We share an abundance of tips and techniques in our popular workshops; however, if you’re unable to get to these, here are a few hints and pointers that we think will help you in your needle-felting endeavours.
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Before you begin, rub the wool you’re about to use between your fingers. This loosens the individual fibres.
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Some people use foam as a cushion when felting; however, this quickly disintegrates and becomes punctured. Hessian rice pillows make the perfect surface, these can be found in my online store.
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Make quick, shallow stabs into the felt, as the hooks and barbs are towards the tips of most needles.
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When your felt shape becomes denser, it may become more difficult to push your needle into the wool. If this is the case, don’t force it, as you could break your needle. Your shape will nearly be complete at this point; just work a little slower and you’ll be able to finish it without damaging your tools. That said, always keep a couple of needles as spares when beginning a project, as there’s nothing more frustrating than when you’ve nearly completed your design and your needle snaps!
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If you accidentally lose your needle within the shape, use tweezers rather than your fingers to retrieve it.
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Cookie cutters make great frames or stencils for specific shapes.
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For small details or features such as eyes, etc. less is more; you should only need a short strand of wool.
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If you find little dents or gaps in your shape when it’s complete, roll a little of the same wool into a ball and gently work it into the space with your needle.