HOW TO MAKE THEM
Step-by-step instructions for each project
MATERIALS
A Core wool batting (also called core wool and core batt)
Used for figure bases. A natural off-white is used most often in these projects.
B Organic wool batting
This is the type typically used for filling stuffed animals. In this book, we used it to create the alpaca hair/fur.
C Solid wool roving
Wool roving is available in a large variety of traditional colors.
D Mixed wool roving
4 to 5 different colored wool fibers are blended to create roving with interesting color variations and depth.
E Natural blend roving in bright colors
4–5 wool roving fibers are blended to evoke vivid hues.
F Natural blend roving in earth tones
Wool roving in assorted nature-inspired colors.
G Wool felt sheets
For the flower pot projects (p. 28).
H Linen fabric
For the pictures projects (p. 29).
I Fabric for Hedgehog needles
Mohair hedgehog fabric (9 mm pile)
J Magnet
For the magnet projects (p. 34)
K Plastic safety eyes
For the animals’ eyes. In this book, we used eye pieces with 2–4 mm stems.
L Brooch pin backs
For the brooch projects (p. 32–33)
M Ballpoint pens
For the pen covers projects (p. 26. We recommend non-retractable pens.
N Size 25 Embroidery floss
6-strand embroidery floss to be used for the brooch projects (p. 32).
O Flexible plastic (millinery wire or similar)
For the foundation of the deer’s body.
P Sewing machine thread (invisible)
For animal whiskers. Clear beading monofilament can also be used.
Q Floral wire
For animal tails. Crafting wire can be used as well.
* The felt used in these projects was made by Hamanaka, a brand with limited availability outside of Japan
TOOLS
a Single needle felt puncher
Ideal for needle felting eyes and other detailed parts.
b 3-needle/2-needle felt puncher
Speeds up the felting process. Some models are adjustable to two needles or a single needle. It’s useful to have multiple punchers on hand for easy switching from 2-needle to 3-needle tasks, and vice versa.
c 5-needle felt puncher
The extra needles enable larger area coverage when needle felting. Useful for the tray project.
d Brush-style felting mat
The bristles minimize resistance and allow for a smoother felting experience. Use for projects requiring flatter surfaces like the picture fabric board.
e Sponge felting mat
The firm sponge holds its shape during needle felting. The projects in this book mainly utilize this type of mat.
f Felt puncher replacement needles.
These can also be used without inserting them into a needle puncher, but may be less comfortable to work with for extended periods.
• Regular needle—Standard gauge for needle felting. We use this type predominantly.
• Heavy-duty needle—Thicker needle for adding indentations or hollowing out certain sections.
• Finishing needle—For smoothing out surfaces and general finishing techniques. Also used for adding delicate design details.
g Hand sewing thread
For stitching fabrics and connecting parts.
h Hand sewing needle
For stitching fabrics and connecting parts.
i Craft glue
For attaching plastic safety eye pieces and so on.
j Awl
For creating preliminary holes in which to insert eye stems into figures’ heads.
k Oil-based pen (black, extra-fine point)
For markings and for adding whiskers.
l Craft scissors
For cutting wool roving.
m Pliers (long nose)
For shaping and cutting wires.
BASIC TECHNIQUES
• Make the base out of batting
Prepare batting (1 g)
Gather the batting with your fingers and poke with a regular needle (2-needle puncher). To prevent the needles from breaking, pull the needles out from the same direction they were inserted.
Rotate the piece as you poke liberally to create a spherical shape. Poke deeply and harden from the center section.