Felted Paws by Tatiana- Needle Felting Journeys

1️⃣ What are your favourite needles to use?

I use mainly a 36 spiral, 38 star, a 36 star, a 40 spiral and a reverse needle.

I can never seem to remember... I just go by ‘feel’!

2️⃣ What is your favourite type of wool to work with?

Because I need to create a great range of textures with my animals, I do not have a single favourite wool — for me, variety is key. I spend many hours online hunting out and purchasing as many different fibres as I can, then spend time testing how they work through trial and error.

3️⃣ What is the worst piece of advice you keep hearing for needle felters?

I have not heard much bad advice, actually — most fibre artists are wonderfully helpful and generous with their tips.

4️⃣ What common mistakes do people make when they start out?

The most common mistake is not building up a firm enough shape with core wool before attaching outer coats. Many stop too soon, leaving the piece too soft to work with.

5️⃣ What is the one thing a beginner could learn today that would make a difference to their work?

Spend time online observing other artists’ work, but do not feel you must copy their style. Go slowly and make sure your core wool shape is really firm before adding any surface fibres.