If you want to try needle felting, starting with a simple project like this simple needle felted sheep is perfect. Sheep are a good introduction to felting. They’re easy to shape, can be made as simple or detailed as you like, and are fun to make. In this guide, we’ll focus on making a needle felted Herdwick sheep, based on the tough, hardy breed that lives on the hills of Cumbria. However, this pattern can be adapted for any sheep breed. Herdwick just happen to be one of my favourites, and the very first sheep I made way back in 2013.
Whether you’re completely new to felting or looking for a new project, a sheep is a great choice. Everything you need to get started is here, with a materials list and a video tutorial to guide you step-by-step. Also remember, you can adapt this sheep to any style you prefer. I just happen to love Herdwicks. Let’s get into the process together and see how your sheep takes shape from wool to a finished piece.
Why Sheep are Good for Beginners
Needle felting is a pretty simple craft. All you need is wool and a felting needle. For beginners, sheep are a good, low-pressure way to start. Unlike other projects that need lots of details, a basic sheep looks good with just a few simple shapes. As you get better, you can try adding more features and details to make your sheep look more realistic.
Needle felting is flexible and personal – you can make each piece however you like. Maybe your first sheep will be a bit rounder, and later on, you can try making one with more shape and texture. This flexibility makes felting fun and lets you take on new challenges as you go.
Needle Felting Pattern For This Project – Instant Download
If you love working from a needle felting pattern the detailed instructions with step by step photographs can be found HERE
Herdwick Sheep And Beatrix Potter
The Herdwick sheep are native to the Lake District and are known for being tough and resilient. They are the hardiest of all Britain’s breeds of hill sheep, living on the highest of England’s mountains, as far back as the 12th century. They have thick coats and are used to the harsh weather weather conditions, adapting to the cold and rough terrain. Even today, they are managed in the traditional way, on the Cumbrian Fells (Lake District mountains), that have been their home for generations.
Fondly known as the caretakers of the Cumbrian Fells they were also loved by Beatrix Potter. She had her own Herdwick flock and left 4,000 acres of land and 15 farms to the National Trust when she died in 1943.
Easy Needle Felted Sheep – Tackling It “One Piece at a Time”
When you’re new to needle felting, seeing a finished project can sometimes be overwhelming. Where do you start? The key is to break it down into “one piece at a time.” Instead of trying to visualise the whole sheep in one go, start with a single part, like the body or the head, and focus on shaping just that piece. Working on each part separately makes the project simpler and more fun. This step-by-step approach helps you see how each piece fits together to make your sheep. It is also important to remember that needle felted animals don’t start to look anything like you imagined until you start putting it together.
Each small step is part of your progress. Needle felting is about the process, not just the final product, and focusing on each stage can help you enjoy the craft without stress. This Herdwick sheep project is a great way to see how taking things one step at a time can make a project easier to manage.
Avoiding the Comparison Trap
It’s tempting to compare your work to what you see online. Many people scroll through photos of super detailed felted animals and think, “Will I ever be able to make something like that?” But remember, the makers behind those pieces started out like you. Their early projects probably looked a lot like yours. Getting better at needle felting, just like with anything else, takes time, and starting with a project like this needle felted sheep is a great first step.
While inspiration can help you, too much comparison can make you feel frustrated and crush your confidence. For beginners, it’s important to focus on enjoying the process. Don’t worry if your sheep doesn’t look like others you’ve seen – just focus on making something that you’re happy with. Each step you take builds your skill and confidence, and every little imperfection adds character to your project. This is your journey, so give yourself time to learn and enjoy each stage.
Finding Your Needle Felting Rhythm
Needle felting isn’t just about the finished piece; it’s about the process of creating. The repetitive motion of felting can be calming, helping you focus on shaping the wool one bit at a time. Crafting like this lets you slow down, concentrate, and forget about everything else for a while.
As you get into the rhythm, you might find that felting helps you relax. There’s no rush and no one “right” way to do it. As you work, you’ll find your own style and pace. Needle felting is more about your experience of creating something by hand than it is about making it perfect.
Following The Tutorial And Materials List
To make this sheep, gather the materials listed here, and follow along with the video tutorial. The tutorial will walk you through each step, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost. Just follow along, and remember that each part adds up to the finished piece.
Watching the tutorial and working at your own pace lets you focus on shaping each piece without worrying. This project is meant to be fun, so take your time. It’s not about finishing quickly or making it look a certain way – it’s about discovering a new skill and enjoying it.
You Will Need
- Grey or white wool (carded wool or wool top) for the body – Approx. 15/20g
- White (carded wool or wool top) for the legs and head – Approx. 10g
- Small pinch of dark wool for detail
- Handful of curly grey or white locks for top coat – Approx. 10g
- Felting needles – 38 star is a good all rounder. More info on felting needles HERE
- Felting mat
My Favourite Needle Felting Suppliers
When I began in 2013, there were only a few businesses selling needle felting supplies and kits. It was a bit of a challenge to find good materials, but those early days taught me a lot. I will share with you here how to needle felt and my favourite needle felting suppliers.
Building Confidence Through Practice
As you work on this project, remember that confidence in needle felting builds with practice. Each time you craft, you’ll become more familiar with the wool, the needle, and the process. Soon, you’ll feel comfortable experimenting, making small adjustments, and trying new projects.
Your first needle felted sheep will be an accomplishment. It’s proof of your willingness to learn, your patience, and your creativity. Needle felting isn’t just about creating objects – it’s about building skills, enjoying the process, and finding joy in making things by hand. Each project you complete will give you a bit more confidence and keep you moving forward.
Video Tutorial – Felt Along With Me
Final Thoughts
As you start on this needle felted sheep, remember: take it one piece at a time, enjoy the process, and focus on each step. There’s no need to rush or try to make it perfect. This is your project, and you’re learning with every step. Needle felting is flexible, easy to enjoy, and very forgiving. With each project, your skills will improve, and soon, you’ll be ready to try more complex creations.
So, enjoy learning, take it one step at a time, and know that each piece you finish is helping you build a new skill. Happy felting, and welcome to needle felting!
Me encanto el tutorial. Muy bien explicado. Lo entreteje a uno con el proyecto. Muchas gracias
You are so welcome.