Category: Beginners

Needle Felting Made Easy! How to Needle Felt Animals

Leave a comment

Needle felting, a delightful crafting pursuit, grants you the joy of turning raw wool into enchanting sculptures. Whether you’re venturing into this craft as a complete novice or honing your expertise as a seasoned needle felter, this blog post is ready to provide you with a wealth of valuable insights and tips. Within its pages, discover a treasure trove of knowledge to aid you in the creation of truly splendid felted masterpieces. Immerse yourself in this informative read for top-notch guidance, promising to elevate your skills and have you crafting marvelous felted wonders with ease and finesse in practically no time at all. Happy felting crafters!

Needle felted sheep being made
WATCH SHEEP TUTORIAL
Needle felted hare held in the palm of a woman's hands. She is wearing a pink dress and the hare is a DIY needle felted project
Brown needle felted woodland hare held in a persons hands showing what can be made if you watch the needle felting tutorial.
WATCH HARE TUTORIAL

Needle Felting Made Easy Key Points:

Choosing the Right Materials:

  • High-quality felting needles: Invest in fine and coarse felting needles for different tasks.
  • Wool roving: Select natural wool roving in various colors to bring your creations to life.
  • Felting pad or mat: A soft surface to work on and protect your needles.
  • Optional extras: Consider wire armatures, felting handles, and googly eyes for more complex projects.

Understanding Your Tools

  • Learn about the different types of felting needles and their uses.
  • Understand the purpose of your felting pad or mat and how it helps in the felting process.
  • Experiment with optional tools to see what works best for your projects.

Mastering The Basics

  • Learn how to properly hold and use felting needles to avoid accidents.
  • Practice the basic poking and stabbing motions to shape and sculpt your wool.
  • Start with simple shapes like balls and cylinders to get a feel for the process.
A white needle felted sheep on a felting mat next to felting needles and wool. Text says: beginners start here.

Creating Sculptures with Depth

  • Gradually add layers of wool to build up your sculpture’s volume and form.
  • Pay attention to proportions and symmetry for realistic results.
  • Use reference images or real-life objects for inspiration and guidance.

Adding Details and Textures

  • Experiment with different felting needle sizes to achieve varying levels of detail.
  • Create textures like fur, feathers, or scales by altering your poking technique.
  • Blend and mix colors of wool roving to achieve realistic shading and highlights.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Learn how to fix loose or unevenly felted areas by reworking them with your needles.
  • Address fuzziness by gently felting the surface with a fine needle.
  • If your sculpture becomes too firm, use a coarser needle to soften it.

Improving Your Techniques

  • Once you’ve mastered the basics of needle felting and crafted your fair share of adorable animals, it’s time to elevate your skills to the next level. Exploring advanced techniques can open up a world of creative possibilities.
  • Consider delving into the art of wire armature construction, a method that allows for more intricate and poseable creations.
  • Multiple-needle felting is another exciting option, enabling you to work on larger projects efficiently while achieving a smoother finish. Layering techniques provide a way to add depth and realism to your creations, as you blend colors and textures with finesse.
  • These advanced techniques will not only challenge your abilities but also empower you to bring your needle-felted masterpieces to life in new and captivating ways.

Following the Step-by-Step Video Tutorials

  • To make learning needle felting even more accessible and enjoyable, I’ve put together an extensive library of step-by-step video tutorials. Whether you’re seeking quick tips or want to follow the entire process of crafting an animal from start to finish, my videos are designed to replicate the experience of a live workshop. They’re unhurried, ensuring you grasp each technique, and they’re fantastic for boosting your confidence and skills with every completed project. You can easily follow along with the videos, pausing and rewinding as needed, allowing you to master each aspect of needle felting. With over a decade of teaching and curating inspiring kits since 2014, you’re bound to discover the perfect projects that pique your creative interests.
Improve Your Techniques
Image shows someone needle felting a brown hare. Text says: what felting wool should I use?

To sum it all up, needle felting isn’t just a craft; it’s a wonderfully satisfying journey into the realm of creativity. Regardless of whether you’re a newbie embarking on this fluffy adventure or a seasoned felter perfecting your skills, the treasure trove of insights, tips, and those comprehensive video tutorials we’ve discussed here will undoubtedly work their magic, boosting your felting prowess and enabling you to create wonderful needle felted animals. And let’s not forget our trusty companions : practice and patience. They’re the unsung heroes, steering us toward confidence and proficiency in the world of needle felting.

So, just go for it! Enjoy turning simple, soft wool into beautiful needle felted animals. Let your imagination run wild in this fascinating world of needle felting. Your artistic potential isn’t limited to the sky; think of it as a canvas, and your creativity guides the way!

NEEDLE FELTING KITS FOR NERVOUS BEGINNERS

On the hunt for needle felting kits or patterns? I’ve got you covered with a selection of my top five picks tailored for beginners. These kits are meticulously designed to instill crafting confidence, catering specifically to those who may be a bit hesitant or nervous as they embark on their creative journey.

Text says: 5 best needle felting kits for beginners next to a cute picture of needle felted animals. The animals are mouse, sheep, dog, robin, and hare.

Needle Felting Made Easy For All – Free Your Creative Potential!

Leave a comment

IS NEEDLE FELTING TOO HARD FOR ME?

Hey there, fellow needle felting enthusiasts! Today, I want to chat about something that I’m sure many of you have wondered about: whether you need to be an artistic genius to rock at needle felting. Let me tell you right off the bat: No, you absolutely don’t! So grab a cup of your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of needle felting.

Hands showing how to needle felt colourful felt balls and bumble bees
An example of a cute white needle felted sheep with a head of curls. It is being held in some ones hands wearing a pretty pink dress.
Needle felted hare held in the palm of hands

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – artistic talent…

A stick man with a pencil looking confused. There is a question mark because he doesn't know how to draw.

You might be thinking, “I can’t even draw a stick figure properly, how can I possibly create something beautiful with needle felting?”

Well, let me reassure you that needle felting is not just for the ‘Picassos’ and ‘Van Goghs’ of the world. In fact, it’s the enthusiasm that truly counts! When I started needle felting, I was convinced that my creations would look like a misshapen lump of wool. But you know what? I couldn’t have been more wrong! Sure, my first few attempts might have been a bit wonky, but that’s all part of the journey. Embrace the wonkiness and enthusiasm and passion will carry you through the learning curve, trust me.

Example of a cute needle felted woodland hare with big eyes

NOBODY EVER STARTS AS AN EXPERT

Needle Felting Made Easy For All – Free Your Creative Potential!

Now, let’s talk about that pesky little notion of creating a masterpiece right from the get-go. Spoiler alert: It’s a myth! Expecting your very first project to be a needle-felted Mona Lisa will only set you up for disappointment and a dent in your confidence. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are masterpieces. Start with the basics, and gradually build up your skills. Before you know it, you’ll be crafting adorable critters and charming creations like a pro. Remember, this journey is all about having fun and discovering your unique style.

BEGINNERS START HERE

A felting mat, felting needle, wool and a sheep. Text says, 'Beginners start here@.

So, start on chapter 1, not someone else’s chapter 5. It’s easy to get inspired by the incredible needle-felted wonders you see online, and while they can be a fantastic source of motivation, don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle or end. They have been honing their skills for quite some time, and you’ll get there too with a bit of practice and dedication. As you embark on this needle-felting adventure, let me share a little secret with you: mastering the basics won’t take you long at all.

Ariel shot of a person creating a bright orange needle felted pumpkin.

Once you get the hang of the technique, it’s like riding a bike – you won’t forget it. Plus, the internet is a treasure trove of tutorials and guides to help you along the way. So, give yourself some grace, and remember that you are allowed to make mistakes. It’s how we learn and grow!

TAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF

I encourage you to approach your early projects with an open mind and heart and learn to needle felt with confidence. Embrace imperfections, celebrate the progress you make, and learn from every little bump in the road. Your enthusiasm will be the fuel that keeps you going and keeps your passion for needle felting alive. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own style. While looking at the works of experienced needle felters can be inspiring, always remember that your creations are an expression of yourself. Feel free to add your own twists, quirks, and personality to your projects. That’s what makes them special and unique.

NEEDLE FELTING KITS ARE A GREAT WAY TO GET STARTED!

Needle felting kits offer a great introduction to the world of needle felting, providing all the necessary tools, step-by-step instructions, and a platform for your creative expression. When it comes to needle felting kits, the price can vary widely, and while there are exceptions, in general, you tend to get what you pay for.

Autumn wreath needle felting kit. The willow wreath is covered in handmade pumpkins and acorns. There is a cup of tea and biscuits in the background.

