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How To Photograph Your Needle Felting Projects Like A Pro!

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Image shows a cute needle felted mouse holding a bunch of pretty felted flowers. The post is explaining How To Photograph Your Needle Felting Projects Like A Pro!

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Mastering Product Photography: Essential Tips for Showcasing Your Needle Felting Creations

Have you ever wondered how to photograph your needle felting projects like a pro? In today’s age of camera phones, capturing moments has never been easier. However, when it comes to presenting your needle felting projects in the best light, relying solely on smartphone cameras might not do justice to your creations. As someone who considers themselves an amateur in photography, I use both but I have discovered the value of using a dedicated camera, like my trusty Canon 400D (now upgraded to a 750D) for product photography. Unlike the quick point-and-shoot convenience of phone cameras, utilizing a DSLR allows me to pay attention to finer details through the viewfinder—a feature that younger generations might need to research on Wikipedia!

Drawing from my extensive decade-long experience photographing my beloved needle felted companions, I’m excited to unveil my top-notch tips, easy wins, and favourite equipment that have proven invaluable along the way.

Practice Makes Perfect

So, before we chat about my top tips for fantastic photography always remember: the key ingredient to great photos is practice, practice, practice! It doesn’t matter if you’re sporting the latest gear or something more basic, nothing beats putting in the time to really get the hang of things. Photography is all about finding your rhythm and developing your own style. Once you’ve got that down, snapping pics of your adorable needle felted creations becomes a breeze. Trust me, it’ll save you tons of time both behind the camera and at the editing desk. So, keep on clicking, keep experimenting, and watch your skills grow!

Affiliate Links

While I only recommend products I’ve personally used and believe in, I must disclose that some links may be affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission. However, not all links are affiliate; some direct to small businesses I’ve personally endorsed. Your trust is vital to me, and I prioritise honesty in all recommendations.

Why Are Needle Felted Pieces So Difficult To Photograph?

Needle felted pieces present unique challenges when it comes to achieving a crisp finish in photography due to several factors:

Image shows the contrast of brightly coloured needle felted cactus set against a bright white background.
  1. Texture: The textured nature of needle felting, created by repeatedly poking wool fibres with a felting needle, can make it challenging to capture fine details without losing clarity. The uneven surface of needle felted objects can cause shadows and highlights to appear differently in photographs, leading to a loss of definition.
  2. Depth of Field: Needle felting often involves creating three-dimensional sculptures or intricate designs, which can vary in depth and complexity. Achieving a balanced depth of field in photography, where both the foreground and background are in focus, can be difficult, particularly when capturing close-up shots of intricate details.
  3. Scale: Needle felted creations can range in size from small figurines to larger sculptures, each requiring different photography techniques to capture effectively. Miniature needle felted objects may require macro photography to capture fine details, while larger pieces may necessitate wider angles or specialized lighting setups to avoid distortion and maintain clarity.
  4. Material Properties: Wool fibres, the primary material used in needle felting, have unique reflective properties that can affect how light interacts with the surface of the object. Controlling reflections and glare on the surface of needle felted creations can be challenging, particularly when photographing under bright or uneven lighting conditions.
Image shows a needle felted gnome in bright orange and turqoise. The body is a needle felted pumpkin
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three images of needle felted animals set against different backgounds. There is a brown hare, grey hare, and bumble bee garland.

5 Colour Accuracy: Achieving accurate colour reproduction in photographs of needle felted creations can be challenging due to the natural variability of wool fibers and the way they absorb and reflect light. Maintaining colour fidelity and ensuring consistent white balance in photographs is essential for accurately representing the original colours of the needle felted artwork, especially if you intend to sell your work.

