(For Part 1 of the series click here )
For now, we’re focusing on using only the 3 basic supplies: needles, a mat, and wool. If you’re using a pen tool, like the kind made by Clover (the company behind most felting supplies easily available in stores) make sure it has all 3 needles in it when you’re starting out. If you’re using a tool which has multiple needles, that can’t be removed or replaced, such as the kind with a round wooden top, make sure you’re using one with at least 3 needles. You want to use multiple needles when starting out; this will make the felting go faster. Also you’ll want to work on a larger surface first while you’re learning how the fiber reacts to the way you move the needle, and single needles are better for finer details.
Make sure your mat, or foam if you’ve chosen to go that route, is sitting on a sturdy and flat surface. You don’t want to just set it in your lap, start poking around with the needles, and have it slip off your leg without warning. Obviously if you’re using a very large piece of foam, this probably won’t be a problem, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry when working with barbed needles. Make certain, regardless of what you choose to use as a mat, that it’s at a level that is comfortable for your hands and arms. Slightly lower than you would have a keyboard for your computer is probably a good position.
Now for the fun part – the wool. (Many crafters who work with fiber describe their joy in working with it as an addiction.) Choose your colors and go ahead and get them laid out so that you can easily access them. For the purposes of this guide we’ll assume you’re making a basic flower. Either pull the fibers apart to get the amount you need or cut them. I personally prefer to pull them apart unless I have a very specific idea in my head. It’s really a matter of personal preference and how easily you can pull apart the fibers, though. Thinly layer some of the wool over the mat. You don’t want to put a wad of fiber on – it’s more difficult to felt and won’t be as well formed, plus it will likely be too thick and unwieldy.
Then, simply start poking with the needles. Since we’re making a flower, just get it in a basic round shape. You may want to take an extra single needle and use it to hold down the fiber. Otherwise just use your finger, but be careful where you stick the needle. Once it seems to be sticking together enough to not come apart, flip the piece over and do the same on the other side. Repeat this until you think it’s thick enough and in the shape you want. Don’t worry if it seems to be taking a long time, it gets easier and faster as you learn. Do this until you have about 5 “petals” so you’ll be ready for the next part. Use as many or as few colors as you like. You can make several solid color petals and some mixed, or all the same if you’d rather have something uniform.