WHY SPEND MORE ON A NEEDLE FELTING KIT?

It’s true, you can buy a needle felting kit for just a few pounds, or dollars, but a knowledgeable needle felting business goes beyond just selling products; it becomes a hub of creative inspiration and assistance, with real people. Such a business recognises that needle felting is not only a craft but an art form that thrives on innovation and personal expression. By offering comprehensive creative support, including expert advice, tutorials, and a diverse range of high-quality materials, they empower both beginners and experienced crafters to explore their creativity with confidence.

Image shows a range of needle felted animals. Text says '5 best needle felting kits for beginners'.

Of course, there are exceptions, and sometimes you might find a reasonably priced kit that offers excellent value for its cost. However, investing a bit more in a high-quality needle felting kit can ultimately lead to a more enjoyable crafting experience, better results, and improved skills in the long run.

Beach Scene Needle Felting Kit
Woodland Hare Needle Felting Kit
Lots of Christmas needle felted characters including, snowmen, gnomes, reindeer, penguins, and a robin
Christmas Felting Kits

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

As you delve into this captivating craft, you’ll discover the therapeutic benefits, tap into your inner creativity. So, why wait? Grab a needle felting kit (or the wool and needles that you bought but never used), let your imagination soar, unlock the joys of needle felting and witness the creative magic unfold in your hands!

A list showing the most popular felting needles and their uses.

WHAT FELTING NEEDLES SHOULD I USE?

Here’s a great beginners guide to felting needles.

Most importantly, don’t let the fear of lacking artistic talent hold you back from needle felting. Enthusiasm is the most vital “skill” to embark on this creative journey. Start with the basics, be patient with yourself, and avoid comparing your beginning to others’ advanced works. Embrace the learning process, have fun, and let your unique style shine through. With practice and passion, you’ll soon be crafting adorable woolen wonders that bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. Happy felting!

Free Access To The VIP Felt Club
Picture Needle Felting Kits
Needle felted cactus in teracotta pots
Cactus Needle Felting

What Are Felting Needles And How To Use Them?

3 Comments

Quick Guide To Felting Needles

Felting needles are used for all needle felting projects, allowing you to transform loose wool fibers into simple 3 dimensional and 2 dimensional sculptures and pictures. Once you have learned the basics of needle felting you can create more intricate designs and sculptural forms. If you’re new to the world of needle felting this quick guide will walk you through the basics and how to use them effectively. For a more detailed guide read my Complete Guide To Felting Needles.

Now get ready to unlock your creativity and embark on a felting adventure! You will also find lots of useful links at the bottom of this post.

  • image shows a pretty needle felted picture of an abstract cornish costal scene. It hasbrightly coloured houses along the harbour wall. A bobbing boat and seagulls.

Understanding Felting Needle Sizes

Felting needles are specialized tools designed with barbed tips, which help interlock and compress the wool fibers, creating a firm and cohesive structure. They come in various sizes, usually categorized by gauge or thickness. The most common gauges are 36, 38, and 40, with lower numbers indicating thicker needles, and higher numbers indicating finer needles.

Image shows the shape and size of a felting needle

What Felting Needle Should I Start With?

Image shows text explaining what the most commonly used felting needles are

Keeping it simple is always best if you’re new to needle felting felting, and I recommend starting with a medium-sized needle. The 38 gauge is my favourite as it is a good all rounder, providing a balance between versatility and ease of use, and completes most projects from start to finish. In fact it is my go to needle for starting almost all of my needle felting projects. You may also want to have a finer needle (although not necessary when starting out) such as a size 40, for finishing touches and surface details, which will reduce visible needle marks.

Once you have a good grasp of needle felting basics you can experiment with different needle sizes to find what works best for your specific project, and personal preference. Keep in mind that some suppliers refer to them as small, medium, and large, so it’s helpful to refer to the specific gauge or needle size mentioned on the packaging or product descriptions when making your selection. I always use needles that are numbered, such as Groz Beckert felting needles, which are the best quality in the industry.

What If I Have Needles And Don’t Know The Size?

Here is my quick test to determine the size of your felting needles:

1 If your needle tip is super bendy, it will be a fine needle – probably 40 gauge – used for finishing touches and finer details; it will break easily. This needle is sometimes referred to as ‘small’.

2 If there is a slight bend at the tip but with resistance, this is usually a size 38, my favourite, and a good all-rounder; it completes most projects from start to finish. This needle is sometimes referred to as ‘medium’.

3 If it is really firm with little to no bend then it will likely be a 36 gauge which is used for starting projects and flat felting. This needle is sometimes referred to as ‘large’.

Felting Needle Holders

Whether you are using a single needle, or multiple needles at the same time, a felting needle holder can speed up the felting process significantly, as well as making needle felting for long period more comfortable. The handles are also really useful if you have any dexterity problems, allowing you to needle felt for longer. You can find out more about needle holders, and their best uses, on my Ultimate Guide To Felting Needles.

Image shows a wooden handle that holds a felting needle
Image shows a wooden handle that holds three felting needles for faster felting
Image shows a wooden handle that holds three felting needles for faster felting
Image shows a wooden handle that holds three felting needles for faster felting and a hessian felting mat that is filled with dried rice.

Reverse Felting needles

Reverse felting needles can add imaginative, clever and realistic effects to your projects by puling the, already felted wool back out; the barbs run in a different direction to a standard felting needle Once you have gained some needle felting confidence I would highly recommend adding one of these to your craft stash. This blog post tells you all you need to know about reverse felting needles.

Image shows a needle felted bumble bee with fluffy eyebrows created with a reverse felting needle.
Image of a realistic needle felted pig.
Image of a needle felted moon gazing hare.

Basic Needle Felting Techniques

Preparing Your Workspace:

Set up a clean and well-lit area to work in. You will need a felting mat (foam, hessian, or wool) to work on which will protect your felting needles and your work surface, as well as making it much easier to create your shapes.

Materials

Are You Brand New To Needle Felting

If you are just starting needle felting the Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts website has everything you need; from complete starter kits to tools, wool, accessories, and gifts.

How To Create A Simple Shape

1 Start by forming a basic shape, with your hands, using your chosen wool. For example, if you’re making a needle felted animal, begin with a core shape resembling the animal’s body, head, legs etc. Use your hands to shape and compact the fibers and make sure the shape is firm before you start using your felting needle.

2 Always use your felting needle in a straight line and never bend, or twist it as it likely to break.

Series of images showing how to create a basic needle felted shape.

3 Hold the shape you have created with your non felting needle hand and push the felting needle vertically into your wool with your other hand. Gently push and pull the needle in and out of the wool, avoiding bending or twisting the needle. The barbs on the needle will tangle and compact the fibers together as you work. Gradually speed up as you become used to using the needle.

Building Layers and Detailing

4 Continue adding more fibers and felting them into the base shape. Gradually build up layers and define the desired features of your project. Use finer gauge needles (higher numbers) for adding details and finishing touches.

Image shows two needle felted hares. Text reads: how to start needle felting

5 Experiment with different angles of the needle to achieve the desired effects. Inserting the needle straight down will compact the fibers, while angling it will help blend colors or smooth surfaces.

Needle Felting Safety Tips

While felting needles are generally safe to use, it’s essential to keep a few precautions in mind:

  • Work slowly and mindfully, focusing on your work without distractions such as the TV
  • Keep your fingers well away from the needle’s to avoid accidental pricks
  • Use finger guards
  • Store needles safely, preferably in a container or pop in your felting mat when not in use
Image shows a hand holding a needle felted pumpkin. There are finger protectors on the thumb and forefinger.
Leather Finger Guards

In A Nutshell

Felting needles are powerful tools that allow you to bring your artistic visions to life. With the basic techniques outlined in this guide, you’re now equipped to start your felting journey. Remember to practice, be patient, and let your creativity flow. Whether you’re creating cute animals, unique jewelry, or decorative objects, felting needles will help you achieve stunning results. So, dive into the world of felting and unleash your imagination!

So What’s Next?

Now you have learnt the basics you are ready to enter a whole new world of creative possibilities, and this blog is full of free tutorials, patterns and video tutorials to keep the creative juices flowing. From complete beginners to something more challenging, there is a project for everyone. Use the easy to navigate menus as your guide, join the free VIP newsletter, or join our creative Facebook community.

Image shows a link to shop for needle felting kits.
Image shows a link to shop needle felting tools and accessories, including a felting mat, felting needles and felting wool.
Free Pattern And Access To The VIP Felt Club
Gnumpkin Gnome – Free Tutorial
Build Your Confidence
Easy Peasy Pumpkins – Free Tutorial
Join The Facebook Group
Image shows a needle felted pig and hedgehog. Text reads, "why reverse felting needles are so cool".