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Comparison: Smartphone Versus DSLR Camera

Overall, photographing needle felted creations with a crisp finish requires careful attention to lighting, composition, and camera settings to overcome the unique challenges posed by the texture, depth, scale, material properties, and colour accuracy of the work. Additionally, post-processing techniques such as sharpening and colour correction may be necessary to enhance the final image and showcase the intricate beauty of the needle felted creations. When it comes to photographing needle felting projects, both smartphone cameras, and DSLR cameras – no longer just the domain of professional photographers – offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each:

Smartphone Camera

Someone taking photographs of a needle felted hare with a smartphone

Pros:

  1. Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of smartphone cameras is their convenience. Most people carry their smartphones with them everywhere, making it easy to capture spontaneous moments and projects without the need for additional equipment.
  2. User-Friendly Interface: Smartphone cameras typically have user-friendly interfaces with intuitive controls, making them accessible even to beginners without prior photography experience.
  3. Instant Sharing: With built-in editing tools and instant access to social media platforms, smartphone cameras allow for quick editing and sharing of needle felting photos with a wide audience. Especially important if you like to point, shoot, and upload straight to social media on a regular basis
  4. Portability: Smartphone cameras are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for capturing needle felting projects on the go or in various locations.
  5. Quality: Phone cameras are constantly evolving and improving. Who knows how advanced they will become over the next few years.
  6. Video: Most smart phones allow you to record video.

Cons:

  1. Limited Control: While smartphone cameras offer basic settings and editing options, they lack the advanced manual controls and customisation options found in DSLR cameras. This limitation can restrict the ability to adjust settings for optimal lighting, focus, and composition.
  2. Image Quality: Despite advancements in smartphone camera technology, they still generally produce lower-quality images compared to DSLR cameras, especially in terms of detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
  3. Limited Lens Options: Smartphone cameras have fixed lenses with limited zoom capabilities, which can be restrictive when trying to capture close-up shots or experiment with different focal lengths for creative effects.

DSLR Camera

image of a DSLR camera and a photograph of three needle felted sheep in bright colours.

Pros:

  1. Image Quality: DSLR cameras typically produce higher-quality images with greater detail, clarity, and colour accuracy compared to smartphone cameras. This superior image quality is especially beneficial for showcasing the intricate details and textures of needle felting projects.
  2. Manual Controls: DSLR cameras offer a wide range of manual controls, including aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focus settings, allowing for greater creative control over the final image. This versatility is invaluable for adjusting settings to suit different lighting conditions and artistic preferences.
  3. Interchangeable Lenses: DSLR cameras support interchangeable lenses, enabling you to choose the most suitable lens for capturing needle felting projects, whether it’s a macro lens for extreme close-ups or a wide-angle lens for capturing the entire scene.
  4. Post-Processing Flexibility: For the more experienced photographer, RAW* image capture and advanced editing software provide DSLR photographers with extensive post-processing flexibility, allowing for precise adjustments to exposure, colour, and sharpness to enhance the final image quality.
  5. Great Video Quality: Most DSLR cameras can produce excellent quality video.

*I haven’t used RAW image capture for any of the photos in this post, and it’s not essential for producing high-quality images.

Cons:

  1. Cost and Complexity: DSLR cameras and their accompanying lenses can be expensive investments, especially for beginners or hobbyists just starting out in photography. Additionally, mastering the manual controls and advanced features of DSLR cameras requires time, practice, and technical knowledge. However, DSLR cameras are much more affordable than 10 years ago, and there are ranges to suit lots of budgets.
  2. Portability: Compared to smartphones, DSLR cameras are bulkier and less portable, requiring dedicated camera bags or carrying cases for transportation. This can be inconvenient for photographers who prefer to travel light or capture spontaneous moments on the fly. However, DSLR cameras are becoming much more portable so there are more options for a more portable product.

In summary, while smartphone cameras offer convenience and accessibility, and DSLR cameras provide superior image quality, creative control, and versatility for capturing and showcasing the intricate beauty of needle felting projects. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences, budget, and the level of commitment to photography as a craft.

Enhancing Photography with Staging and Props:

In my photography journey, I’ve discovered that some of my most remarkable shots emerge through thoughtful staging and the strategic use of props, and is really useful for giving a truer idea of scale; much better than using a coin or a ruler. This approach has the remarkable ability to elevate your photographs from ordinary to extraordinary, adding that undeniable ‘wow’ factor.

Adding subtle elements like a single flower stem with vibrant color contrast can be just as impactful as a meticulously staged background. Remember, when photographing your creations, sometimes less is definitely more.

