What is Felt?

Felt is the oldest textile on earth, findings date from the Neolithic period (6500-7000BC). It is still made today in Eastern Europe, Asia and by the nomads of Tibet, where the material is used for clothing and tent coverings.

In felting, fibres are matted together to form a dense material. This can be done two ways: using water, heat and agitation or a barbed needle.

Wool is conducive to felting due to the microscopic scales on each fibre; the scales open with moisture and heat, while agitation locks them together, forming an incredibly strong fabric. Needle felting, using a barbed needle, is another process of adhering fibre to fibre to produce felt. Repeatedly pushing the needle into the fleece locks the fibres together.

Combining these two methods produces endless possibilities. Artists who make felt today do so in much the same way as centuries ago.

Gallery Index

Click on an image below to visit the related gallery or choose from the menu items on the right.