To make indentations in the shape you are making to give it dimensions, compress the middle of the shape. You can then use the felting needle to flatten all or a portion of the compressed area. This is a great way to make wings on birds, or to give added texture to the interior of animal ears. You will likely need to add more little tufts of wool to the shape to give it both dimension and contour. Sometimes, needle felters use armature wire or the cheaper version, pipe cleaner, as a frame for a shape or to create bendable parts.

Let your imagination run wild! You can make an entire menagerie of miniature animals once you get into it. General Tips for Needle Felting Animals for BeginnersUse straight pins to secure your shape down for an easier time. This will also relieve your fingers of getting stabbed. Using a felting needle allows you to fully control the shrinking, dry felting process and you can add wool for bulk or to add features to make your creation completely unique. It truly is magical and can be quite addictive, but therapeutic too.” Join us for Craft for Cats, our first-ever virtual craftalong, and you can learn how to make your own needle felted cat from the comfort of your own home. I still remember my incredulity at how a small, innocent-looking felting needle could transform fluffy, shapeless wool into a cute animal!

This easy project is ideal for beginners and during the craftalong you’ll be led by felting enthusiast, Steffi Stern who is co-founder of craft supply business, The Makerss.Roving is available from various sources including wool fleece, raw cotton, and other fibers. For projects like this, wool is the top choice. I first tried the magical craft of needle felting over 15 years ago, making little decorations for my then-small children,” she explained. While your first needle felt animals might look a little strange, with practice, you’ll get better at creating all those fine details like limbs, paws, and even a snout! Step by Step Instructions for Making Needle Felt Animals Tags cat crafts Craft for Cats Crafting expert Steffi Stern from The Makerss reveals how to turn wool into a felt feline friend! Poke the felting needle randomly into the wool you have formed loosely into your shape. Always poke in an up and down and not a sideways motion.