Needle felting is the process of interlocking wool fibers by stabbing them with a single, barbed needle borrowed from a commercial felting machine. The barbs catch the scales on the fiber and cause them to tangle and bind together. What begins as a fluffy pile of wool rovings can end up a firm, detailed 3D sculpture.

The needles were not originally produced with the idea of sculpture in mind. In industrial felting, introduced in the early part of the twentieth century, many individual needles made up a large bed. These beds of needles were operated by machinery, and were able to tangle the wool fiber on a much larger scale. In this way, industry was able to mass produce sheets of felt.

In the 1980’s creative fiber artists began to craft with the individual needles on a smaller scale, and discover the sculptural possibilities that lie therein. One of the most important and influential fiber artists of that time was the Dane Birgitte Krag Hansen.

Hansen has been felting for decades with the wet method, but her work with needle felting has led to the development of several new techniques. These techniques are chronicled in some of her felting handbooks, which are difficult to find in North America but can be purchased directly from her website.

Needle felting can take hours, but it does not have to. This depends upon the scale and density you desire. Things that are larger and firmer require more felting, and thus a larger time commitment. However, there are many smaller creations you can make which are fun and satisfying, but not too labour-intensive. Your speed will also improve with time and practice.

While there are several tips and techniques which can be studied and practiced, needle felting is essentially an art form and the result of a creative process. The final product will largely depend on your own individual vision. The possibilities are endless, the potential immeasurable.