Felt-Making for Beginners

Join us for a fun day of felt-making. This ancient art/craft combines wool fibres with heat, moisture and friction to create not just an incredibly durable matted fabric but one that has many modern day applications from wearables to accessories, homewares to fine art.

In this class you’ll learn the basic techniques of the felt-making process which have remained relatively uncharged for centuries. You’ll learn the different types of laying out methods, how to incorporate colour, design and pattern into your felt during the laying out stage, finishing techniques for achieving a hard-wearing and durable fabric and all the tips, tricks and information on where to source materials and equipment at minimal cost so that you can continue your explorations into felt-making from your own home.

Felt-making is an incredibly forgiving medium and people are often surprised at what they can achieve, especially those who consider themselves ‘uncreative’. There are no ‘mistakes’ and each piece just shows you another iteration of this amazing material. It’s a voyage of discovery where you can go at your leisure and follow your own inclinations.

By the end of the day you will be taking home 2 pieces of uniquely designed hand crafted felt. A flat piece which can be used as a table mat or be stitched up to make a pouch/purse. And a small round seamless soft pod/vessel. Plus notes with step by step instructions and information on wool suppliers and other felting materials.

Materials List:

• An old towel and a waterproof/plastic bag to take your wet felt and towel home.

• Optional: apron if you worried about getting water on your clothes.