1. What is needle felting?

Needle felting is a relatively new technique for creating felt by using special felting needles. It can be used to shape any type of natural fiber, including dog and cat fur. It is a type of technique that can be done by hand or with the help of machines. Needle felting is a relatively easy process and is currently in vogue.

2. How is needle felting done?

Needle felting is an art technique that involves turning wool or other fibers with the help of special needles into felt. It is a very versatile technique that allows artists to create a variety of textures and shapes. The advantage of needle felting is that it can be done anywhere, without requiring special conditions or much experience.

3. What is a felting needle?

This is considered the Dry Felt technique. The fibers are interlaced and compacted with one or several special needles. It is an easy and practical technique. With it you can make:

4. How is a felting needle used?

1) Inicia-se o trabalho com a agulha grossa (G). (esta vai apanhar um maior número de fibras) 2) Assim que sentirmos alguma resistência ao picar, deve-se mudar para a agulha média (M). (se insistirmos em utilizar a agulha (G), vai partir) 3) A maior parte do trabalho é realizado com a agulha (M). (pelo menos a montagem/base da lã) 4) Novamente, quando sentirmos resistência ao picar, deve-se mudar para a agulha mais fina (F). 5) O trabalho de detalhe e finalização é sempre realizado com a agulha fina (F).

5. What is Magic Wool?

Magic wool is a special kind of wool that is used for felting and handicrafts.

6. Where can one buy magic wool?

Magic wool can be purchased in stores specializing in handmade felting or online. Magic wool has some unique characteristics that make it ideal for these activities. For example, it is made from natural fibers and is extremely soft. In addition, magic wool has a surface that is perfect for Needle Felting, a technique used to create 2D and 3D felting.

7. What is the price of Magic Wool?

There is no set price for Magic Wool, because this product can vary according to the quality and characteristics of the product. The price can also vary if purchased individually or together with other products.

8. How is Magic Wool stored?

Magic Wool is a safe and effective product for human use. It is made from natural wool and meets Oeko-Tex®-Standard 100. Magic Wool should be stored inside its original packaging and in a cool, dry environment to prevent deterioration of the wool.

Needle Felting: Choosing the Right Needles

By Mónica Saraiva - ENG - 09 Jul 2021 601 0 comments

Needle felting is a crafting technique that uses special needles to interlock wool fibers, creating solid and detailed shapes. Selecting the right needle is crucial to achieving the desired results in your projects. Below, we present the main types of felting needles and guidance on choosing the most suitable one for your needs.

Types of Felting Needles

Triangular Needles:

Characteristics: Feature three barbs that help interlock the wool fibers. They are versatile and widely used.
Common Sizes:
- Size 32: A coarse needle, ideal for initial work and shaping larger forms.
- Size 36: Similar to the 32, suitable for general shaping and fastening large surfaces.
- Size 38: Versatile, suitable for finer wool and even fiber distribution.
- Size 40: Thin, perfect for precise details and finishing touches.
- Size 42: Ultra-thin, used for marking small areas and delicate contours.

Spiral Needles (Twisted):

Characteristics: Designed with a spiral shape to increase strength and capture more fibers, speeding up the felting process.
Common Sizes:
- Size 38 Spiral: Ideal for fine wool, distributing it evenly.
- Size 40 Spiral: Similar to the triangular version, suitable for details and smooth surfaces.

Reverse Barb Needles:

Characteristics: Feature barbs facing outward, pulling fibers rather than pushing them, which creates fluffy textures.
Common Size:
- Size 32R (Reverse): Ideal for creating fuzzy textures and surface effects.

How to Choose the Right Needle

For Beginners: Start with a medium-sized needle, like the 36, which offers versatility for various projects.
For Shaping Larger Forms: Use coarser needles like size 32 or 36 to speed up the process.
For Details and Finishing: Choose finer needles, such as size 40 or 42, for greater precision.
For Fluffy Surfaces: Reverse barb needles are perfect for creating soft and voluminous textures.

Additional Tips

Combination of Needles: To optimize the process, use a combination of different needle sizes—starting with coarser needles for the base and finishing with finer needles for details.
Care and Maintenance: Handle needles with care to avoid damage. Store them safely and use finger protectors for added safety during use.

For a more practical understanding of needle sizes and their applications, check out the video below, which explains the different options and how to use them effectively.

By selecting the right needle and understanding its characteristics, you can enhance the quality and efficiency of your needle felting projects, making the process more enjoyable and the results more rewarding.

Tags:Needle Felting Felting Needles Triangular Needles Spiral Needles Reverse Barb Needles 3D Wool Projects Beginner Felting Guide Crafting Tips.

Mónica Saraiva - ENG

Olá, o meu nome é Mónica Saraiva e sou Designer & Toy Artist.
Sou licenciada em Design e apaixonada por Feltragem Artesanal desde o ano 2000.

Desde então especializei-me na técnica de Feltragem com Agulhas e só mais tarde em 2006 na Feltragem com Água & Sabão / Nuno Felting.

Durante este precurso de aprendizagem continua participei em inúmeros eventos nacionais, exposições e ministrei várias formações especializadas no âmbito da Feltragem Artesanal em Portugal.

Actualmente sou fundadora das duas maiores marcas nacionais ligadas à Feltragem Artesanal, Tudo Feltro ® e Lã Mágica ®.