Easy Spring Needle Felting Projects You Will Love!

1 Comment

New beginnings, new creative you

It’s that time of year when the new spring seasons awakens our creative senses. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, DIY Easter and spring décor, or brightly coloured, handmade by you gifts, needle felting covers it all. Frome cute Easter egg bunnies, to quirky spring chickens, there’s something for everyone to fall in love with.

SPRING INTO CREATIVITY

Just keep scrolling to see my favourite spring projects, and their tutorial links. Pick your favourite, and start creating.

ARE YOU NEW TO NEEDLE FELTING?

Then you have come to the perfect place to get started, and will also find a materials list and the needle felting kit linked to each project. MORE GREAT BEGINNER PROJECTS

EASY EASTER BUNNY

Make time: 30 minutes Skill Level: Easy

Grab you felting needles, BBQ skewer, and wool and make these gorgeous Easter egg bunnies. They look fabulous as part of your spring and Easter displays, as garlands, or pretty brooches.

needle felted easter bunny with a seasonal bunny wallpaper background

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Needle felting wool – Approx. 5g, any type or colour.
  • Standard felting needle – size 38 is a good all-rounder.
  • Wooden BBQ skewer (or similar) for shaping
  • Felting mat

SHOP BUNNY NEEDLE FELTING KIT

BUNNY VIDEO TUTORIAL

BUMBLE BEE BROOCH

Make time: 30 minutes Skill Level: Easy

From beginners felters, this is a quick, easy, and fun project. 

cute needle felted bumblee bee

YOU WILL NEED:

  • 5g dark wool
  • 2g white wool
  • 1g orange/yellow
  • Pinch light brown for eyes
  • Standard felting needle – size 38 is a good all-rounder
  • Felting Mat
  • Wooden BBQ skewer (or similar) for shaping

SHOP BUMBLE BEE NEEDLE FELTING KIT

image shows how to needle felt a bumble bee
image shows a needle felted spring garland

BUMBLE BEE VIDEO TUTORIAL

REALISTIC MACARONS

Make time: 15 minutes Skill Level: Easy

These marvelous macarons are super easy, and the results are so impressive they look good enough to eat!

image shows realistic needle felted cakes next to a pretty china tea cup and saucer

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Core Wool – Find out about wool HERE
  • Carded wool, various colours
  • White wool – Carded or tops
  • Standard felting needle – size 38 is a good all-rounder
  • Felting mat

SHOP MACARON NEEDLE FELTING KIT

image shows realistic needle felted strawberry and macarons

MACARON VIDEO TUTORIAL

NEEDLE FELTED BALLS IN JUST 3 MINUTES

Make time: 3 minutes Skill Level: Easy

With this simple technique you can create perfectly shaped balls every time, and in just 3 minutes. Ideal for your spring garlands balls anymore trying to achieve the perfect finish. Just grab your secret weapon – a wooden BBQ skewer – and in 30 minutes you will have ten balls ready for your garland. Add bees and bunnies (check my YouTube spring playlist) for some extra special creative spring and Easter magic.

image shows a needle felting mat and tools thatare needed to create spring needle felted garlands

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Wool tops or carded wool, various colours – Find out about wool HERE
  • Wooden BBQ skewer for easy shaping
  • Standard felting needle – size 38 is a good all-rounder
  • Felting mat

SHOP GARLAND NEEDLE FELTING KIT

Image shows a person making needle felted balls

EASY BALLS VIDEO TUTORIAL

JOIN THE FREE VIP FELT CLUB

GET MORE CREATIVITY STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

It’s free and you will receive a free needle felting pattern, lifetime discount code, exclusive early access to new product launches and promotions, as well as notification of new tutorials. JOIN TODAY

FIND ME ON PINTEREST

Love Pinterest?

Me too. It is one of the best places to find craft projects, and my Pinterest page is stuffed to the rafters with creative ideas, tips, and tutorials. Follow me for your daily dose of Pin-spiration

How To Needle Felt With Wire? Amazing DIY Crafts!

4 Comments

Learn how To Needle Felt With Wire – Easy step by step guide

Welcome to The Felt Hub with Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts, here to feed your passion for needle felting! This easy guide to using wire for needle felting will give you a god grasp of what wire to use, and when. From realistic horns, using only wool and a pipe cleaner, to full fox armature.

FREE DOWNLOAD

Links for free download, video tutorials, and felting wire are at the bottom of the post.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO USE WIRE TO BE GOOD AT NEEDLE FELTING

It may seem an odd place to start but it is important to know that many needle felters, including myself, rarely use a full wire armature. Many new needle felters – mistakenly – think that using wire means you are better at needle felting. This is not the case at all, and the truth is, most needle felting projects don’t need it. In fact, the trustee wooden BBQ skewer can completely change the finished look and stability of your needle felting projects, without the need for any wire. Just check out my Parsley Hare needle felting tutorial on YouTube to see how amazing this tool really is.

Image shows a tall brown needle felted hare that has been made without needle felting wire.

NEVER BE WITHOUT A WOODEN BBQ SKEWER

The humble wooden BBQ skewer is in my top 3 needle felting tools. It enables you to quickly, and easily create firm needle parts for your project, without the need for wire. Using one of these will change the way you needle felt. Find out more HERE

An image of lots of different types of needle felting wire.

PIPE CLEANERS CAN BE YOUR QUICK FIX FRIEND

A BBQ skewer wont work for everything though and a pipe cleaner, or two, makes it possible to add some really clever touches to your project. Especially tails and horns, flower stems, or to stop your legs doing the Fandango every time you try to get them to stand, or when your project is top heavy; why do I feel like I am talking about myself?

Shows how floristry wire can be used to make realistic needle felted flowers

ADD STABILITY AND POSEABILITY

Using wire for your needle felting projects will allow you to pose your animal and add more stability. It can be used for just a tail, the legs, neck, or the whole project.

Cute needle felted Herdwick sheep with wire in its neck so it can be posed at different angles.

TINY FINGERS, TOES, PAWS, AND CLAWS

This requires a much finer wire and the paper covered steel wire in your pack is just the job. No need for wax, and the wool sticks well to the paper, allowing you to get those delicate details. It also works well for super thin bird’s legs and claws.

SHAPING YOUR WIRES

Realistic needle felted fox. Fully poseable and needle felted around a wire armature.
Make amazing needle felted animals with easy to follow needle felting tutorials.

WIRE SIZES EXPLAINED

Wire gauge refers to the physical size of the wire; the smaller the wire gauge number, the larger/thicker the wire diameter. 

METAL TYPES

Whilst thicker is usually stronger, the type of metal affects its flexibility. Working on a like for like gauge size, Aluminium is the softest and most flexible, copper a little stronger, and steel (the paper covered wire) is stronger still.

GOOD OLD GARDEN WIRE

The plastic covered garden wire is a great substitute if that’s what you have lying around and can’t wait to try needle felting with wire. The plastic is also quite ‘sticky’ so holds the wool well.

12 GAUGE ALUMINIUM ARMATURE WIRE: 2.00mm

Ideal for medium to large lightweight sculptures. Strong but still easily shaped by hand, and with pliers.

Pipe cleaners can be wrapped around the armature so the wool sticks and does not slip and slide.

18 GAUGE ALUMINIUM WIRE: 1mm x 10 metres

Ideal for medium lightweight sculptures. Strong but still easily shaped by hand, and with pliers. Pipe cleaners can be wrapped around the armature so the wool sticks and does not slip and slide.

A picture containing different types of needle felting wire and pipe cleaners used for needle felting.

20 GAUGE ALUMINIUM ARMATURE WIRE: 0.8mm x 10 metres

Great for smaller projects. A finer wire that can be easily shaped by hand. Pipe cleaners can be wrapped around the armature so the wool sticks and does not slip and slide.

STEEL 0.5mm PAPER COVERED WIRE (approx. 26 gauge)

Ideal for tiny fingers, toes, and claws. Wool sticks well to the paper so you can keep your limbs, hands, and toes as small as possible.

STEEL 1mm PAPER COVERED WIRE (approx. 18 gauge)

A very strong paper covered wire that is ideal for projects that are heavier, or taller, or top heavy.

PIPE CLEANERS

Where would we be without the old faithful pipe cleaners which are perfect for small, lightweight armatures, and especially useful for wrapping around wire armatures so that the wool sticks. Also adds extra strength and stability to neck, back, and limbs, whilst allowing you to felt smaller feet, toes, hands, and claws.

A picture showing a person in a bright pink dress holding a realistic needle felted Hebridean sheep. It is being held in her right hand.

