Wet Felting Cheatsheet
Wool Types for Wet Felting
| Wool Type | Characteristics | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Merino Wool | Fine, soft, felts quickly | Smooth, delicate felt projects |
| Corriedale Wool | Medium fiber diameter | Durable felt, medium texture |
| Romney Wool | Coarser fibers | Thick, strong felt |
| Shetland Wool | Lightweight, warm | Lightweight and warm felt |
| Icelandic Wool | Dual coat (soft undercoat + coarse outer) | Textured felts and layering |
Essential Wet Felting Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soap (Liquid or Bar) | Helps fibers mat together | Use mild dish soap or special felting soap |
| Warm Water | Activates wool fibers | Comfortable to touch |
| Bubble Wrap or Bamboo Mat | Provides friction surface | Used for rolling and agitation |
| Towels | Absorb excess water | For pressing and drying |
| Rolling Pin or Pool Noodle | Helps compress and full the felt | Makes rolling easier |
| Mesh Screen or Netting | Holds fibers in place | Useful for wet layout |
Basic Wet Felting Process
| Step | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare Wool | Pull and arrange wool fibers thinly | Alternate directions for strength |
| Lay Out Fibers | Form wool layers crosswise | Use multiple thin layers |
| Wet Wool | Apply warm soapy water | Ensure even saturation |
| Agitate & Rub | Use hands, bubble wrap or mat | Create friction to bind fibers |
| Roll & Press | Roll wool tightly and apply pressure | Repeat to tighten fabric |
| Rinse & Dry | Remove soap, press out water | Lay flat to dry, reshape if needed |
Common Wet Felting Techniques
| Technique | Description | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Nuno Felting | Felting wool onto fabric (silk, cotton) | Lightweight, textured fabric |
| Fulling | Additional shrinking and strengthening | Durable, dense felt |
| Surface Decoration | Adding embellishments post-felting | Beads, embroidery, needle felting |
| Resist Felting | Using resist materials to create shapes | Hollow forms, bags, vessels |
| Shaping & Molding | Wet shaping around molds | Hats, bowls, sculptures |
Project Ideas & Difficulty
| Project | Wool Type | Skill Level | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felt Sheets | Corriedale or Merino | Beginner | 1-2 hours |
| Scarf or Wrap | Merino + Silk | Intermediate | 3-5 hours |
| Hats & Bags | Romney or Shetland | Advanced | 5-8 hours |
| Decorative Art | Mixed fibers | Intermediate-Advanced | 4-6 hours |
| 3D Felted Forms | Mixed wools | Advanced | 6+ hours |
Troubleshooting Common Problems
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wool doesn’t felt | Water too cold or soap insufficient | Use warm water, add soap |
| Felt is too thin | Insufficient wool layers | Add more layers, felt longer |
| Felt tears easily | Poor fiber interlocking | Increase agitation and rolling |
| Uneven thickness | Uneven wool distribution | Spread fibers evenly |
| Felt shrinks too much | Over-fulling | Reduce agitation, monitor process |
Care & Maintenance for Felted Items
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Hand wash gently | Use cool water and mild soap |
| Avoid wringing | Press water out carefully |
| Dry flat | Maintain shape during drying |
| Store away from moisture | Prevent mold and mildew |
| Use fabric protectors | Optional, to prevent stains |
Resources & Learning
| Resource Type | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Books | “The Art of Wet Felting” by [Author] | Step-by-step tutorials |
| Online Videos | YouTube tutorials and courses | Free and paid options |
| Workshops | Local fiber art classes | Hands-on learning |
| Suppliers | Wool and tools sellers | Specialty craft stores online |