Crafting a Lifestyle Nov 2013 | Page 8

Introduction to needle Felting Needle felting is the process of interlocking wool fibres by stabbing it with a barbed needle The barbs catch the scales on the fibre and cause them to tangle and bind together,to create a 3D sculpture. Equipment A piece of dense foam on which you place your work, allowing the felting needles to stab in and out without damaging you or your work surface. Felting needles suitable for decorative needle felting and embellishing. Wool roving. The needles used are very sharp that is why you must use the foam, both to protect yourself and the needles. The needles can snap and ping off so you must be aware of this at all times, do not use too close to your face so to protect your eyes. There are 3 main shapes to master, egg, ball and sausage. Once you have the main shapes you can then add detail and sculpt using the needles. You can also add features to item for example ears or snout.