Moreover, using staging and props provides an avenue to showcase your artistry or products in a setting that feels authentic and organic, cultivating a deeper connection with your audience or customer. Personally, I’ve experienced swifter success employing this method compared to using a plain background; The trick is not to overdo it and make sure your creations take centre stage. Utilising features like portrait mode on your smartphone or DSLR enables you to achieve this captivating effect effortlessly. Don’t shy away from getting up close and personal to capture those tiny product details that can’t be seen from a distance; it’s often in those subtle details that the true beauty lies. So, embrace the power of staging and props, and watch as your photography flourishes with newfound depth and appeal.

Remove All Clutter

It’s surprising how often I’ve seen product photos where you can spot things like the edge of a mouse mat or laptop, or even worse, laundry hanging in the background, a stray coffee mug, or kids’ toys scattered around. These kinds of distractions don’t exactly scream professionalism and can make it seem like the shoot was rushed or not given enough attention. So, look around your space and spend five minutes tidying and clearing your area to avoid these photography blunders.

Natural Light

Utilising natural light is a simple yet effective way to capture needle felting projects with clarity and vibrancy. Position your setup near a large window (switch off any artificial lighting), or outdoors in a shaded area to benefit from soft, diffused light.

needle felted mouse photographed outside in natural light. Background is trees and a wooden bench and the mouse is wearing glasses and a scarf.

Capturing the mouse and sheep amidst the soft, diffused light of an overcast day outdoors not only eliminated the need for post-processing but also resulted in a stunningly sharp outcome, full of beautiful macro details. This achievement was effortlessly attained through the use of portrait mode.

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Natural light helps to showcase the true colors and textures of your creations while minimizing harsh shadows and highlights. Every home/room is different so experiment with different times of day and angles to find the optimal lighting conditions for your photography.

Utilizing Portrait mode, your camera generates a depth-of-field effect, enabling you to capture photos with precise focus on the subject while artfully blurring the background, adding depth and dimension to your images.

Needle felted pumpkins, gnomes, and winter hare against a rich autumnal themed background.
You will love these Autumn/Fall projects

Editing Your Photographs

Choosing simplicity is consistently the most effective strategy. Over the years, I’ve relied on Canva for nearly all my editing needs, finding it to be one of the most user-friendly editing suites out there. Whether you choose their free or premium options, Canva offers easy navigation and a wide range of editing tools to enhance your images.

I used three subtle changes on the images below which has really elevated the final shot:

  1. Increase the whiteness
  2. Increase brightness
  3. Increase vibrance
Before and after editing photos of a needle felted hare
Before and after editing photos of a needle felted fox.

Budget-Friendly Gear for Pro-Quality Photography

When aiming to enhance the quality of your needle felting photography, without breaking the bank, several accessible and budget-friendly options can significantly improve your results. Here are some of my favourite equipment choices and techniques. You can find links to the equipment I have used at the end of the post:

  1. Lightboxes: Lightboxes, also known as soft boxes, are affordable and portable accessories that help diffuse and evenly distribute light around your needle felting projects. They come in various sizes and shapes, making them suitable for different project sizes. Place your needle felting creation inside the lightbox and position light sources on either side to achieve balanced illumination. Lightboxes are particularly useful for capturing consistent and well-lit photographs, especially in indoor settings with limited natural light.
  2. Simple Vinyl Backdrop: A plain vinyl backdrop provides a clean and professional-looking background for your needle felting photography. Opt for a neutral or contrasting color such as white, black, or, as in the photo below, a bold popping purple which will complement your creations without distracting from them. Vinyl backdrops are lightweight, easy to clean, and affordable, making them a versatile option for creating a cohesive and polished aesthetic in your photographs. Simply hang the backdrop behind your setup or lay it flat on a surface to create a seamless background for your needle felting projects. Have to admit I am a bit of a backdrop addict and Club Backdrops are my go to for quality and customer service.
Needle felted calla Lilies against a bright purple background. This is showing how a contrasting background can enhance your photograph.
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3. Desk Lamps or Clamp Lights: Desk lamps or clamp lights fitted with daylight-balanced bulbs can serve as additional lighting sources for your needle felting photography setup. Position the lights strategically to fill in shadows and add highlights to your subjects. Adjustable arms and swivel heads allow for precise control over the direction and intensity of light, making it easy to tailor the lighting to suit your specific needs. Desk lamps and clamp lights are affordable alternatives to professional studio lighting equipment and can be easily adjusted to achieve desired results.

