Felting: A Beginner’s Guide

People have been felting for many centuries to add warmth and insulation. Although felting is still used for this, many people have taken to the craft for less utilitarian purposes.

What exactly is felting? Felting is an ancient practice of matting, condensing and pressing fibers together. The most common fibers are wool or acrylic.

How do you make felt? There are two methods, wet felting and needle felting. Wet felting involves warm soapy water applied to wool fibers placed on top of one another and then squeezed together repeatedly. Needle felting is the action of interlacing wool fibers with a special needle.

Intrigued by felting and want to learn more? Check out the craft events at the Northtown Branch, or try one of these titles:

The Complete Photo Guide to Felting provides amazing photos on how to accomplish many felting techniques.

Beginner's Guide to Needle Felting gives an illustrated step-by-step guide and provides information about equipment and safety.

Feltique is a simple guide to many felting techniques.

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