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Category: Tutorials

  1. Nepps: Tiny Fibres, Big Texture

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    What Are Nepps (and What They Actually Do in Felting)

    Nepps are tiny, compact wool pills created during carding. Because the fibres are already tangled into tight little knots, they don’t draft, and they don’t fully integrate into surrounding wool the way regular roving does.

    This is exactly what makes them useful: they sit on the surface of your felt and create texture, speckling, and organic irregularity.

    felting wet nepps

    You can think of them as:

    • Texture beads
    • Mini pebbles
    • Wool confetti

    Their structure makes them perfect for adding natural, whimsical, or tactile surfaces — anything that benefits from unevenness, depth, or a bit of visual “noise.”

    2022-05-17 11.24.58

    Using Nepps in Needle Felting

    1. Surface Application (most common and most controlled)

    You’ll need:

    • A firmly felted base
    • Nepps
    • A fine needle (38–40 gauge)

    Steps:

    1. Felt your base shape until it’s firm.
    2. Sprinkle or place nepps onto the surface.
    3. Use light, shallow stabs to tack them down.
    4. Work around the edges of each nepp to anchor it without flattening it.
    5. Add more layers for denser texture.

    Results:

    • Nepps stay visible and dimensional.
    • Ideal for sheep coats, mossy rocks, speckled birds, mushrooms, and fantasy textures.

    2. Blending Nepps Into Wool (for subtle texture)

    Steps:

    1. Take a small amount of your base wool.
    2. Mix in a pinch of nepps with your fingers.
    3. Felt as normal.

    Results:

    • Nepps sit as soft bumps within the wool.
    • Great for natural fur variation, stone, bark, or organic surfaces.

    3. Placing Individual Nepps (for precision)

    Steps:

    1. Pick up a single nepp with your needle tip or fingers.
    2. Place it exactly where you want it.
    3. Anchor with tiny stabs around the edges.
    4. Rotate your piece so you’re always stabbing from the angle that keeps the nepp round.

    Results:

    • Controlled spots, freckles, markings, or delicate dusting.
    2022-05-17 11.45.47

    Using Nepps in Wet Felting

    Nepps behave beautifully in wet felting because they partially migrate but keep their shape.

    Steps:

    1. Lay out your wool layers.
    2. Sprinkle nepps on top or between layers.
    3. Wet felt as usual.
    4. As the wool shrinks, nepps create a pebble-like texture.

    Results:

    • Textured felt sheets
    • Landscape backgrounds
    • Moss, lichen, stone effects
    • Mixed-media bases
     
    2022-05-17 11.26.33

    Pro Tips for Best Results

    • Use sparingly unless you want a very textured look.
    • Fine needles anchor nepps without shredding them.
    • Colour choices matter: contrast gives bold texture; similar tones give subtle variation.
    • Expect some irregularity — nepps are naturally unruly.
    • A firm base is essential for clean attachment.

    Next steps have a play with adding nepps to your wool in needle felting wet felting and spinning.

  2. 2D Needle‑Felted Pet Portrait Tutorial

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    2D Needle Felted Pet Portrait Tutorial

    2018-10-14 14.05.29

    A gentle, structured guide for creating flat wool “paintings” of beloved pets.

    Needle felting isn’t just for sculpting, it can also be used to “paint” with wool, creating soft, textured portraits full of warmth and character. A 2D needle‑felted pet portrait captures the spirit of a beloved animal using nothing more than fibres, a felting needle, and a gentle layering process. This technique is wonderfully accessible for beginners and endlessly expressive for experienced makers.

    In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to build a flat wool portrait step by step: from choosing the right reference photos, to blocking in shapes, layering colours, and adding those tiny details that bring a face to life. Whether you’re creating a keepsake of your own pet or a thoughtful gift for someone else, this guide will help you craft a portrait that feels personal, soft, and full of character.

    Materials

    • Wool batt or felt sheet for your backing
    • Core wool for soft underlayers
    • Coloured topcoat fibres matched to the pet’s fur
    • Felting needles (coarse, medium, fine)
    • Foam or wool mat
    • Reference photos (front, side, close‑up of eyes)
    • Small scissors for trimming
    • Optional: water‑soluble pen or tracing paper

    Step 1: Prepare Your Reference

    • Choose 2 to 4 clear photos showing markings, expression, and fur texture.
    • Note fur direction, colour shifts, and distinctive features.
    • Lightly sketch or trace the outline onto your backing to keep proportions accurate.
    • Alternatively, trace around the picture with an iron‑on pen and transfer it directly onto your felt base.

    Step 2: Create the Base Layout

    • Begin with very thin wisps of core wool.
    • Block in the overall silhouette of the head, ears, and major shapes.
    • Keep everything soft and lightly tacked down, this is your map, not the final layer.

    Step 3: Build the Underpainting

    Think of this stage like the first wash in a painting.

    • Add mid tone colours across the face.
    • Use broad, gentle stabbing to secure fibres without over compacting.
    • Establish light and shadow early to create depth and form.

    Step 4: Add Fur Layers & Markings

    • Work in small patches, layering colours gradually.
    • Use directional stabbing to mimic the natural flow of fur.
    • Add markings (stripes, masks, spots) with thin, controlled wisps.
    • Blend edges by overlapping fibres, not trimming.

    Step 5: Create the Eyes

    Eyes bring the portrait to life.

    • Add a slightly darker underlay where the eyes will sit.
    • Build the iris with tiny amounts of colour.
    • Add a dark pupil, then a pinpoint of white for the highlight.
    • Shape eyelids with thin strips of wool to soften the edges and add realism.

    Step 6: Shape the Nose & Mouth

    • Form the nose with tightly felted dark wool.
    • Add nostril shadows using a fine needle.
    • Create the mouth line with a single thin strand of wool.
    • Blend surrounding fibres to avoid harsh outlines and keep the expression soft.

    Step 7: Refine Texture & Details

    • Use a fine needle for crisp edges and surface detailing.
    • Add highlights around the eyes, muzzle, and ears.
    • Introduce subtle colour shifts to mimic real fur depth.
    • Trim sparingly, only to tidy stray fibres.

    Step 8: Finishing & Presentation

    • Give the portrait a final check for symmetry, expression, and likeness.
    • Mount on a hoop, frame, or stiff felt backing.
    • Add a name tag or decorative border if desired.

    Next steps Faelanda Fiber Art  with tutorial on a cat picture, Sarah Vaci on animal eyes and madebybarb.com  Creating a dog picture.

     

  4. Working with Needle Felting Handles: Comfort, Precision and Proper Needle Loading

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    Working with Needle Felting Handles: Comfort, Precision and Proper Needle Loading

    Needle felting handles are more than comfort tools — they influence precision, speed, and how efficiently you can work. The right grip, angle, and needle setup reduce strain, improve control, and help you felt more effectively. This guide explains how to use both plastic and wooden handles, and how to load them safely with felting needles.

    2025-10-26 13.05.21