An Easy Way To Start Using Wire For Needle Felting
Working with wire can feel intimidating when you’re new to needle felting, but using wire for needle felting a fairy is the perfect place to start. Building a simple sturdy wire frame gives your fairy structure and allows you to add arms, legs, and a rounded head with ease. The result is a show stopping, snub-nosed fairy that has a big personality and wow factor, and looks like you have spent days (not hours) creating it.
Video Tutorials Links
Keep scrolling and you will find two detailed, step by step tutorials on this page. Felt alongside me workshop style, in real time. My teaching style is easy and relaxed and I will always test to find the most efficient and simple way of creating your needle felting project. In essence, I have done the experimenting, trial, and error, so you can get straight to the business of making.
Easy Wire Frame
Pipe cleaners are ideal for this project as their cotton coating holds the wool securely in place, but you can use whatever you have to hand. The process begins by shaping the wire: a small loop forms the base for the head, while simple folds at the ends of the arms and legs prevent the wool from slipping off or wire poking through.
The Head
The head is surprisingly quick to create. Tying a tight knot in carded wool gives an instant firm base, which can then be gently wrapped and shaped with a felting needle. The arms and legs are made using the same method: wrapping thin layers of wool evenly around the wire and securing them with light needle work.
Needle Felting The Body
Once the limbs are ready, they’re attached to the torso, and the entire body is wrapped with wool. This ties everything together securely, creating soft shoulders and a firm shape that’s ready to be dressed and finished.
The beauty of this project is in its simplicity. Each part—the head, arms, legs, and body—is built separately and gradually assembled, making the process manageable and satisfying. Any imperfections will disappear once the details are added, so there’s no need for perfection at this stage.
This snub-nosed fairy provides a great introduction to using wire while keeping the process straight forward. Follow the accompanying videos for full guidance and enjoy the process of building this solid, versatile base. With part one complete, your fairy is ready for its finishing touches in the next stage.
Watch The Video Tutorial
Part 2
In Part 2 of our snub-nose fairy tutorial, we’re bringing the face and body to life with soft details, flowing skirts, and a touch of sparkle.
Create The Cute Snub Nose
This charming little fairy begins with a delicate nose—a subtle suggestion rather than a bold feature. Tiny freckles, rosy cheeks, and soft brown eyes add instant character, transforming the fairy into a whimsical figure full of personality. It’s these small touches that make each fairy unique and bring a story to life.
Magical Flowing Dress
The magic continues with a flowing dress. A simple wrap of soft wool creates volume, while gentle twizzles at the edges add natural curls. Petal embellishments around the waist create a dreamy effect—like something plucked straight from a forest glade or a storybook scene. The wool tops flow beautifully, making the fairy’s skirt light, airy, and full of movement.
Wild Hair
Her hair is wild and wonderful, with art yarn and soft locks cascading over her face. Whether you choose natural hues or vibrant colours, the final effect is both playful and magical. Delicate skeleton leaves for wings provide a perfect contrast—subtle yet full of charm.
Or keep it simple and elegant.
To display your fairy, simply mount her on a wooden base using a simple skewer. Adjust her posture, twirl her skirt, and step back to admire the finished piece. Or, add her to your tree as a stunning tree topper. However she is displayed each fairy becomes its own character and will be completely unique to you. That’s the joy of handmade!
Video Tutorial Part 2
Watch the second part of the needle felted fairy tutorial below and be amazed how simple it is, with the right techniques, to create something utterly enchanting with just your hands, a handful of wool, and a felting needle. Whether you’re creating a festive Sugar Plum Fairy or a more rustic forest sprite, the joy lies in the process. This project will teach you so many new techniques that you can carry through to your next needle felting project, or another dancing fairy. I mean, why on earth would you stop at just one? I hope using wire to needle felt a fairy inspires you to experiment, create, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
Let your creativity flow and happy felting!
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