How To Make Needle Felted Animals With Firm Legs

One of the questions I get asked the most is, “how do I get my legs really firm?” In the needle felting world, floppy and saggy legs on your animals are a no, no! They are the finishing touches that add stability and dimension to your animal so don’t spoil it by being impatient and not taking the time it needs to get it right (approx 10 to 15 minutes for each leg). My short, real time video tutorial quickly teaches you how to make needle felted animals with firm legs whilst avoiding common needle felting mistakes. I will show you the tips and needle felting hacks I have learned along the way. I hope it helps you improve your needle felting skills and remember: You can add wool but not take it away!

Method One

The picture shows the hares legs but you can apply this technique to pretty much any felting project. When you have finished you should be able to hold the limb by the loose end and wave it about without any flopping or sags: if you can’t do this then continue to felt and if it gets too thin then add more wool. Golden rule: you can add but not take away!

This technique applies to almost all needle felted animals. If you are creating longer legs, but want stability without using wire then THIS TUTORIAL is just what you need to read.

Method Two

The BBQ skewer is, to needle felters what string is to farmers and, once discovered, you will use it as your go to felting tool. It will give you the confidence to try new styles that you may be finding tricky with your current technique.

Cute needle felted sheep against a pink and blue background. The blog post is titled: How to make needle felted animals with firm legs

Watch The Video Tutorial

With this method you can use wool tops, or carded wool. The legs , head and body of this fabulous hare (below), have all been made around a BBQ skewer. Not a wire in sight! Watch the hare tutorial HERE.

A person holding a handmade brown felt bunny with long ears and a lace collar, presented against a backdrop of blue overalls and a striped shirt.

Close-up of hands using a felting needle to sculpt brown wool on a grey foam pad, focusing on the needlework technique.

Close-up image of a felted wool sculpture showing detailed, realistic brown paws standing on a gray square base.

A handmade, brown felt bunny with long upright ears and a white mustache, standing against a soft orange background.

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Start needle felting today and choose from more than 60 of my inspiring needle felting patterns. Choose from animals, plants and flowers, pictures, and all the seasons, including lots of fully festive projects. The Christmas patterns are an absolute treat from traditional to modern. Whether you are a nervous beginners, or a confident needle felters, there’s a project for everyone!