Needle felting

After trying to sculpt using the rolling method I purchased a needle felting kit and beginner’s guide to needle felting book by Susanna Wallis. The book was great help as it showed simple techniques which are clearly explained.

Summary of needle felting:

In needle felting the whole process is done solely by the action of a barbed needle being moved to bond the fibres into a firm surface or structure. 

To do this you need; Wool, The barbed needles, needle holder and foam block.

Basic techniques:

Step 1- Pull off a wisp of merino wool and pull it between your hands to thin it.

Step 2- Pull a fine wisp of wool and lay the thinned piece of wool on your foam block.

Step 3- Continue to add wool until you have a thin layer across the foam block.

Step 4-Keep on layering the wool until you have a layer around 1cm.

Step 5- Take the needle of choice and stab through the wool and into the foam block. The barbed felting           needle pulls the fibres through each other and they bond together.

Step 6- Continue stabbing repeatedly through the wool all over the layer until it is bonded together.

Step 7-fold over the wispy edges of the wool to make a more definite shape.

Step 8- Take the needle and define the edges further by needling.

You now have a flat, compact piece of felt which can be used as a back ground or used for sculpting.