It’s perfect for quick horns and tails, or if you just want part of your project to be poseable or have more stability. Cotton covered pipe cleaners are all pretty much the same with regards to flexibility, unless you opt for a slightly stiffer pipe cleaner.

TOP TIP: DON’T GET HUNG UP ON THE NUMBERS

It really doesn’t matter the size of the wire, as long as it works for your project. It is also very much trial, error, personal preference, and practice.

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIALS HERE

Image shows a wire fox frame and text says, visit The Felt Hub on YouTube for video tutorials.

You will find lots in The Felt Hub on YouTube. Just look for the NEEDLE FELTING WITH WIRE playlist.

DON’T BE TOO AMBITIOUS

Start with a small simple project, such as horns or tails, and legs. Get used to wrapping the wool and working around the wire before trying tiny fingers and toes. Even the most competent of needle felters usually has a little sigh before starting on those, and it takes practice to get them right, lots of practice, so be patient. Each time you try those tiny paws and claws you will get better.

A picture showing a grey needle felted mouse wearing a red French beret. It is stood next to a painting easel with paintbrushes in the background.

ALWAYS LEARN THE BASICS OF NEEDLE FELTING FIRST

This is so important, and I can’t tell you the number of people I have seen give up because they have started on a complicated armature project before even using a felting needle for the first time. You have to walk before you run but the basics are quick and easy to learn.

SIMPLICITY CAN BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOUR PROJECTS

The mouse and cat pictured have thin wire in their legs and tail. It is super simple but adds an extra special touch. If in doubt, add a scarf as you can’t go wrong with one of those.

A picture showing a white needle felted mouse carrying a bunch of brightly coloured felted flowers. Second image shows a needle felted cartoon style Siamese cat.

USEFULL LINKS

SHOP: Needle felting wire, tools, and accessories

READ: Ultimate Guide To Needle Felting Wool And Sheep Breeds

JOIN THE VIP FELT CLUB AND GET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD HERE

Easy template to create an armature for your fox or dog. Making an armature is easy, with the right technique, and you can use almost any flexible wire, or pipe cleaners you already have. This simple template will make sure you get the proportions of your needle felted fox, or dog, right every time.

Exclusive free downloads
Get your proportions right every time

HAPPY FELTING!

Image shows a needle felted gnome in bright orange and turqoise. The body is a needle felted pumpkin

Easy DIY Autumn Crafts To Make Your Home Feel Handmade

Leave a comment

FILL YOUR HOME WITH HANDMADE NEEDLE FELTED DECORATIONS

As soon as Autumn arrives I am already full-blown, pumpkin spice latte sweater dresses and jumper mode. It is my absolute favourite time of year as we start to hibernate and get really creative, filling our homes with cosy homemade fall and autumn décor! Without doubt, nothing says it better than pumpkins filling the rooms of your home, especially the ones you have made yourself, and there is no better time than now to grab a cuppa, and start creating with me.

MAKE A NEEDLE FELTED GNUMPKIN WITH ME

Make time: 90 minutes (20 minutes for the pumpkin)

It is full on pumpkin season, or should I say Gnumpkin season. Basically, it is a pumpkin, gnome hybrid but, and I am sure you will agree, they are a match made in heaven. It is my absolute favourite needle felting project at the moment, and I love it more because it can stay up as part of your DIY Christmas décor. This one has a full on Autumnal flavour but I am already making one in cool winter colours.

NO CRAFT OR DRAWING SKILLS NEEDED

This super easy needle felting tutorial will have you creating your own needle felted Gnumpkin in no time at all! Making needle felting easy is what it is all about, and you don’t need any craft or drawing skills. This step by step needle felting tutorial will help build your creative confidence, whilst teaching you all the needle felting basics, and no sewing, I promise! My easy techniques tips and hacks will have you felting in no time!

DO YOU NEED THE WOOL OR FELTING KIT?

Image shows a needle felted gnome. Text reads: New to needle felting? Click to order the kit.

If you have just started needle felting, kits are an especially great way to get started so you can get a real feel for a new craft. In addition to this, you are only spending a small amount to get going. The website is full of inspiring kits and inspiration for every ability.

Find it HERE on the Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts website.

THE NEEDLE FELTED GNOME

The pumpkins alone are really fabulous but let’s take it up a notch and turn it into this super stylish, Gnumpkin. In addition, the full video tutorial is at the bottom of the page – my easy step, by step, felt along with me guide. I had so much fun designing and making these, and I know you are going to love it just as much!

A bright orange needle felted pumpkin sat in the palm of a hand to show a size comparison.

NEEDLE FELTED PUMPKIN

This forms the body of the gnome and is one of the easiest ever needle felting projects; you can make one of these in just 20 minutes, even complete beginners. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the video tutorial.

MAKE THE PUMPKIN BODY FIRST

Image shows what you need to start this needle felting project

LET’S GET STARTED – YOU WILL NEED:

Carded needle felting wool and wool tops – Felting needle – Felting mat – Wooden BBQ skewer or similar; this makes creating shapes so much easier.

Shows how to start needle felting your pumpkin

1 Lay a handful of core wool on your felting mat and create a rough bread roll shape with your hands. With your free hand start to felt with your needle.

2 Continue the process until your wool retains its size and shape.  TIP: It needs to be secure but very soft.

TIME TO ADD THE CARDED WOOL BATTING

3 Sit your shape on top of your piece of wool batting and start to wrap the batting sheet around it, pulling towards the centre of, what will be, the bottom of your pumpkin.

4 Felt the batting into the centre of the wool until it holds. Continue the process until all the core wool is covered and pull away any excess. Tip: White patches are fine as they add contrast

5 Pumpkin ready for shaping, smooth side up.

6 Using your felting needle ‘draw’ a clearly defined line around the entire pumpkin, starting from middle centre and finishing where your line started.

7 Repeat until your pumpkin is divided into eight sections.

8 Take a long, thin piece of contrasting wool top and felt securely into the lines you have just created. Again, work from centre top and finish where you started, leaving any loose strands. TIP: Any loose strands can be trimmed for neatness, but also look good as decoration. Your pumpkin is ready. Time to make a Gnumpkin.

MAKING THE PERFECT GNOME HAT

I tried a few techniques before deciding which one would give me the best result in the most simple way. I found using the trustee wooden skewer allowed me to create the perfect cone shape that didn’t flop around. The needle felted acorn is the perfect finishing touch and only takes minutes to make.

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIALS BELOW

Image shows your finished needle felted gnome Gnumpkin, sat on a pile of bright orange pumpkins.

GNUMPKIN VIDEO TUTORIAL

PUMPKIN VIDEO TUTORIAL

ACORN VIDEO TUTORIAL

Last but not least, learn how to add a super seasonal acorn to your Gnumpkin hat; the cherry on the cake so to speak.

Save to your Pinterest board for a daily dose of Pinspiration.

WANT MORE GNOME TUTORIALS?

Want more gnome tutorials, and seasonal inspiration? Just click below to discover all of the amazing Christmas DIY projects you can create with just a felting needle and a handful of wool.

MORE GNOMES
Image shows a needle felted gnome and hare as part of an invitation to join The Felt Club

Join the VIP Felt Club and never miss out on the creativity!

BECOME A VIP
Image shows a cartoon female with a strong arm and an needle felting project being completed. Text reads: learn to needle felt with confidence

DO YOU LOVE A CREATIVE COMMUNITY? JOIN THE FELT HUB ON FACEBOOK

Join me on Facebook. It’s completely free and you will have access to live workshops, free patterns, downloads, and so many more resources, all in one place. A group created inspire, nurture, and develop your needle felting confidence (whatever level you are at), in a more private space.

JOIN THE GROUP
Image shows different styles of needle felted Christmas decorations and snowmen in lovely Christmas colours.

How To Make A Needle Felted Snowman In Just One Hour!

8 Comments

It’s that time of year again, and Christmas at Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts wouldn’t be complete without a needle felted snowman. This is my simple, but stylish take on frosty, complete with hat, scarf and carrot nose. Subscribe at the bottom of the page to receive notification of new tutorials.

Happy Christmas felting!

Easy Budget Friendly DIY Snowman

Time to complete: Approx 1 hour and the easiest DIY snowman you can make!

You will need: Core wool or toy stuffing but wool is much easier to felt with. WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY CORE WOOL? No problem as this can also be done with white wool top/roving by following my basic ball shape tutorial (4th picture down) and increasing the size accordingly. TAKE ME TO TUTORIAL

Felting needles – Sizes 36 or 38 are good all rounders.

White batting sheet – if using core wool – for wrapping around the body shapes.