By combining these budget-friendly equipment options with simple photography techniques, such as adjusting camera settings and experimenting with composition, you can elevate the quality of your needle felting photography with minimal investment of time and resources. Remember to focus on capturing the intricate details and textures of your creations while maintaining accurate colors and balanced lighting to showcase their beauty effectively.

Portrait Mode – Your Best Friend

Smartphone

In today’s world of smartphones, getting that sharp focus on your main subject with a nice blurred background is a piece of cake thanks to portrait mode. If you’re snapping with your phone, just remember to give your product some space from the background. This simple trick makes your product pop while giving you that cool blurry background effect that’s so popular on social media.

DSLR

Now, if you’re using a DSLR camera and dabbling in manual mode, playing around with the F-stop settings can do wonders. Go for those lower numbers like 1.2 or 1.4, and keep your subject away from the background. That way, you’ll nail that sharp subject with the soft, dreamy background look. Don’t be afraid to try out different settings until you find the sweet spot!

What Settings Did I Use?

Using my trustee Canon 400D I have set it at manual mode to photograph this lovely spring mouse.

This indoor shot was problematic because of poor natural light. To alleviate this problem the needle felted mouse photo was captured in manual mode using a 50mm lens, set at f/2.8 with an ISO of 800; photographing close to your project allows for a higher ISO without compromising quality. Distance shots would require more light and a lower ISO to avoid a grainy outcome. With some minor editing, voila! While I typically relied on the quick and easy auto mode, which yielded good to great results, the shift to manual mode has been enlightening. The depth of field achieved with these settings allows for a beautiful focus on the needle felted mouse whilst keeping the background in soft focus. Previously, I had used a combined lens of 18mm-55mm, often sifting through numerous photos before finding one satisfactory shot. However, the transition to a dedicated 50mm lens on this occasion is akin to a transformative experience—truly a night-and-day difference.

A decent camera and lens is a real investment!

If you’re committed to your craft business, art, or blog, investing in a quality camera and lens can be a significant investment. Long term it’s not just a purchase; it’s a dedication to enhancing the quality and professionalism of your work.

My Favourite Cameras and Equipment

Do You Want to Learn More About Needle Felting?

These super easy guides will quickly get you started with this amazingly addictive craft:

Learn to Paint With Wool

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
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Needle Felting Made Easy! How to Needle Felt Animals

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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.
Highland Cow

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!

Ready To Start? You will love these as well!

Want to Start needle felting today?

Instantly download a needle felting pattern and get started straight away! On the hunt for inspiring needle felting patterns? There are patterns for all abilities on the website, from nervous beginners to confident needle felters, there is a pattern and video tutorial for you.

EASIEST EVER NEEDLE FELTED SHEEP VIDEO TUTORIAL!

Felt along with me, workshop style. Step by creative step.

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

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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

Easy Needle Felted Flowers – DIY Tutorial!

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How amazing do these needle felted flowers look? Elegant felted Calla lilies or striking sunburst flowers; What a bloomin treat of a needle felting tutorial have I got for you! Two totally different flowers, two different techniques, but both results are easy to achieve and, quite simply, bloomin marvellous! Ok, no more flower puns…probably?

You have the divine, realistic, beautiful in it’s simplicity, Calla lily. Then, in complete contrast, the flamboyant, look at me style of this lush needle felted flower brooch which is part sunflower, part succulent, and part sea anemone. Best of all, you get to choose your own personal style with the easy techniques I am going to teach you.

HAVE YOU JUST STARTED NEEDLE FELTING?

It doesn’t matter if you are a needle felting beginner, or a seasoned needle felter, this is the perfect project for those crafty moments when you need to add some colour and style to your creative day. It is also a great way to learn new needle felting techniques and apply them to an endless number of felted projects.

EASY NEEDLE FELTING VIDEO TUTORIALS

You will find the video tutorials for both felting projects at the bottom of this page but you should definitely read my hints and tips before you start; especially if you are new to needle felting!

