Needle Felting for Beginners Guide
This guide features our top staff picks of the best needle felting kits and supplies for beginners and covers a lot of the basics to help you get started. In addition to guiding you to what you need, we explain why we suggest particular supplies so you can learn along the way. We know that choosing the right kind needle felting wool, tools and supplies can be challenging, especially when you or your loved one is still a beginner and are unsure of where to start. You are in the right place because we are here to help!
Every day people ask us by phone, email and in person, "What do you suggest for a beginner to get started with needle felting?" We like to suggest that you start with an idea or project that interests you. We might have a kit for that or a similar project to help you learn the basics, and if not, we can suggest the supplies you need to bring that idea to life in wool. Once you learn about felting, you also learn that the word "felt" is both a noun and a verb. So let's jump into this guide and help you get what you need for your next needle felting project.
For example, do you want a beginner kit for needle felting animals in 3D, or a beginner kit for needle felting a picture such as a landscape? In either case, we have a selection of kits that are very beginner friendly and include free video tutorials or step by step directions with pictures. If you have a specific project in mind and need help choosing supplies, let us know via phone or the contact us page and include any details so we can help you get started. You can also upload a picture so we have clarity on your needle felting idea.
BASIC NEEDLE FELTING SUPPLIES FOR BEGINNERS
Felting Needles
Felting Pad / Mat
Felting Needles
Felting Pad / Mat
Felting Wool
Beginner 3D Needle Felting - If you would only like to see supplies for getting started with needle felting in 3D such as little animals, ornaments and decorations, browse this category.
Beginner 2D Needle Felting - If you want to see supplies only for needle felting pictures, landscapes and other 2D designs, browse this category.
Beyond these two sections, we have a lot more beginner needle felting kits because we know it is best to learn by doing, and particular projects can teach basic techniques which can be applied to future projects. Our goal is to help you learn how to needle felt and we keep that in mind with every new tutorial and kit we make. So if you decide to browse beyond our "beginner" sections, you will still find a great project with instructions to help you with your needle felting fun.
We know that our selection of felting supplies is BIG, it can be a bit overwhelming and you may not know what to buy, so we have a more ideas to help you choose supplies. In the products below and in the Beginner 2D Needle Felting and Beginner 3D Needle Felting categories, you will find kits that also include free video tutorials. On those pages we also name any other supplies that are needed for the particular project.
FELTING NEEDLES - See all felting needles
Felting needles have one-way scales on them that grab onto the wool and entangle it together, causing it to "felt". Wool fibers also have one-way scales on them, so once they are tangled together, they resist coming untangled. You have seen this same concept with zip ties, once you lock them down, they don't go backwards. If you have ever washed a wool sweater and shrunk it to something fit for a teddy bear, you've seen what happens when you entangle wool fibers tightly -- they like to stay that way. Needle felting was invented by industry as a way to mass produce "felt" with a dry process, not requiring water. When artisans began using felting needles about 100yrs later to create "felt", they gave us the ability to create 3-dimensional felt works and very detailed 2D felted pictures with e. We wish to thank Dave and Eleanor Stanwood for having a stab at needle felting sometime in the 1980's ... now we all can poke around and needle felt art with felting needles.
Our felting needles are color coded and will come with a handy reference guide to help you choose the best felting needles for your project. We have also have a free tutorial about felting needles on our main felting needle page. You might also like to know that our felting needles come in convenient tubes that make storage and safe travel very easy. In addition to the needles being color coded, when you purchased a pack of one size/style, the size is labeled on the outside of the tube so you can find the one you want quickly and easily. Felting needles are very sharp, keep your eye on the felting needle and your fingers out of the way :)
Felting needles have one-way scales on them that grab onto the wool and entangle it together, causing it to "felt". Wool fibers also have one-way scales on them, so once they are tangled together, they resist coming untangled. You have seen this same concept with zip ties, once you lock them down, they don't go backwards. If you have ever washed a wool sweater and shrunk it to something fit for a teddy bear, you've seen what happens when you entangle wool fibers tightly -- they like to stay that way. Needle felting was invented by industry as a way to mass produce "felt" with a dry process, not requiring water. When artisans began using felting needles about 100yrs later to create "felt", they gave us the ability to create 3-dimensional felt works and very detailed 2D felted pictures with e. We wish to thank Dave and Eleanor Stanwood for having a stab at needle felting sometime in the 1980's ... now we all can poke around and needle felt art with felting needles.
Our felting needles are color coded and will come with a handy reference guide to help you choose the best felting needles for your project. We have also have a free tutorial about felting needles on our main felting needle page. You might also like to know that our felting needles come in convenient tubes that make storage and safe travel very easy. In addition to the needles being color coded, when you purchased a pack of one size/style, the size is labeled on the outside of the tube so you can find the one you want quickly and easily. Felting needles are very sharp, keep your eye on the felting needle and your fingers out of the way :)
We offer a small Variety Pack with coarse, medium and fine needles, and our needle felting starter sets have a range from coarse to fine needles as well. For the ambitious, we have a Super Variety Pack of felting needles which includes three of every size felting needle, but you don't need to start there! We also have holders for single needles and multiple needles.
