Needles, Wool, Mistakes, Advice and the One Tip – Felts Forever

1️⃣ What are your favourite needles to use?

I love the Felt Alive needles from the USA. They are a guilty pleasure.

I use a lot of 40 triangle needles for my workshops and in my kits, as I find they are a good beginner needle. Star and spiral needles are what I generally use, and the size depends on the project. And of course, The Felt Box.

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

White Faced Woodland for my core, and Bergschaf, Norwegian and Jacob for the rest. I do source special wools if I need a certain texture or colour.

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

Mmmmm, usually using the wrong wool for 3D felting, like Merino. That would have put me off felting forever!

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

Using the wrong wool, definitely. So many beginners use Merino or other fine fibres. Start with a coarser wool like Bergschaf.

Another common mistake is not stabbing the core firmly enough, or stabbing too hard in the same area. With wool, less is more.

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

Do not give up, and do not expect it to look like what you want straight away. It is a process.

A couple of stabs can make all the difference. Put it down if you are struggling, then go back to it later. You will see it with fresh eyes. Enjoy it, and watch your fingers!

📌 About the artist

Felts Forever runs workshops and gives talks all over the North West of England. She loves creating fantasy pieces and will be featured in the new Needle Felting Magazine in summer.