The key to the success of this felting project is getting perfectly shaped petals which can be easily done without the need for a cookie cutter, or template. Making them free hand allows you to create any shape or style you want and my super easy techniques will show you how to do just that, including the elegant Calla Lily stems.

IS NEEDLE FELTING HARD?

Nervous about starting? Then you are in exactly the right place! Needle felting isn’t hard, but getting the basics right (from the get go), is essential to helping you progress quickly and will make your needle felting journey a joy. If you have the enthusiasm then I promise you I will give you the confidence and techniques you need to make your needle felting projects successful. Always remember that any craft is a learning curve and any ‘mistakes’ you make are essential to the learning process. That said, the joy of working with wool, and needle felting in particular, allows much room for error. Even if the end result isn’t what you intended, rest assured you will end up with a beautiful ‘something’ at the end of it. One of my happiest ‘mistakes’ was a mouse that ended up as a cat. I was thrilled because cats are my needle felting nemesis. It was hugely popular and I have had many requests for a tutorial, which will probably never happen as I haven’t a clue how it ended up that way; aah, the joys of needle felting…

GRAB YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD FOR BEGINNERS

Join the VIP Felt Club! 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 and live needle felting workshops.

Or get creative with me over at THE FELT HUB

I have created a Facebook group that will inspire and develop your needle felting confidence (whatever level you are at), and encourage others to get involved, in a more private space. You will also be able to comment and share your WIP creations during and after the live workshops and ask for help and support from myself or other members. It’s a lovely community where you can grab some crafty respite.

MAKE GORGEOUS NEEDLE FELTED FLOWERS!

Display the striking Calla lilies in a vase, create your own DIY wedding bouquet or button holes, have them as a beautiful centrepiece or just as a calming moment in any room.

The ‘Sun Burst’ flower brooch is a total contrast to the lily, in its flamboyant and colourful presence. Us a bright and bold wool that demands the viewers attention and add a simple or exotic centre. Beautiful worn as a brooch, a scarf pin, displayed as a single flower with an added stem, added too an Alice band, or part of a bigger display. I love a colourful headband and am itching to make something Frida Kahlo style so watch this space?

However you wear or display yours, just enjoy the fabulously meditative and creative process and needle felt away the detritus of the day.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED?

The WOOL PACKS AND KITS for these flowers can be purchased on the Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts website.

If you already have your own stash of wool, needles and mats then here is a materials list for you.

These are the wools I have used for the two needle felted flowers, but feel free to raid your wool stash and create your own style.

WHAT’S THE BEST FELTING WOOL FOR THIS PROJECT?

For the Cala Lily I have used natural white Perendale carded batting sheet, carded green lengths for the stem, and a creamy yellow wool top/roving for the stamen. Perendale batt is my favourite as its natural colour is much whiter than most other batting, making it perfect for projects where you want the whitest top coat or finish; I also use it for Daphne Chicken. It felts easily with a really smooth finish, and is super clean with little to no grassy bits to pull out.

For the sunburst flower petals I have used a vibrant blended carded wool, with added carded zingy yellow. For the centre of the flower I have created two completely different looks; the first using yellow and white wool tops, the second using wool yarn in bright complimentary colours.

KEY POINTS

Calla Lily

  • Use equal amounts of wool for each petal.
  • Make sure it’s firm.
  • No thicker than 1-2mm.
  • Leave the end of each petal loose for easy attachment. 4 Use your first petal as a size and shape guide.

Sunburst flower brooch

  • Use equal amounts of wool for each petal.
  • Make sure it’s firm.
  • No thicker than 1-2mm.
  • Leave the end of each petal loose for easy attachment.
  • Use your first petal as a size and shape guide.

VIDEO TUTORIALS

Now that I have built up the creative excitement it’s time to get stuck into this gorgeous needle felting project. Grab your wool, needles, or felting kit and fill your crafty boots with the video tutorials below.

Happy felting!

NEEDLE FELTED CALLA LILY

NEEDLE FELTED SUN BURST FLOWER BROOCH

HOW TO USE WIRE FOR NEEDLE FELTING?

