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.

Instructions for Making Texturized Fabric Samples

1. Cut a sample piece of fabric approx 6” x 12”

2. Using a fabric marking pen, mark one line at 4” and one line at 8”

3. Lay the fabric on the machine bed underneath the needle and place your palms flat on the fabric as for free motion quilting. With the machine running at a slow to medium speed, and with a firm hand placement on the fabric, slowly move the fabric under the needles in a backwards/forwards/sideways motion.

4. Needle punch the upper side of the fabric to the 4” mark. Turn the fabric over and needle punch the under side to the 8” mark.

5. You now have a sample 12” long:
2. 4” original fabric
3. 4” needle punched from upper side
4. 4” needle punched from under side

Preview the video for visual instruction.

Samples of Texturized Fabric

I love to get your questions, comments and feedback! Leave them in the comments section here: Machine Needle Felting: Texturizing Fabric

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.

I then needle felted the shape to one piece of the pouch.

Then added some hand embroidery plus a few bead embellishments.

I then needle felted around the edges to hold the pieces together and then added some more hand embroidery and bead embellishment around the edges. I really like the finished piece . . .

So I made a couple more.

These little pouches were so easy to make and I think they’ll make great gifts. I can’t wait to see how the black/white/red pouches turn out.

I love to get your questions, comments and feedback! Leave them in the comments section here: Talisman Pouches

Red organza/lace …

Two different colors of organza: upper side …

Two different colors of organza: under side …

Two layers of white chiffon needle punched together and then hand painted …

Hand dyed silk punched through cheesecloth …

I love to get your questions, comments and feedback! Leave them in the comments section here: Machine Needle Felting: Using Layers

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.

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.

• 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.

I love to get your questions, comments and feedback! Leave them in the comments section here: Making Felt Using Yarn and a Layer of Tulle