Orange wool for carrot nose.

Black wool for eyes and mouth.

Your choice of wool colours for hat and scarf.

Felting Mat to work on

Image shows three needle felted snowmen displayed as on top of a table as part of a Christmas decoration display.

TERMINOLOGY – You will come across the following terms throughout the tutorial.

Felting/to felt: Means to stab/poke your wool with a barbed felting needles to produce a fibre that will not pull apart.

Carded batts: Come in springy, flat sheets instead of long lengths like wool tops/roving.

Core Wool: Used for the centre of your piece as stuffing that can be shaped; it saves using your best wool.

NEEDLE FELTING NEWBIE? You are going to love this tutorial.

Why not have a quick read of my beginners guide to needle felting do’s and don’ts before you start. CLICK HERE

NEEDLE FELTING KIT – Is available on the website in the CHRISTMAS SHOP

SHOP KIT

VIDEO TUTORIAL

Scroll to the bottom of the page and watch the video tutorial

TOP TIP: Always read the top tips!

Lets get started and remember, the needle are very sharp so keep your fingers out of the way. Always keep your needle straight; bend it and it will break.

How To Make The Snowman Body

Image shows how to make a needle felted snowman.

1- Start with three pieces of core wool and make sure they are different weights/sizes. I started with 5g (handful), 3g and 2g.

2 – Roll each one into a chunky doughnut shape with your fingers. Hold with one hand and poke (felt) with your needle to secure. Don’t over felt or worry about lumps and bumps as the whole thing will be covered. TOP TIP: It only needs to hold it’s shape and should only take a couple of minutes to felt and shape each one.

3 – Make sure they are all different sizes, from large to small.

4 – Start with your large piece and lay it on top of a piece of wool batting.

5 – Pull the wool batting around your shape and felt only to the centre. This will keep the rest of the shape nice and smooth with no needle marks.

6 – Gently pull away any excess wool TOP TIP: Any bald patches can be covered up with a little more wool batting.

7 – Repeat for the next two pieces

8 – Your snowman should increase in size from the top down.

Attaching Your Pieces Together

9 – Place the bottom two pieces on top of each other (smooth side down) and attach together by pushing your felting needle through the centre of the top piece and into the bottom piece; this will tangle the fibres of the two sections together. Keep moving your felting needle around the centre and continue until both pieces are securely attached to each other. TOP TIP: Pick it up and give it a gently shake and, if they stay together, this is firm enough.

10 – Repeat step 9 and attach the head.

How to attach the parts of your needle felted snowman together.

How To Make The Mouth

This is a little fiddly but worth spending time on. If it doesn’t look right the first time, remove and start again. TOP TIP: Only push the needle, gently into the very top layer. This will avoid distorting the shape of the head.

10 – Take a very, very thin piece of black wool (longer than you will need) and use your felting needle to gently tack into place, where you want his mouth to start TOP TIP: Leave a little bit of overhang which you can trim when you have finished. Create a curve and tack gently as you go. Once you are happy with the shape, trim any excess.

CARROT NOSE

11 – Take a tiny piece of orange wool and roll into a seed shape; press and roll firmly in the palm of your hand with your forefinger.

12 – Poke one end gently into the face until secure; the nose will straighten as you do this.

13 – Give the end of the nose a little twist with your thumb and fore finger to shape and trim any stray fibres.

Adding eyes to your needle felted snowman.

Adding The Eyes

14 – Roll a teeny, tiny amount of black wool into a loose ball and felt onto the face, using your needle to bring in the edges and create a circle.

TIME TO MAKE THE SCARF

15 – Lay a long narrow length of your preferred colour along your mat or foam pad. TOP TIP: Check the length around the neck of your snowman before starting to felt.

16 – Fold over the ends for neatness and felt until just secure.

17 – Continue to felt the whole scarf on both sides. Keep turning and felting until nice and firm. TOP TIP: Felt with two needles at the same time to speed up the process

18 – Punch tools have 7 needles and save so much time if you are making lots of scarfs or flat felted items. However, it is not suited to foam pads as it has a tendency to bounce.

MAKE THE EASY HAT

There are lots of techniques to making a hat but, at a recent workshop, we tried three and voted unanimously for this one.

19 – Lay a thin (the thickness will double as you felt) piece of wool on your mat and ‘draw’ a rough circle with your felting needle: Approx. double the size of the snowman’s head.

20 – Use your fingers and needle to bring the rough edges to the outline of your circle.

21 – Continue until your circle is formed TOP TIP: Pull off any excess to avoid it becoming too thick. Keep felting, turning and neatening the edges until you have a firm circular shape.

22 – Felt on a little bobble of your colour choice. TOP TIP: Only felt around the edges of the bobble so as not to flatten it.

TIME TO SECURE IT TO THE HEAD

23 – Place the circle on top of the snowman’s head and felt around the edges to secure; you can neaten and shape later.

24 – Create a brim with a thin strand of wool. It needs to be longer than the diameter of the hat so you can overlap it at the back of the hat.

25 – Roll the length of wool firmly between the palm of your hands to quickly matt the fibres together; no need to use your needle.

26 – Place at the front of your hat and felt to secure

27 – Continue to felt until both end meet at the back. If it is too long then overlap and felt until secure.

28 – If your hat needs shaping or tidying then push downwards towards the base of the hat; this will create a nice shape TOP TIP: To keep a nice shape keep the hat loose and don’t flatten onto the head.

29 – Create some tassels (optional); lay a few thin strands of wool on your mat.

30 – Lay the end of your scarf on the tassels TOP TIP: Lay your scarf front facing up so the contrasting colour remains underneath.

31 – Wrap your scarf around your snowman’s neck and secure with your felting needle, where the scarf crosses over.

FINISHING TOUCHES

You can leave your snowman as he is or embellish to your hearts content. I have added some little stick arms and some smart black buttons.

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL BELOW

The variations are endless and I have created a Christmas scene with this one. Hat and scarf are made from an ethical Merino and silk blend, but you can use any wool you have in your felt box.

Do You Want To Try More Christmas Crafts?

There’s a needle felting project to suit any seasonal taste and ability. This great POST is full of seasonal projects to add stylish, cute, or quirky handmade decorations to your seasonal home, or to give as one of a kind gifts that will be treasured forever.

Image shows ways to display your needle felted snowman. There is also a needle felted Cgristmas tree, and penguin throwing snowballs.

Est. 2013
© 2013 Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts

Make Easy Needle Felted Pumpkins – In Just 20 Minutes

2 Comments

EASY NEEDLE FELTED PUMPKINS

This is one of the easiest needle felting projects you can make. These gorgeous needle felted pumpkins are utterly addictive and make for some really show stopping Autumn/Fall décor! Imagine having these plump beauties dotted around the house, made into garlands, or given as gifts to only your best friends.

HAVE A PUMPKIN CRAFT PARTY

They are so much fun and so easy, why not have a craft party and needle felt the afternoon away. Imagine how many of these you could make in just a couple of hours, and more fun than you can shake a witches broomstick at.

VIDEO TUTORIAL

You will find my step by step video tutorials at the bottom of this page
Make time: 20 minutes

You will need:

  • Core wool – small handful
  • Carded orange, and yellow wool batting – 5g
  • Wool tops – 5g
  • Felting needle – 38 star is a good all rounder
  • Felting mat

LET’S GET STARTED!

Image shows the start of needle felting a pumpkin. Make Easy Needle Felted Pumpkins - In Just 20 Easy Minutes

1 Roll a small handful of core wool into a very rough ball and felt to hold in place. This will only take a minute as you need to keep it soft; this is what helps create the pumpkin shape.

2 Wrap a thin piece of carded batting around the core wool and felt at the base.

TOP TIP: Don’t cover up any patches as this will enhance the finished look once you add a second layer

3 Continue to felt the wool batting towards the centre and pull away any excess. Sit it ‘bottom’ down on your mat and check the shape.

4 Working from the top to the bottom, repeat the previous step with a different colour, making sure it is pulled thin enough for the base layer to show through.

CREATING SEGMENTS

5 Lay a very thin piece of wool top across the centre of your pumpkin and felt to secure. Wrap it quite tightly around your pumpkin and felt the two ends together at the base.

TOP TIP: The base won’t be visible so you can felt really firmly. Pulling it tightly around the pumpkin creates the ‘segments’.

Image shows how to create segments for your needle felted pumpkin.

6 Continue as in the previous step until you have eight distinct segments. Because the core was left really soft you now have a very obvious pumpkin shape.

7 Work gently around your pumpkin with your felting needle and tidy up any loose, untidy, or lumpy sections. It needs to look good from all sides, but don’t worry too much about the base as it won’t be seen.