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DO I EVEN NEED TO USE WIRE FOR NEEDLE FELTING?

I am often asked how to use wire for needle felting, and is it even needed? The short answer is no. In fact I rarely use a full wire armature because I like a firm felt. However, using wire in specific areas can really help you create the shape you need, and create more detail and dimension.

WHEN SHOULD I USE WIRE FOR NEEDLE FELTING?

Use it in the neck of a sheep so you can pose the head, or the horns and tail of an animal to create great shapes. If you want super thin legs or arms then wire is a great solution. Alternatively, make limbs around a BBQ skewer (the ‘farmers friend’ of needle felting), to create smooth legs and perfect symmetry in super fast time. Using the BBQ skewer as a tool negates the need for using wire altogether for many projects.

USING A BBQ SKEWER WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU NEEDLE FELT!

Parsley, the needle felted hare seen below has no wire anywhere. This gorgeous needle felting project was made, almost entirely, using a wooden BBQ skewer. I started using this method back in 2017 and it has made teaching needle felting, and creating projects, so much easier!

CLICK HERE FOR

PARSLEY HARE NEEDLE FELTING KIT or PATTERN DOWNLOAD AND PRINTABLE

Watch the video tutorial, at the bottom of the post, from our Friday night felt along on the FACEBOOK GROUP, or follow the mini tutorial below, and you will be amazed at how professional the finished result is, even if you have never needle felted before!

Happy Felting!

HOW TO NEEDLE FELT FIRM LEGS WITHOUT WIRE – QUICK AND EASY TUTORIAL

Scroll to bottom of the post for the video tutorial.

Make Time: Super fast! Approximately 20 minutes for both legs plus faffing time…

You will need:

The needle felting kit and pattern are available via the links below and you can join the new FACEBOOK GROUP HERE

LOOK, NO WIRE? Making Perfect Legs Around A Wooden BBQ Skewer

As I mentioned, if string is a ‘farmers friend’ then a wooden BBQ skewer is most definitely a ‘felters friend’. Never be without one as it will change the way you needle felt, drastically reducing the chore of hours spent smoothing and shaping.

This is super easy, but technique is important and you may have a couple of false starts as the legs need to be kept tight and narrow, but that’s ok. Just unravel and start again. When finished they will be firm and smooth and the last couple of centimetres will be built up for the feet/paws. TOP TIP: Remember to keep the top of the legs very loose as they will be attached to the body and should look like they are part of the finished project, not just stuck on.

Let’s get going!

1 Select a length of carded wool or wool top/roving and split down the middle. This means that both legs will use equal amounts of wool and sizes will be more or less the same.

2 Start to wrap the wool tightly around the skewer, starting close to the top of the stick. TOP TIP: Keep the wool flat between your thumb and finger so the wool doesn’t twist and become lumpy and uneven.

3 Keeping the wool tight, continue for a little way then stop and felt around the entire area to secure. TOP TIP: Work at a diagonal angle around the sides of the stick keeping hold of the wool so it doesn’t become loose. If it does, unwrap and start again. This will also avoid bending or breaking the needle.

4 Continue with the process until the leg is approximately two thirds of its final length (you will see why when you remove it from the skewer) and add more wool to the foot to widen it. Continue to felt and shape the foot until it is firm. TOP TIP: A foot/paw that is significantly bigger than the rest of the leg will have more impact when your project is finished.

5 Remove from the stick and felt a little more but avoid the top of the leg as this needs to be kept loose for attaching to the body. TO TIP: Don’t worry if the shape is not perfect as you are going to fix that in a moment.

6 You are now going to roll the leg firmly in your hands to firm and smooth it, which will also lengthen it. When you do this keep the top of the leg sticking out, so the wool remains loose. In just a few seconds of firm rolling you will see how the leg has really firmed up and become even smoother without the need for any wires. TOP TIP: Don’t over roll it as it will become longer than needed.

Here’s what some of the fabulous Facebook group made during the live workshop! It’s a great technique that can be adapted to almost any project. Join the group HERE and come along to the free live events.

I was blown away by the quality, personality and individual styles of the projects from the FACEBOOK GROUP members and the amazing feedback has been so good!