To help you get started quickly, we suggest:
3D Needle felting: Start with a coarse or medium-coarse felting needle and progress to finer needles.
Coarse needles such as 36 T, 38 Star, 38 Spiral and 38 Star-Spiral are great for sculpting and shaping. 40 Triangle, and 42 Triangle for a smooth finish. (esp. when you use our MC-1 wool!) If you are using a multi-needle holder, lean towards finer needles such as 38T, 40T and 42T because in a group, the coarse felting needles can cause too much surface tension to be effective. That is to say, all those coarse needles together pull the wool too tightly and actually prevent the needles from piercing the surface of the fiber.
2D Needle felting: Fine needles such as 40 Triangle, and 42 Triangle can be used for needle felting flat areas. For children and as a medium-fine needle, try the 38 Triangle. If you are working with kids or a brand new "group" of teens or adults, check out our felting needle & foam bulk packs. We suggest 38 Triangles for most "one off" needle felting gatherings and classes.
NEEDLE FELTING PADS / MATS - See all needle felting pads & mats
While watching our beginner needle felting tutorials and browsing the kits, you will notice that the needle felting pads or mats we suggest are sized to match the project. If you are shopping for a small child or a group of adults to needle felt a small project together, a smaller felting pad such as a 5x5 is fine.
If you have already taken a class and know you like needle felting, start with a felting pad that is 9x9 or larger.
Choosing between our Earth Harmony Needle Felt Foam pads and our WOW Mats is a matter of preference. We like the WOW mats because they are 100% wool, very eco-friendly, heat resistant and last a long time when used and cared for properly. Plus, they are thin and light which makes them great for travel. Some people choose the foam pads because they are thicker and can take deeper pokes of the felting needle. The two may also be used together. You might also like to know that the foam is made here in the USA without any CFCs or fire retardant chemicals.
If you have already taken a class and know you like needle felting, start with a felting pad that is 9x9 or larger.
Choosing between our Earth Harmony Needle Felt Foam pads and our WOW Mats is a matter of preference. We like the WOW mats because they are 100% wool, very eco-friendly, heat resistant and last a long time when used and cared for properly. Plus, they are thin and light which makes them great for travel. Some people choose the foam pads because they are thicker and can take deeper pokes of the felting needle. The two may also be used together. You might also like to know that the foam is made here in the USA without any CFCs or fire retardant chemicals.
NEEDLE FELTING WOOL
All of the wool we carry will felt, and can be used for needle felting, however, for best success, choose from these options:
CW-1 Core Wool - use for the insides of a 3D sculpture that is 1" or larger in circumference. It can be used for the background of a needle felted picture, but using felt or fabric is faster. Using our CW-1 Core wool to form the base shapes of your sculptures will help your dyed wool go farther. We make this in a batting and roving. (a true roving is really a strip of batting = the fibers are going in many directions = very good for needle felting) Choosing batting or roving is just a preference, it is the same product in a different "shape". CW-1 is a Living Felt exclusive, it wool is from USA Farms and processed in an eco-friendly manner without harsh chemicals.
MC-1 WOOL - use this for its dreamy colors, and oh so smooth finish. Plus! it is great for fine details. Once you needle felt with it, you will understand what all the hoopla is about! We make this in a batting. It is a short fiber product which makes it great for blending and for needle felting fine details both in 2D pictures and 3D sculptures. People also love the colors which are often variegated and reflective of the natural world, to include plants and animals. MC-1 is another Living Felt exclusive, it is also from USA Farms and processed in an eco-friendly manner without harsh chemicals.
MAORI WOOL and BERGSCHAF - use these for the color choice and when economy is a goal. They are both processed into a batting and are semi-coarse fibers = they will needle felt firmly. You can trim any "wiry" fibers once all is well needle felted. These fibers will feel very similar to each other for needle felting, and we offer a few mixed bags that include both Maori and Bergschaf wool.
All of the wool we carry will felt, and can be used for needle felting, however, for best success, choose from these options:
CW-1 Core Wool - use for the insides of a 3D sculpture that is 1" or larger in circumference. It can be used for the background of a needle felted picture, but using felt or fabric is faster. Using our CW-1 Core wool to form the base shapes of your sculptures will help your dyed wool go farther. We make this in a batting and roving. (a true roving is really a strip of batting = the fibers are going in many directions = very good for needle felting) Choosing batting or roving is just a preference, it is the same product in a different "shape". CW-1 is a Living Felt exclusive, it wool is from USA Farms and processed in an eco-friendly manner without harsh chemicals.
MC-1 WOOL - use this for its dreamy colors, and oh so smooth finish. Plus! it is great for fine details. Once you needle felt with it, you will understand what all the hoopla is about! We make this in a batting. It is a short fiber product which makes it great for blending and for needle felting fine details both in 2D pictures and 3D sculptures. People also love the colors which are often variegated and reflective of the natural world, to include plants and animals. MC-1 is another Living Felt exclusive, it is also from USA Farms and processed in an eco-friendly manner without harsh chemicals.
