toward the center, then stab into the ball, catching the fiber on the needle barbs..
4. You can use the multi-needle tool to flatten the entire shape as well.
Adding a Shape with a Large Cookie Cutter
1. Place enough roving on your sponge to place the cookie cutter on with some hanging over the edge.
2. push the cookie cutter down firmly & use your large needle to stab around the inside perimeter of the cookie cutter
3. Lift the roving off the sponge cut out the shape.
4. Place the shape on your dryer ball and attach with a few stabs in the center.
5. Clean up the edges of the shape by using the tip on your needle to pull a fiber toward the center, then stab into the ball, catching the fiber on the needle barbs..
6. You can use the multi-needle tool to flatten the entire shape as well.
Adding Elements using Wool Yarn
1. Tie a knot in the end of the yarn to keep the end from fraying.
2. Place the knotted end on your dryer ball and secure with a few stabs with your large needle.
3. Place the yarn into the shape you want and stab along the yarn to secure it.
4. Once you have the shape, clean up the edges with your small needle.
Adding Eyes
1. Hold the small cookie cutter sharp face down against your dryer ball and press firmly.
2. Start with less wool than you think you will need. Stuff your wool inside the shape and stab around the inside perimeter of the cookie cutter.
3. Lift off the cookie cutter and clean up the edges of the shape by using the tip on your needle to pull a fiber toward the center, then stab into the ball, catching the fiber on the needle barbs..
4. You can use the multi-needle tool to flatten the entire shape as well.
Get Inspired
Take a look at some creations from past craft parties and from other creators from around the internet.