VIDEO TUTORIAL – Felt along with me!

Watch the full tutorial and felt alongside me, workshop style.

Adding Face Details To Your Needle Felted Animals

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One of the trickiest things to do when creating face details is getting the really fine lines for the mouth and nose. It’s something I always spend time on with my workshop students so they don’t feel disappointed with the finishing touches. Practice, practice practice is the answer, a firm base on which to work, and less is more when it comes to the wool. When I say less is more, think even less than that. You only need the tiniest strand of wool to create really impactful details, add in a few simple techniques and you will soon be adding those details with confidence.

Top Tip: If it doesn’t look right don’t try and rectify it. Pull the wool off and start again. I often do this and it takes much less time than trying to fix the problem. Also, preparation is key so make sure the head is firm before starting. If the head is soft and squidgy you aren’t going to get the nice straight lines you want to achieve and your sheep or animal will look like they’ve been on the sauce.

Whatever your design, this technique can be applied to your project in many different ways.

Let’s get started and, if you haven’t made your head yet just click the link for the video tutorial: HOW TO CREATE A BASIC HEAD SHAPE

1 Create an impression of the mouth – Do this by ‘drawing’ the mouth onto the face with your felting needle. ‘Draw’ a V for the nose, a line down the centre and two shallow curves each side. Go over the lines you have drawn until they are clearly visible and defined. This is where your wool is going to sit and makes it so much easier to maintain a nice, even shape.

2 Roll a very, very thin wisp of wool between your fingers to gently mat it together (not vital but it helps). If you don’t think it is thick enough you can go over it again later. However, start with too much and it ends up looking like you have drawn it on with a felt tip. Place it on the top left of the V shape you have created and gently tack it down towards the bottom of the V shape. Top Tip: Make sure the wool is at least twice the length you need as it will be pulled into the face as you felt; you can trim it later.

3 Continue back up the V shape and leave the ends loose.

4 Use another thin strand of wool (longer than you will need) to create the line down the centre. Top Tip: Keep the wool taught with your free hand. This will help create a straight, even line and avoid a drunken grin.

5 Leave all the strands loose until you have completed the mouth.

6 As before, use a very thin strand of wool and felt along the mouth. Repeat for the other side.

Top Tip: Don’t be precious over the shape of the curve as this can be teased into shape before you finish.

7 Make sure the wool is secure before trimming and shape the mouth by gently rubbing the tip of you finger on the wool – in the centre – to pull it down slightly.

8 Your head is now ready for the eyes and that’s another easy tutorial. You can watch it Here or keep scrolling for the written tutorial.

Top Tip: Sometimes the mouth can look a little off centre or lopsided. This is easily fixed by squeezing, and moving the head in your fingers – wool is still quite pliable, even when felted – until the features straighten out.

Create fabulous features for all your needle felted creations.

How to sew eyes onto your needle felted animal

Needle felted eyes look great but I also love the sparkle and shine you get from a glass bead. I always find it funny that, when some of my students have spent hours creating their needle felted animal, they say they find sewing on the eyes the hardest part. I think it is because they seem a little bit fiddly but here is a quick way of doing it, in five minutes and four easy steps.

1 Use black thread and needle and sew through the side of the face – where your eyes will sit – and repeat a few times until your thread is secure.

2 Pop your bead onto the tip of your needle and pull it through.

3 Push your needle back through to the other side and pop on your second bead.

4 Repeat the process a few times until you can pull quite firmly on your thread, and both beads are secure. Finish by sewing through the back of the head a and cut the thread.

Free Printable – Needle Felted Mushrooms – Unlock your inner creative!

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If you are ready to dip your needle felting toe into the water this super easy needle felting pattern is a great place to begin. Perfect for even the most nervous of beginners this step by step guide will have you confidently creating fabulous needle felted characters in no time. Grab your free printable below. Just click for access, no purchase or subscription necessary. 

TAKE ME TO THE FREE PRINTABLE 

If you don’t have wool or needles then a needle felting kit is the perfect way to get started. There are more than 30 to choose from on the website. All you have to do is open the box and add enthusiasm!

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