8 Create a stem for your pumpkin

1 Blend a little wool together
2 Roll firmly and felt into a rough stem shape, keeping the end loose
3 Roll firmly in your hands to firm and shape
4 Continue to felt, flatten the top, and narrow the base

9 Felt the loose wool (at the narrow base) into the centre of your pumpkin. feel free to add any embellishments. I have added a lovely crochet leaf which really finishes it off. You could also add curly locks and different fibres, or acorns.

WATCH THE ACORN TUTORIAL

I hope you really loved this tutorial. For more pumpkin tutorials click HERE If you want to felt alongside me, workshop style, just click on the video links below.

Three needle felted pumpkins and acorns on a grey slate table top
Pumpkin is sat in someone's hand. An DIY autumn wreath and pumpkins can be seen in the background.

VIDEO TUTORIALS – PUMPKIN AND ACORNS

How To Make DIY Needle Felted Pumpkins – Easy Autumn Crafts

Leave a comment

Yes, it’s back – the pumpkin edit is here! Autumn and Fall is the time when we really start to get stuck into or craft activities again, and there’s no better place to start than my super easy tutorials, ‘How To Make DIY Needle Felted Pumpkins – Easy Autumn Crafts’.

Image shows a basket of handmade needle felted pumpkins
From wool to needle felted pumpkin in just 30 minutes

Needle felted pumpkins are completely addictive and one of the easiest needle felting projects there is. Each year you will find something new has been added to my pile of pumpkin craft projects and there is a pumpkin style to suit every taste and style.

This is my round up of all the most popular pumpkin tutorials and needle felting kits I have created over the last few years.

NEW! NEEDLE FELTED PUMPKIN TUTORIAL AND KIT – HOW TO MAKE DIY NEEDLE FELTED PUMPKINS – EASY AUTUMN CRAFTS

MAKE TIME: 20 minutes per pumpkin

Image shows photos of handmade DIY pumpkins
Autumn DIY décor that looks better than shop bought, and at a fraction of the price!

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Core wool – small handful
  • Carded orange wool – 5g
  • Wool tops – 5g
  • Felting needle – 38 star is a good all rounder
  • Felting mat

Watch the tutorial below, or order the needle felting kit form the WEBSITE or ETSY

This is a super easy needle felting kit with a full, step by step, hold your hand video tutorial so you can felt along with me workshop style. These gorgeous needle felted pumpkins are utterly addictive and make for some really show stopping Autumn/Fall décor! If you order the kit you have the option to add the gorgeous crochet leaves that I bagged from another fabulous handmade maker.

Wool looks great blended for different colours and effects.
Video tutorial is suitable for complete beginners to needle felting.
Ideal as décor, gifts, garlands or for seasonal markets.

VIDEO TUTORIAL

WINTER WONDERLAND PUMPKINS

MAKE TIME: 30 minutes per pumpkin

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Core wool – large handful
  • Carded wool – White, aqua and grey
  • Wool tops – 5g
  • Silk fibres
  • Felting needle – 38 star is a good all rounder
  • Felting mat

Watch the tutorial below, or order a Winter Wonderland needle felting kit form the WEBSITE or ETSY

Pumpkins are most definitely not just for Christmas and, with my Winter Wonderland pumpkins you can keep them up right through to the new year.

They are cool, wintry, glamourous, and look like they came straight out of a Disney movie. They are also one of my most popular Autumn craft kits, and why wouldn’t they be?

WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL

FIRE AND ICE NEEDLE FELTED PUMPKIN – MORE GLAMOUROUS THAN AN EPISODE OF DYNASTY

Make a seasonal statement this year and create a bold and glamorous, full size ‘Fire And Ice’ pumpkin.

MAKE TIME: 1 hour

Image shows a glamourous needle felted pumpkin with shiny red beads
Your autumn and fall handmade décor just got super stylish.

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Core wool – enough for full size pumpkin, approximately 30g
  • Carded red wool – 15g
  • Wool tops – 5g
  • Silk fibres and silk throwsters waste
  • Felting needle – 38 star is a good all rounder
  • Felting mat

Watch the tutorial below, or order the needle felting kit form the WEBSITE or ETSY

Totally unique, your autumn and fall handmade décor just got super stylish. Watch the needle felting tutorial below and can create your own ‘Fire And Ice’ full size pumpkin in just 30 easy minutes.

This one wouldn’t look out of place in a Homes And Gardens feature and, as always, I have carefully selected the wool and fibres and, for a touch of seasonal glamour, it is topped with fiery strung beads.

WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL

EASY DIY AUTUMN WREATH

In just two hours you will have your own beautiful DIY wreath. You can adapt and change the colours, or go for pastels which look gorgeous. Whatever colours you decide on, you will have a beautiful seasonal arrangement that is unique and looks like you have just bought it from a boutique craft shop. You could even create a beautiful autumn/fall garland with pumpkins and acorns, to finish the look.

MAKE TIME: 2 hours

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Core wool – 30g
  • Carded wool in seasonal colours – 5g of each
  • Wool tops – 5g of each
  • Vine wreath
  • Acorn caps
  • Felting needle – 38 star is a good all rounder
  • Felting mat
  • Wooden BBQ skewer
  • Hessian ribbon

Watch the tutorial below, or order the needle felting kit form the WEBSITE or ETSY

Create stylish autumn/fall décor with this beautiful DIY needle felting kit, which is incredibly easy to make and an ideal needle felting project for any ability. Full written instructions plus a video tutorial will make this project a breeze, even for the most nervous of beginners.

It’s perfect for you if you’re looking for an exciting new creative outlet to bring some color into your life! With easy instructions, step-by-step video tutorial, and plenty of supplies, anyone can create their own beautiful Autumn wreath in just a couple of hours. Why not add an acorn garland for that extra touch of handmade seasonal creativity and, with my easy needle felting techniques, each acorn only takes a few minutes to make.

WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL

TOTALLY TRADITIONAL DIY PUMPKINS

MAKE TIME: 30 minutes

Image shows traditional DIY needle felted pumpkins

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Core wool – 10g for medium pumpkin
  • Carded orange wool – 10g
  • Wool tops – 5g
  • Felting needle – 38 star is a good all rounder
  • Felting mat

If totally traditional pumpkins are your thing then these are ideal. It is one of my first pumpkin tutorials and is as popular as ever. As with all of my DIY pumpkins, it is a super easy, super fast, and fun project.

Watch the tutorial below, or order a Winter Wonderland needle felting kit form the WEBSITE or ETSY

Once you have made one you won’t be able to resist making another, then another… Soon you will be buried under a big pile of pumpkins and wondering if you have enough friends, and family to give them to. Watch the tutorial below, or order the needle felting kit form the WEBSITE or ETSY

WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL

image shows a pretty needle felted picture of an abstract cornish costal scene. It hasbrightly coloured houses along the harbour wall. A bobbing boat and seagulls. Text reads: easy needle felted picture with Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts

How To Needle Felt A Picture – Everything You Need To know!

Leave a comment

Learn how to needle felt a picture and create your own stunning 2D needle felted Cornish seascape, bursting with colour and character. Video tutorial links are at the bottom of this post and this beautiful project is suitable for beginners, and experienced needle felters, taking around eight hours to complete. I have carefully selected all the materials, wool, and fibres to give you the best possible outcome for your project, so if you are working from my Needle Felting Kit everything you need is already there. That also includes to linen, printed design and carbon paper to trace it onto your fabric, ready to start needle felting.

VIDEO TUTORIALS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST

image shows a pretty needle felted picture of an abstract cornish costal scene. It hasbrightly coloured houses along the harbour wall. A bobbing boat and seagulls.

If you haven’t tried needle felted pictures before, I know you are going to love this design. It was a joy to create and the bold colours, and design, really sing. Adding the cheeky three dimensional Seagulls really brings it to life, as do the rolling waves with the gorgeous silk strands. The result is a mix of Cornish impressionism meets Balamory, and my love of the sea.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED/CONTENTS

If you are working from the kit, everything you need is in your box. If you are working from the pattern, and your own supplies, you will need:

  • Approximately 40g of mixed wool colours. I have used approximately 18 different colours: a mix of carded wool, wool tops, silk blends, and silk throwsters waste.
  • Felting needle: size 38 star works best
  • A4 size linen, calico or similar. A close weave works best in a light colour.
  • Felting mat

ARE YOU NEW TO NEEDLE FELTING?

