Needle felting is an easy technique which uses roving (unspun fiber, usually wool or silk) to create felt by pushing the needle straight up and down through the fiber. This is a simple way to sculpt small figures in miniature for dolls' houses. They can be completely felted, or hair can be applied.
To create the felt you push the needle straight up and down in a punching motion through a ball or line of fibers. As you felt, the fibers will pack closer together, so practise is needed in order to create something which is a particular size. Depending on the amount you felt your fibers you can create very small, hard items, or softer, less dense felted sculptures.
The technique is easy (and repetitive). If you make a mistake and pack your fibers too tightly you can add more and fill out your shape.
These sculptures were my beginning attempt at needle felting and took roughly an afternoon to complete.
Note: These needles are very sharp, this is not recommended as a children's activity!
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