Needle Felting for Beginners

Described as the book the authors wish they had when starting out, this easy-to-follow guide teaches you how to sculpt miniature worlds, animals, birds, and even your friends and family! There are 12 varied projects to get stuck into, and in each you'll discover a new technique, from using wire and armatures to capturing expression in the little felted faces.

* Sew Magazine *

Roz Dace and Judy Balchin teach us how to sculpt with felting wool.

This book is a great guide to get you started, starting with simple projects before moving on to more advanced pieces.

It begins by introducing what this craft consists of and its origin, before moving on to the necessary tools and materials, the terminology as well as the basic techniques: from how to mix colours to how to sculpt in 3D or how to repair the most frequent errors, gradually increasing the level of difficulty.

Once the explanations are finished, you will put them into practice with the projects, ranging from a simple garland of hearts to delicate animal sculptures, each accompanied by images that illustrate the creative process step-by-step.

This book provides you with an opportunity to get started in this technique that is gaining popularity and whose versatility makes anyone who tries it, end up getting hooked.

* Mondobelo Magazine *

For a mindful craft, why not give needle felting a go? You'll learn everything you need to know from authors and crafters, Roz Dace and Judy Balchin. They share their tips on how to add character to your creations and make unique pieces.

* Crafts Beautiful *

Well, my goodness! I was unsure if I would get along with this new to me creative hobby but I'm totally loving it! I bought a basic pack of wool (the pack recommended with the book) and that contained everything I needed to have a go. I'm not the most amazing of sculptors but with a little perseverance and belief in me (and the book) I managed to make my first felted animal! The book guided me from start to finish with colour photos and clearly written instructions it is a joy to have. As a total novice I feel it will take me some time to get proficient but I like the process... But watch out for the sharp points in your fingers!

-- Avril Collett * Amazon *

This book offers a comprehensive guide to the tools and techniques needed to dry needle felt. It covers all the basics and the projects build in skill. The instructions come with plenty of colourful and helpful photos. There are templates at the back of the book which are helpful to get sizes right. I am looking forward to trying all the projects.

-- Louise Coyle * Amazon *

Having just started Needle Felting I looked forward to receiving this book... and I was not disappointed! The explanations are really clearly illustrated. Really helpful tips and not only gives techniques and advice on 'how' but also equipment needed.
Definitely recommend!

-- Michelle George * Amazon *

An interesting and informative book with lots of inspiration and a sense of fun. There is a little history of needle felting, a lot of what you need and tutorials with inspirational ideas and templates. There is also a section of help, tips and problem solving. As a fairly new needle felter, I found it a great help with techniques and shaping, also for making cores and larger shapes cheaper and quicker. There are some techniques explained that I didn't know about.

-- Ann Charles * Amazon *

Learn how to master the art of needle felting. Perfect for beginners, this much-needed guide teaches a different technique in each of twelve varied projects. We build up skills, discover secrets and learn to capture expression and character in this fascinating craft.

* Machine Knitting Monthly *

Have fun needle felting your way through miniature worlds, creatures and faces in this inspiring beginner’s book.

Learn from experienced crafters Roz Dace and Judy Balchin how to master the art of needle felting.

Perfect for beginners, this fun, felty book teaches a different technique in each project. The authors take you on a journey, building up your skills from basic needle felting to confidently using armatures. They share their secrets with you and teach you how to capture expression and character in faces, as well as how to create realistic figures or more exaggerated caricatures.

You can sculpt miniature teacup worlds, endangered and garden animals and even your friends and family – it’s all covered.

With 12 varied projects to get stuck into, you just need to choose where to start. Beginners will love this much-needed guide to a fascinating craft.

* Mindful Crafting *

As a person new to needle-felting, I have been looking at books for beginners and have felt largely uninspired, but this one, despite being mostly about creating animals, took me from basic steps to more detailed features quite quickly.

With a short but useful section on colour mixing with carders, and a shopping list of additional elements required for various features, the book then goes into the basic techniques of needle felting including using forms to help create shapes. After teaching the basic forms that are required for the projects, how to create features and joining forms to make larger shapes, we then launch into the projects that progress quite quickly from simple to more complex.

I particularly liked the ‘Small World’ pincushion in a cup and ‘Felt a Face’. With templates at the back, this book takes you from a novice to feeling fairly competent. Also suitable for older children (under supervision), it is one I shall add to my textile library.

-- Stacey Harvey-Brown * The Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers *

This fun book won best craft book in the Craft Business Awards 2021. A different technique is taught in each project, to build up skills from basic needle felting to confidently using armatures. With 12 varied projects, beginners will love this much-needed guide to a fascinating craft.

* Machine Knitting Month