MAORI WOOL and BERGSCHAF - use these for the color choice and when economy is a goal. They are both processed into a batting and are semi-coarse fibers = they will needle felt firmly. You can trim any "wiry" fibers once all is well needle felted. These fibers will feel very similar to each other for needle felting, and we offer a few mixed bags that include both Maori and Bergschaf wool.
CX-2 BRIGHT WHITE NEEDLE FELTING WOOL - If you are looking for the brightest white wool for needle felting, this is the one! You will see that we show this fiber in a few different places, it is a stand alone, but one that everyone should have at least some of in their stash! It is processed into a batting. You will love it for needle felting a snowman, any snow scene, teeth, the brightest area of clouds or any where you need a bright white wool.
NZ CORRIEDALE - use this for the color choice and when you want a long staple length. *The staple is the length of the fiber as it is shorn off the animal. This is processed into a "sliver" or "top", people often call this a "roving", but more on that another time! :) This is also a semi-coarse fiber and will needle felt firmly, it is not ideal for needle felting miniatures "as is" and will benefit from being mixed up to get the fibers going in multiple directions. NZ stands for New Zealand which is where this fiber comes from.
MATERIAL / FABRIC NEEDLE FELTING PICTURES
When needle felting pictures or any 2D design, choosing the right fabric can make a big difference in the finished "look". After years of experimentation, trial and error, we have found that the best materials for pictures that are needle felted are high quality wool felt and fabrics with a slightly open weave, that is not too loose. If the weave is too loose, the felting will tend to poke the wool "through" the fabric to the back side instead of "to" the front side. Basically, you will waste of lot of wool if the fabric's weave is too open.
Wool Felt Sheets - Felt from the craft store is often very thin, uneven and made from acrylic, polyester, plastics or other materials. We notice that needle felting on them can be challenging because it cannot accept the wool without puckering, and often the craft felt does not permit the wool to needle felt very flat because the fabric does not have enough strength to hold the wool. Our Wool Felt, however, is perfect for needle felting pictures and designs, even ones with lots of density and detail. An added bonus is you can iron your needle felted picture to give it a beautiful finish without any damage to your nice iron :) Yep, you can iron your flat needle felt pictures because the wool can take the heat! BTW - our WOW mats are perfect for this application as well.
Our wool felt sheets are approximately 8x12, come in tons of beautiful colors, and are available individually or in assortment packs.
Wool Felt Yardage - when you have a bigger needle felted picture, wall hanging, tapestry, table runner, pillow or other project in mind, our 100% wool felt yardage may be just what you need. This is made at the same mill as our felt sheets, so try wool felt sheet first to see how you like needle felting pictures on to it.
Linen Fabric - the slightly open weave of natural linen fabric is a great base for needle felting pictures, even ones with a lot of detail like needle felted pet portraits, human portraits and landscapes. If you are looking for an alternative to felt, try our linen fabric for your next needle felted picture, pillow or table runner. While many people display the finished picture in an embroidery hoop, you will want to needle felt it directly on the WOW Mat or foam with a fine felting needle.
In addition to needle felting on linen, denim and fine burlap are worth trying out. Quilting cottons can be a challenge because they pucker, canvas can be rough on your needles, but give our linen fabric or wool felt a try and see if you like them as much as we do!
We hope this Needle Felting for Beginners Guide has been helpful! We invite you to browse around and find a project and basic supplies for your first or next needle felting project. If we can assist, just call or reach out via the contact us page.
Featured Products
Felting in Fall is so Dreamy!
Fall is a fun time to decorate with felting projects
Before the leaves start turning into many beautiful colors,we makers get busy calling forth the season with our crafts and decor. Roll out the pumpkins and bring on the little critters, needle felting sweet decorations will add charm and whimsy to your autumn decor.
Whether you are felting and crafting for decor, teacher gifts, or sweet little somethings for a friend or family member, you might like to browse our collection of fibers and goodies in the Fall Shop. There is sure to be something you will love felting with.
We LOVE Felting With You!
Our YouTube SHOW, "Wooly Wednesday", is essentially a way for us to hang with you, our BFFs, Best Felting Friends, of course!
We love sharing felting tutorials, projects, tips, tricks and introducing you to other felters like the teachers in our online felting school. Browse our free videos
Join us for Wooly Wednesday @ 2PM Central time on on YouTube for a wooly good time felting and laughing together. Enjoy our free tutorials on needle felting, wet felting, needle felting animal portraits, needle felting dolls, needle felting pictures, and more. Make sure to subscribe and click the bell so you get notified whenever we go live or post a new video.
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Looking for Felting Workshops?
Our online felting school www.feltingtutorials.com may be just what you are looking for! We have in-depth online felting workshops by wonderful teachers who share their skills, tips and techniques for making exhibit worthy felt works.
Take a class to make your own nuno felt dress, a wet felt hat, felt your own coat, felt a scarf, learn how to dye your own fabrics and fibers and then felt a tunic and a dress with the fabric you made.
We also have classes on needle felting animals such as dogs, birds, an elephant, a fantastic dragon or rooster, etc. And we have 2D felting courses for landscapes, sunsets, beach scenes, trees and more!
BROWSE ONLINE FELTING WORKSHOPS