When people see my needle felted work they have lots of questions. Here are 3 needle felting questions answered. I hope this helps!
1. What are your favorite needles to use?
Felting needles are different sizes (36, 38, 40, 42) and types (triangle, star, spiral) designed for different purposes. For the start of the project I like to use a more aggressive needle; 38 triangle or spiral. The spirals are more aggressive, meaning they tangle up more wool at a time but do not leave as many holes. When I have the basic form in place I will move onto a 40 or 42 triangle for the details. Also to help felt a larger area quicker I will use a multi-needle tool and a pen tool; such as those by Clover.
2. What is your favorite type of wool to work with?
For needle felting I use short fiber batts or wool tops over a longer staple fiber that is in rovings. I do use Merino cross batts. I like a cross because Merino by itself is very soft and fine making it difficult to felt with a needle. Many people like to use Romney fibers. The main issue is the length and coarseness of the fiber, shorter and a little coarse is better for needle felting, however, longer fibers can be cut into smaller pieces that will tangle together better.
3. What is the worst piece of advice you keep hearing for needle felters?
Understanding terminology is so important. People are often told to buy wool roving. They don’t understand that roving are longer fibers combed to be all straight going in one direction. This is not the best for needle felting…great for wet felting! It is more difficult to get the fibers to felt together with the needle. They get frustrated and don’t understand why it’s not going well. In order to use these types of fibers they need to be pre-tangled or cut into smaller pieces before needle felting.
Resources I like to use
Check out my resources page for my most use authors and inspiration for needle felting!
Happy Creating!
Anita