Needle-Felting
As featured on Carol Duvall Show - HGTV
 Felting is an ancient method of creating a nonwoven fabric
by entangling wool fibers so that they become permanently
joined. It is thought that ancient nomadic tribesmen discovered
felt when they placed layers of wool fleece under their saddles
for extra comfort. The agitation of the saddle against the
fleece as they rode through the desert caused the fleece to
entangle or to become felted.
Some felting methods require wetting of the wool fibers then
agitating to cause the fibers to felt. In this simplified
method of needle felting, no water is required. Instead, a
simple burred needle is inserted through the fibers. Small
burrs on the fibers catch on the burrs of the needle and are
drawn through so that the fibers become "mechanically
entangled."
Free Felted Pillow Project - by Lynne Farris
You can easily create these unique artisan-style
felted pillows that are sure to become a favorite accent in
any décor. Start with a recycled wool sweater or if
you prefer, a piece of woven wool fabric. First you will felt
the fabric, then decorate your fabric using the ancient technique
of needle felting to create interesting and colorful patterns
and textures all over the surface of the fabric. Finally,
you will sew the decorative fabrics together to create a stunning
pillow.
Materials:
Wool sweater or wool fabric, about 1/2 yard of fabric
100% wool roving in desired colors
Pre-made pillow form or polyester fiberfill
Foam slab for work surface
Felting needles
Sewing machine or hand sewing needle and thread.
Scissors
1. Remove any buttons and trim from the sweater
and wash in the machine in a Hot/Cold cycle with 1/4 cup of
baking soda then dry in an automatic dryer on High. Remove
sleeves and or collar at seams, cut open body of sweater to
create large flat pieces.
2. Trace and cut out front and back of pillow
adding 1/2" seam allowances all around.
3. Place pillow front onto foam slab and pin
in place with quilting pins.
4. Arrange roving or yarn on pillow front in
desired pattern keeping in mind that areas of color will appear
smaller once they are felted to the surface.
5. Hold felting needle vertical to fabric surface
and pierce repeatedly to attach roving to pillow front. Repeat
as necessary until desired effect is obtained. Colors may
be added and layered over previous layers if desired to create
texture and more complex designs.
6. When design is complete, arrange pillow front
and pillow back with right sides facing and sew together,
leaving an opening for turning. Turn right side out.
7. Fill with pillow form or polyester fiberfill.
Hand sew closed.
8. As a finishing touch, apply wool roving or
yarn around seam using same felting technique.
Now available from Lynne Farris
Felting Needles and a Felting Starter Kit
| Five Burr-tipped felting needles - $6.00 |
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| Felting Starter Kit - $15.00 |
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