The complete kit is available on the Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts website and in my Etsy shop

OPTIONAL

  • Multi needle tools will speed up the process
  • Carbon paper for tracing the design but you can copy directly onto the fabric
  • Frame, driftwood, or similar to display. It can also be mounted onto card using double sided tape
image shows linen, carbon paper and a pre-printed picture that will be used to create the needle felted picture.

HOW TO NEEDLE FELT: THE BASICS

Caution: This activity is for adults and older children – 12 years and older – and then only with strict adult guidance and supervision due to the very sharp needles. Do not allow children to attempt this project alone!

HOW TO USE YOUR FELTING NEEDLE?

Felt is made using the barbed needles and repeatedly and by carefully stabbing into the wool fleece. This will tangle the fibres together until the wool becomes firm, and, following the instructions, create your own needle felted project.

Before you start you project it is important to know a few basics about needle felting but equally important is that this is YOUR creation. You may decide to make changes. BRILLIANT! Make it your own. If you make a mistake, then remove it by gently tugging with a standard dress pin and try again. Most importantly, be patient and enjoy this gorgeous project. Take your time and remember “the devil is in the detail” so tempting though it is, don’t rush when you are getting near the end of your project. Sit back and decide on your finishing touches. Make it simple, quirky, or as detailed as you like…

CLICK HERE FOR MY FELTING NEEDLE GUIDE

image shows a felting needle multi tool

SAFETY AND TECHNIQUE

You need to take extra precautions to watch your fingers because, as you hold and turn your project, there is a greater chance of poking through the wool right into your finger; use finger guards if this helps.

Use the foam pad wherever possible and remember to always poke your needle in a straight line, no matter the angle, so as not to break your needle.

The finished project will be unique to you so feel free to use your imagination. Be patient as these lovely creations deserve the time they take to make, and you will quickly get used to the needle felting process. Once you have finished this project there will be no stopping you!

Upon completion sit back, admire, and tell your friends and family “I did that!”

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THESE PROJECTS ARE COLLECTABLES, NOT TOYS! KEEP THEM AWAY FROM PETS AND SMALL CHILDREN!

TOP TIPS

1 You can always add more wool but not take it away once felted. Start with less wool than you need and build up your project slowly.

2 Patience is a virtue so take your time.

3 Feel free to add your own details and use your own artistic license for the finishing touches.

4 ENJOY! If this is your first needle felting project allow yourself to be a beginner and build your creative confidence. It’s not a sprint to the finish and you are going to learn some fabulous new skills. Hopefully, this will be just the start of your needle felting journey.

5 VIDEO TUTORIALS – You will find so many helpful tutorials on my YouTube channel, from nervous beginners to intermediate level. Have a look at the playlists and find what is most suitable for you on the: Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts YouTube channel

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Skill level: Beginners to confident needle felters

Make time: 6 to 8 hours

STYLE

Think Cornish coastline meets Balamory, which was actually set in Tobermory. Full of vibrant colours and details, I approached it like a paint by numbers, colour between the lines, sort of project. It is beautifully simple and, apart from the seagulls and some sea detail, this project is completely flat felted. It is not difficult and is soothingly repetitive. You can pick it up whenever you feel like it, have a break and do some more.

Image shows needle felted pictures of houses on a harbour wall, in lots of bright bold colours.

TECHNIQUE

As the technique for most of the project is the same, video tutorials and the pattern will guide you through the different sections, from tracing the picture, using the fabric, type of needles to use, laying down the fibres, outlining the details, and building up some of the areas to add dimension, detail, and contrast.

ADD YOUR OWN FLAIR

If you are a confident crafter, or this isn’t your first needle felting gig, feel free to blend your own colours, add fabric scraps, beads, and your own details.

IS IT YOUR FIRST TIME FELTING ON LINEN?

If so, it will feel quite strange for the first ten minutes, but you will quickly get used to the different work surface. This is also a popular choice for flat felted animal portraits.

WHY LINEN?

I love experimenting with different fabrics for flat needle felting and, there are several reasons why linen/Calico works really well for this project

  • It needs to be a close weave linen/Calico so that your needle doesn’t damage the fabric or create holes in the weave.
  • Perfect for tracing your image onto in detail, which you just can’t do with a wool felt base.
  • It is also a great base for this project as you want the fibres to lay as flat as possible, with no distortion, allowing for tiny details to be added without getting lost.
image shows how to start a needle felted picture

THE WOOL

If you are working from the kit you will find mostly carded wool and a few wool tops. In addition there are some beautiful silk fibres, and wool silk blends which add great contrast and interest to the finished piece.

USING YOUR OWN WOOL STASH

Almost any felting wool can be used with ease for this project. Just grab as many bright and bold colours you can from your wool stash.

WHAT FELTING NEEDLES DO I NEED?

The entire project can be completed with one needle. I found the 38 star needle to be my favourite for this project, and I also used the 7 needle punch tool but removed 2 of the needles as I found it penetrated the foam mat surface more easily.

You can also use a needle felting pen tool, or a wooden multi tool with 3 needles. All the needles and tools can be found in the tools section on the Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts website.

WHAT FELTING MAT SHOULD I USE?

I have used a large foam mat – 30cm x 30cm – with a wool felt topper to protect it. However, any felting mat will do, including a soft wool mat, or hessian mat.

image shows seagulls being needle felted

ALWAYS USE A PROTECTIVE TOPPER!

Whatever surface you are working on, I always advise using a topper to protect your mat. Anything from a wool/cotton blend to 100% wool is suitable. It will stop your work from sticking to your felting mat and significantly extend its working life, saving you money and reducing landfill waste. Your wool topper can be sustainably and easily replaced.

LIFT YOUR WORK REGULARLY FROM THE FELTING MAT

This is especially important when flat needle felting. If you don’t lift your work regularly you will find it much harder to peel from your mat. It is normal for your work to stick but this is reduced if you keep moving it, especially when using a multi needle tool.

YOU WON’T GET IT WRONG

Because there is no right and wrong when it comes to this project, and adding your own preferences and details. It is more important that you work on your technique to give you the best possible result. Take your time and make sure to take regular breaks. I would recommend you complete this project in three or more sittings.

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIALS

 I love questions so please feel free to message me at:

        info@lincolnshirefenncrafts.com

        or via the website contact form at:

        www.lincolnshirefenncrafts.com

How To Needle Felt With Wire (easy step by step guide!)

Leave a comment
Create realistic needle felted animals

Welcome to The Felt Hub, here to feed your passion for needle felting! This easy felting tutorial will show how to needle felt with wire, and create realistic needle felted horns, using only wool and a pipe cleaner. It’s easy, fun, and a great way of getting more detail and dimension into your needle felting projects.

A GREAT TUTORIAL FOR BEGINNERS, TO CONFIDENT NEEDLE FELTERS

Need help to start needle felting, or improve your existing needle felting skills? My easy techniques, tips, and hacks will have you felting in no time, showing you how to needle felt with wire and create these realistic animal horns. The design on these animal horns would often need to be done with clay, but I’ve found a way that’s much easier and no waiting for clay to dry. It is also lighter than clay, so avoids any stability issues, plus you can pose, and move them to any shape and angle you want. All you need is a little felting wool and a pipe cleaner and you can make your own realistic horns in no time at all.

Scroll down for the tutorials or read on if you are brand new to needle felting.

JUST LEARNING TO NEEDLE FELT?

Click to get started with easy tutorials

I have been teaching needle felting, with absolute passion, since 2014 and I’m here to help! From the novice who has never needle felt before, all the way up through an experienced crafter – I have tutorials for every skill level. You can start by checking out my HOW TO START NEEDLE FELTING guide or if you’re looking for some simple basic shapes to get you started check out THE BASIC SHAPES section on this blog
I get really excited about teaching people how easy and fun it is to create beautiful items with wool and a felting needle and, my hope is that you will feel empowered after learning these new skills to try lots more craft projects.

Just saying… Once you get started you may lose hours, even days. However, it is one of the best rabbit holes you can fall down!

Creating realistic horns for your needle felted sheep is really quick and easy, and doesn’t require the use of clay or wax. Plus, I always prefer to work with wool whenever I can and found that using wool, rather than clay, allowed me to be more creative with the details.

HEBRIDEAN SHEEP

I have put together a written tutorial, and a video tutorial, for this technique which I have used to make the impressive horns for my needle felted Hebridean Sheep. These sheep are stunning, and many have two sets of horns. They have luscious black coats which turn to shades of black and golden brown in the warmer months. However, you can adapt this needle felting technique for whatever needle felted animal you are making.

KITS AND PATTERNS

The Hebridean needle felting kit and pattern download are available on the website.

SHOP KITS

SAFETY AND TECHNIQUE

You need to take extra precautions to watch your fingers because, as you hold and turn your project, there is a greater chance of poking through the wool right into your finger; use finger guards if this helps. Always use your felting mat to work on.

