Felt
Felting dates back to 6300 BC. It is made from wool or other animal fibers that are densely matted together. It is the oldest textile fabric, predating spinning, weaving or knitting. Its many uses of insulating against, heat, cold and absorb moisture made it very versatile. Also, since it is a non-woven fabric it can be cut without fraying. There are many uses for felt such as blankets, clothing, hats and insulators.
Wet Felting
It is fairly simple to make felt, as you only need water, wool, soap and two hands. Other items can be used, but these are the basic items. Wool is laid out in layers of varying directions, and then hot water and soap are added. Once wet the wool is gently agitated. The wool fibers begin to interlock, their naturally inherent scales grab onto its neighboring fibers. The more agitation to the wet fibers causes the fabric to get tighter as more of the scales grab and lock together.
Needle Felting
Needle felting was created through industries need to produce felt without water and soap. The needle has tiny downward pointing barbs that catch the wool and drags some of the fibers down as it punches into the fabric. As the needle pulls back out it leaves the wool fibers clinging to each other. Industry created these needles and through the use of thousands of them at one time they produce the felt sheets that are found in craft and hardware and automotive stores to name a few uses.
The three dimensional needle felting techniques that are seen on this web site are credited to David and Eleanor Stanwood work during the 1980’s. These are the first artisans who used needle felting as a two and three dimensional artform on record to my knowledge. Since then the craft has been gaining popularity with crafters, doll makers, teddy bear makers, and artisans. The use of a single or multiple needles to create a three dimensional design has given the artisan a new pallet in their creativity.
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Page Modified by: R.B.Rueby, April 10, 2010