Machine Needle Felting: Texturizing Fabric

Posted on March 19, 2010 by Linda Matthews

Machine Needle Felting

A few weeks ago I released the updated version of my machine needle felting dvd “Felt-Punch-Embellish” which now includes all the techniques previously offered on the “More Felt-Punch-Embellish” dvd, so it’s now a double dvd containing dozens of different techniques for exploring your needle felting machine. Also included on the dvd are supporting videos and over 240 close-up sample photos so you can easily see how the techniques are done and what they look like when they’re incorporated into a project. You can visit the store if you’d like further details.

In the meantime please enjoy the following lesson showing how to make texturized fabric samples. I’ve also included the video so you can see how easy it is, as well as some sample photos. Texturized fabric is my favorite machine needle felting technique and I use it a lot, particularly for backgrounds for art quilts and for wearable art.

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Talisman Pouches

Posted on August 7, 2009 by Linda Matthews

Talisman or amulet pouches have their origins in Africa and were typically made of leather or sometimes cloth and contained sacred prayers or written words of empowerment. The pouches were then sealed to prevent the writings from being read and giving power to the words that were written. The pouches represent both the physical (the pouch) and the spiritual (the prayer). These amulets were carried, and sometimes worn on the clothing of the Africans.

Machine Needle Felting

These little pouches are so easy to make using the needle felting machine and are the perfect project to do when your day is super busy and you only have half an hour or so to spare.

I particularly liked the black/white/red color combination that was used in the video, but I didn’t have any of those felted colors on hand so I machine needle felted some cream colored Corriedale wool, then painted some of it black and some of it red. But in the meantime while these pieces were drying I thought I’d put together a couple of pouches using colored felt scraps.

I had some scraps of hand dyed soy silk felt so I cut out the pouch pieces and a decorative shape.

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Machine Needle Felting: Using Layers

Posted on July 21, 2009 by Linda Matthews

I love to use my needle felting machine, particularly for texturizing and manipulating fabric in unusual ways. One technique I use is layering my fabrics before needle felting for some awesome results. To learn some of the other fabulous techniques I use in my work, stop by the store and check out my instructional dvds.

Red organza/lace …

Machine Needle Felting

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Making Felt Using Yarn and a Layer of Tulle

Posted on June 3, 2009 by Linda Matthews

Machine Needle Felting Decorative knitter’s yarn makes great felt. It is readily available, comes in great textures and colors and is relatively inexpensive.

You can produce beautiful felt with wonderful texture using yarn, and depending on the type of decorative yarn you use, the under side of your piece can also produce great results.

Felting yarn with your needle felting machine however can be a little difficult, particularly if the yarn is made from polyester or is a poly-blend which tends to make the yarn very soft, but slippery to work with.

A great solution is to needle felt the yarn onto a layer of tulle. Bridal tulle is very soft and sheer and comes in many colors. Once it is felted to the yarn, it becomes virtually invisible while providing a very soft hand for your felt. Using tulle as a base is ideal for creating a variety of felt thicknesses—from very sheer to very thick, as well as for creating detailed designs and shapes.

Tip: You may find it easier to work with a hand embroidery hoop. Simply hoop your tulle and follow the directions.

PS To learn some of the fabulous techniques I use in my work, stop by the store and check out my instructional dvds.

Basic Instructions for Making Felt Using Yarn and a Layer of Tulle

Supplies

Bridal tulle
Decorative knitting yarn
Hand embroidery hoop (optional)

Directions

This demonstration uses Sensations “Fringe” yarn.

Machine Needle Felting

Note: It is normal for the tulle to tear during needle felting process. If additional support for your felting is needed you can simply add another piece of tulle under the original piece. You can also extend the size of your project by adding extra pieces of tulle as required.

Cut a piece of tulle approx 8” x 8”.
Puddle the yarn on top of the tulle and needle felt thoroughly.

Machine Needle Felting

Depending on the texture and thickness of the yarn and your desired result, you will need to needle felt “more” or “less”. e.g. feathered yarn:
… needle felt less for soft felt with lots of feathers;
… needle felt more for soft felt with few feathers.
Continue puddling and needle felting in this manner until your felted piece is completed.

Machine Needle Felting

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