FELTING NEEDLES WILL BREAK IF NOT USED CORRECTLY

Remember to always poke your needle in a straight line, no matter the angle, so as not to break your needle.

MAKE TIME – 15 MINUTES

You will need:

ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED?

WRITTEN TUTORIAL

Both horns will be made as one piece on one pipe cleaner; this technique means that you won’t need to make two separate horns that would need to poked, then be glued into the head. It’s also much simpler and quicker.

1 Mark a 2cm gap in the centre of your pipe cleaner and do not attach any wool to this area. It will make attaching the ears to the head much easier.

2 Wrap a little around the centre of the pipe cleaner and felt with your needle two or three times, until it holds.

3-4 Keeping your fingers close to the pipe cleaner (so the wool doesn’t pull away), start to wrap the wool tightly around the pipe cleaner. TOP TIP: Keep the wool flat between your thumb and finger so the wool doesn’t twist and become lumpy and uneven

5-6 Continue wrapping until you get close to the end of the pipe cleaner. IMPORTANT! Keep the overhang at the end of the pipe cleaner to a minimum as this will be the tip of the horn, and will be the narrowest part.

7 Wrap the wool back down to where you started, felting as you go, and thicken at the base.

8 Continue to shape, aiming for approximately 1cm diameter at the base to just a couple of mms at the tip. Make sure it is felted firmly and smooth by using your needle at a diagonal angle.

9-11 Firm the end by rolling in the palm of your hand with the tip of your finger. Repeat for the other horn.

12 Time to add some surface detail.

13 Take a very thin strip of your light carded wool and attach to the base of the horn. TOP TIP: Make sure it is thin enough for the darker brown to show through.

14-16 Turn and wrap along the horn leaving small gaps as you go. Felt very gently too secure.

18 Your horns are now complete and ready to attach to your project.

The gap you left in the middle of the pipe cleaner allows you to attach to the head without any lumps and bumps. The overall effect looks as if the horns are actually part of the head, instead of just plonked on top.

VIDEO TUTORIAL

If you are more of a visual learner you can felt alongside me in The Felt Hub on YouTube, which is packed with needle felting video tutorials for every skill level!

CONCLUSION

That’s it! You now know how to create a needle felted animal horns with wire. This is a great technique to use if you want to add some extra realism and detail to your animals, and no need for any clay, wax, or tricky techniques. Just beautiful natural wool, a felting needle, and enthusiasm! I can’t wait to see what you create! In the meantime, be sure to check out more of my TUTORIALS for other simple and exciting ways to add details to your needle felted animals. Have you tried adding wire before? Let me know in the comments below?

HOW TO NEEDLE FELT A CUTE GNOME – EASY TUTORIAL!

2 Comments

GNOMES ARE NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

Join me for this easy needle felted gnome craft project. Felt alongside me and create this beautiful gnome in a hoop, which is so much fun to make and beyond cute. It is such a simple needle felting project, made easy by my step by step needle felting tips and techniques. I will also show you how to make the easiest needle felted hearts, without a cookie cutter! You can adapt it to your own style, using whatever felting wool you have to hand, keeping it simple or embellish the heck out of it. Materials list and video tutorial is below and it only takes around 90 minutes from start to finish, and imagine this as a beautiful homemade Valentine’s gift… 💜

MAKE TIME: 90 minutes

MATERIALS LIST

CREATE YOUR OWN DESIGNS

This gorgeous project could just as easily be made on a piece of felt (just as in the tutorial) and popped in a lovely frame. It would look so lovely as a cushion design, or sew the finished project onto a jacket or bag. The options are endless so don’t be afraid to experiment, and swap the colours to suit.

NEEDLE FELTED GNOME VIDEO TUTORIAL

SEE MORE BEGINNERS TUTORIALS
JOIN THE FELT HUB GROUP ON FACEBOOK

5 TOP NEEDLE FELTING KITS AND HOW TO START NEEDLE FELTING?

1 Comment

NEEDLE FELTING IS SO EXCITING!

So don’t be nervous. Starting a new craft can be exciting but also a little confusing. Needle felting is no different and the array of wool, tools and accessories can send you into a confusing tailspin.

The truth is, you don’t need a lot to get started with needle felting, and it is also a budget friendly hobby. That is until you become addicted, which you will, and then no amount of felting wool will ever be enough!

That’s why I always recommend a needle felting starter kit to get you going, so you can test the needle felting waters. They are inexpensive and have absolutely everything you need to complete each project from start to finish. It avoids you feeling overwhelmed and helps to build your creative confidence. All you have to do is open the box and add enthusiasm.

MY TOP 5 FELTING KIT RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are my top 5 recommendations for beginners kits. They all come beautifully boxed and are perfect for storing your supplies! No sewing, no tricky patterns and they take just a few hours of your time! They also use our gorgeous British wool, carefully selected for its excellent needle felting properties.

GREY HARE NEEDLE FELTING KIT

Make time: 3-4 hours

If you love ETSY you can find me HERE

Complete stunner and he knows it! This, along with the Herdwick Sheep, is the most popular beginners kit. It is such fun to make and you can follow the instructions to the letter, or add your own touches. As well as detailed instructions you can felt along on YOUTUBE by following the beginners playlist.

HERDWICK SHEEP NEEDLE FELTING KIT

Make time: 2-3 hours

My favourite sheep from the Lake District is an ever popular needle felting kit. Great for building your needle felting confidence, this super kit will soon have you warmed up and ready for your next project. As well as detailed instructions you can felt along on YOUTUBE by following the beginners playlist.

RUSTIC ROBIN – SHOP NEEDLE FELTING KIT

Make time: 2-3hours

A gorgeous little project that has enough wool to make two of our favourite UK garden birds. A perfect project to create with your bestie or, one for you and one to give away. There is also a great video tutorial HERE showing you how easy it is to create a perfect wing shape without the need for a cookie cutter.

JACK RUSSELL – SHOP NEEDLE FELTING KIT

Make Time: 3-4 hours

What’s not to love with this design? Even better, you can change the markings to represent your own four legged friend. As well as detailed instructions you can felt along on YOUTUBE by following the beginners playlist.

SHROOM’ WITH A VIEW – SHOP NEEDLE FELTING KIT

Make time: 3-4 hours

If you are looking for a home for the wee little fairies and forest dwellers, then this is right up your street. Lot’s of different techniques and a great needle felting kit for beginners. Any self respecting gnome or fairy would be thrilled to have the keys to this house! As well as detailed instructions you can felt along to the video tutorial HERE

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT NEEDLE FELTING?

Join the THE FELT HUB with Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts

HOW TO NEEDLE FELT-FREE WORKSHOPS

1 Comment

Join me this Friday night in the new FACEBOOK GROUP, 21st January, 7.30pm GMT, for a live felt along: HOW TO NEEDLE FELT-FREE WORKSHOP. We are going to cover some techniques for quick wins when making and attaching your animal legs. No need for glue, wax or a full wire armature (I rarely use one). Smooth wool, symmetry, and nicely covered joins are key and I will be showing you my favourite ways to achieve it on your animals, or any other project.

YOU WILL NEED

Any coarse wool top or carded wool lengths

BBQ Skewer

Pipe cleaner

Felting needle

Scissors – Not your best ones

Plus the obligatory cuppa or glass of something nice… Starts 7.30 GMT until 8.30 ish. Hope to see you there. As always, it will be available as a replay after the event.

CLICK THE BUTTON LINK TO JOIN THE FREE FACEBOOK GROUP

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP

What Needle Felting Wool Should I Use? Easy Guide!

3 Comments

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NEEDLE FELTING WOOL!

Well almost ‘ultimate’, I’m not the oracle, but I have been needle felting since 2013 so I know quite a lot about needle felting wool, and it’s a pretty decent guide, even if I do say so myself.

It’s quite special and I spent many hours putting it together so, to access it you need to be part of the Facebook live workshop and events group, or a member of the VIP Felt Club news letter. It is just another way of being part of the LFC (Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts) creative community where I am on a mission to get as many people as possible involved in this amazing craft. Both groups are completely free to join and, to access the guide just enter your password, or find it in the Facebook group topics section.

Please note that this is for personal use only. Do not share anywhere online, in groups or on social media.

DOWNLOAD YOUR WOOL GUIDE HERE

Or click below to access via:

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP
JOIN THE VIP NEWSLETTER

DOWNLOAD MY ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NEEDLE FELTING WOOL AND HOW TO USE IT?

COPYRIGHT LINCOLNSHIRE FENN CRAFTS 2022