Making Handmade Felt - All Fiber Arts

Making Felt

Felt is made of wool that has been compressed with heat and agitation. Felt is very versatile and and requires only a minimum of equipment.

Felt is often used in children's crafts. Felt can also be sewn into hats, clothing, pillows or other useful items. Making felt can be a fun afternoon activity for you and your kids.

You will need a flat surface to work on, one where it doesn't matter if it gets wet. You will also need hot water, laundry soap, a straw beach mat, a few towels, and, of course, some wool.

In summer months, I make felt outdoors, in a kid's swimming pool. You will need access to hot water. An electric kettle will work fine or a hose attached to your hot water tap. In winter, I make felt successfully in my bath tub.

When planning a project, remember that felt will shrink in size so you will need to make allowances for this. For example, a 24" square will shrink about 20% to approx 20" finished size. To make a 20" square piece of felt, you will need approx. 5 - 6 oz. of pure wool roving.

Here's How
Free instructions for making felt, illustrated with photos.

Feltmaking Projects

More Feltmaking:

Felt Projects
Some ideas of what to make with your own handmade felt, such as boot liners, Christmas decorations, ornaments, purses, placemats, stockings, pillows.

Wool
Places to find fleece and wool roving.

Felt Resources
Links to other interesting sites about the craft of felting.

Trivia Question
What does "Mad as a Hatter" mean?

Felting Books
If you want to learn more about this wonderful craft, our bookstore now has some books on feltmaking.

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