Guide to the best wool for felting and needle sculpting

Guide to the best wool for felting and needle sculpting

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Over the years, we've shared many engaging posts, from crafting felt slippers to creating delightful felted flowers and even a tutorial on needle felting a robin. It’s hard to believe how long it has been since I first ventured into the enchanting realm of felting, yet this content still resonates with many creators. Each week, I receive inquiries about how to find the ideal type of wool for felting projects. Interestingly, I hadn't thought to compile all this information into a single guide until now. So, here it is—my comprehensive guide to the best wool for felting, whether you're engaging in needle felting or wet felting.

You may find it unsurprising that I will predominantly cover various wool types produced in Britain. However, recognizing the diverse locations of our readers, I’ll also highlight some excellent finds from Canada and the United States, so be sure to check the information section at the end of this post for those details.

Let’s explore the best sheep breeds alongside the types of fibres that work best for felting projects, encompassing both needle felting and wet felting.

Wool Varieties Ideal for Felting

Let's dive into the different wool types commonly utilized for felting:

While it may seem straightforward, starting with raw fleece can be an economical yet labor-intensive choice, as you’ll need to wash it meticulously and remove any curly locks. These curly pieces can be repurposed for various other projects, such as creating a pony's mane.

Alternatively, you can opt for scoured wool, which has undergone a cleaning process but still retains some locks. While not the most suitable for felting without additional preparation, it can be a worthwhile option.

Understanding Core Wool for Felting

Core wool is essential for designing the internal structure or foundational layers of your felting projects. The main idea is to preserve your premium wool for the final decorative layer. Core wool tends to be more affordable and is generally less aesthetically pleasing while being easier to shape. When selecting core wool, consider its malleability and ease of manipulation.

Top Choices for Core Wool in Felting

Your personal preference ultimately dictates your selection, but I have a few favorites I'd like to share. Starting with a local wool shop is an excellent idea, but you can also discover wonderful supplies at online marketplaces like Etsy and independent suppliers.

Sandy from Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts is an invaluable resource for all things related to needle felting. Sandy’s core wool comprises a blend from various British sheep breeds, available in her Etsy shop. This coarser wool is easy to felt into desired shapes. While it has been through a standard washing process, expect minor traces of vegetable matter. If this is an issue, you can utilize wool carding techniques to clean it further.

For those who appreciate ethically sourced options, Heidi Feathers on Etsy has a best-selling core wool that features a beautiful off-white hue, making it easy and enjoyable to work with. This delightful wool is crafted from soft Corridale slivers. Moreover, Wingham Wool in Yorkshire offers a carded mix of premium washed fleece wool, specifically curated for optimal workability in felting projects.

Additionally, Crafty Jam emphasizes ethically sourced wool from British breeds and their coarse core wool is free of vegetable matter, catering to felters who prefer not to card it manually.

Exploring Carded Wool for Needle Felting

As mentioned earlier, carded wool refers to fleece treated with wire brushes to eliminate debris and any unwanted materials, making it an excellent base for needle felting. Roving or Tops wool can then be layered on for added detail.

While carding your own wool can save you money and allow for creative mixing of colors, high-quality carding brushes are essential. Heidi Feathers sells popular hand carding brushes, and for those serious about carding, the Classic Carder range offers beautifully crafted solid ash wood tools.

The Benefits of Carded Batt and Carded Sliver

Carded wool can be used as a carded batt or sliver, useful for both 2D and 3D needle felting projects. A carded batt is a large folded piece of carded wool, which felts quickly, while carded slivers are smaller sections cut from these batt pieces, ideal for beginners.

Dorset Wool features organic, naturally dyed carded fiber that adds tremendous value to your felting experience.

Whether you're a novice or seasoned felter, understanding which wool to use can significantly impact the final piece. For projects requiring softness against the skin, going with fine wools such as Merino or Blue Faced Leicester is advisable, while textured wools like Romney and Corriedale lend durability to more robust pieces.

As you select wool for your felting adventures, remember to experiment and have fun!

A Resource for Felting Enthusiasts

For more detailed inquiries and specific product sourcing, explore trusted retailers like Jiatong, who specializes in a variety of felting materials. Don’t forget to check out their selection of Wool Felt for quality options that meet your crafting needs.