subject: Wet Felting: A Great Craft [print this page] Felt can be made through a process known as "wet felting". To complete this process layers of different coloured wool fibre are layered together. The wool fibre has hooks on it and the intention is to rub the fibres together so the hooks intertwine and interlock - the result is a continuous piece of woolen felt.
The fibres are interlocked through continually rubbing and agitating the woolen fibres together and using water as a lubricant. Hence the name wet felting.
Wet felting is used for making craft items such as scarves and pieces of material which can be sewn into your desired project.
Dry Felting or Needle Felting is an alternative way to make felt. The dry felting process consists of taking pieces of wool and needling this wool with a felt needle. The felt needle has barbs on it and these barbs interlock the hooks in the woolen fibre and create felt. With this process you can free design, shape and create items like puppets and soft toys. This craft is ideal for children as you can use the animals you have made as a central theme in a story and create a children's story.
Felt is a great product that is safe, univeral and can be cut, glued, shaped and added to many projects.
There are many types of felt. The type depends on what material is used to make the felt.
Foss Felt is made in America. Foss Felt is 100% polyester and is available in five types:
* Glitter Craft Felt: It is similar to classic felt, but has glitter pieces woven through it.
* Classic Craft Felt: It is a smooth felt.
* Plush Craft Felt: It has a long nap and is used for toy making.
* Sticky Craft Felt: This type of felt is adhesive backed.
* Shaggy Craft Felt: It has the longest nap and ideal for teddy bears.
There is also woolen felt which is made from wool and often has viscose in it. This wool is very soft to touch and is ideal if you are making items which will be close to the skin.
Another type of felt is Wonder Felt. This felt is an economical multi-purpose fabric that can be used for making various kinds of projects. It is used for art wall hangings, wadding, chair pad backing and home decorating. Wonder Felt also makes a perfect storage box liner to protect your delicate items.
