Ever asked the question “What is felting”? Imagine turning a handful of loose, fluffy wool into a sturdy, fabric-like sheet—felting is the artful process that makes this happen! Using either a splash of water and a bit of soap (wet felting) or a special barbed needle (dry felting), this technique binds wool fibers together into a cohesive, solid form that’s as durable as it is unique.
This process has been around for centuries and is popular for making everything from toys and home decorations to accessories like scarves and hats. Whether you’re new to felting or looking to improve your skills, it’s a fun and relaxing activity that opens up a world of creative possibilities.
Dry felting is particularly beginner-friendly, as it doesn’t require water or soap. It involves poking wool roving (unspun wool) with a barbed needle, causing the fibers to tangle and bond together.
With just a few materials, you can make felted animals, decorative shapes, or even holiday ornaments. This method is perfect for crafting detailed designs and is loved by crafters for its precision and ease.
In this guide, we’ll explore seven fun and easy felting craft ideas that are great for beginners and kids. You’ll discover how to make everything from cute felt animals to beautiful wall hangings. So, grab your felting needle and wool, and let’s start creating some soft, colorful pieces of art!
What You’ll Need
- Wool roving (various colors)
- Felting needle set (with different sizes)
- Foam or sponge pad (to protect your work surface)
- Needle felting mat
- Scissors
- Embroidery thread or yarn
- Fabric glue (for optional decorations)
- Googly eyes, buttons, or beads for embellishments
Method
1. Felted Heart Keychain
- Choose a color of wool roving and shape it into a rough heart.
- Using a felting needle, poke the wool repeatedly until it starts to firm up and take shape.
- Continue felting until the heart is solid and smooth.
- Attach a keychain loop using yarn or thread.
2. Felted Animal Figures
- Select the wool colors you need for your animal and form the basic shapes (like the body and head).
- Felt each shape separately with a felting needle, then attach them by poking the fibers together at the joints.
- Add details like ears, eyes, and a tail using small pieces of wool.
- Use embellishments like googly eyes or tiny buttons to give your animal more personality.
3. Felted Wool Beads
- Roll small pieces of wool into balls with your hands.
- Felt them by poking evenly with your needle until they become firm beads.
- Make multiple beads and string them together using embroidery thread to create a necklace or bracelet.
- Tie a knot at the end to secure your design.
4. Felted Wall Art
- Flatten your wool roving onto a felting mat in the shape of your desired design (like a flower or abstract pattern).
- Use your felting needle to gently work the fibers until they are flattened and bonded.
- Add more wool for additional layers or details, felting each layer as you go.
- Once done, frame your artwork or attach it to a canvas for display.
5. Felted Coasters
- Take wool roving in your favorite color and form it into a flat circle.
- Use the felting needle to shape and firm the wool, working from the center outwards.
- Continue felting until the coaster is thick and durable.
- Add decorative stitching around the edges with embroidery thread if desired.
6. Felted Ball Garland
- Felt several small wool balls using different colors.
- String the felted balls onto a piece of yarn or string, spacing them out evenly.
- Tie knots between each ball to keep them in place.
- Hang the garland on your wall or over a window for a festive touch.
7. Felted Holiday Ornaments
- Create small shapes like stars, trees, or animals using wool roving and a felting needle.
- Felt the shapes until they are firm and defined.
- Attach a string or ribbon at the top for hanging.
- Decorate with beads, glitter, or fabric glue for extra holiday cheer.
Felting opens up endless possibilities for fun and creativity. Whether you’re making simple keychains or intricate animal figures, it’s an enjoyable craft for both kids and adults. If you’re looking for more craft activities, try exploring other fun projects like crochet, knitting, or even paper crafts.
And don’t forget to check out craft coloring pages to inspire your next project. These pages can be a great way to plan your felt creations before starting.
