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Adding Whiskers to your felted Animal

Tools and Supplies:

• Horsehair (natural, stiff, realistic) or other whisker material
• Fine-tip fabric marker, chalk pencil, or sewing pins (for pre-marking placement)
• Felting needle or awl (to create insertion holes)
• Sharp scissors (for trimming whiskers)
• Clear-drying glue (like tacky glue or fabric glue)
• Optional: tweezers (for precise insertion)

Step 1: Pre-mark whisker placement; Before inserting anything, lightly mark the whisker spots using a fine-tip fabric marker, chalk pencil, or sewing pin. Most animals have 3 to 5 whiskers on each side of the muzzle, spaced in a gentle arc. Use a ruler or your eye to ensure symmetry. Reference photos of the animal you're felting can help guide natural placement.

Step 2: Choose your whisker material; Select a material that suits the look and stiffness you want. Fishing line is subtle and springy. Embroidery floss is softer and more decorative than realistic. Horsehair gives a natural appearance and holds shape well.

Step 3: Create insertion points; Using a fine felting needle or awl, poke shallow holes at each marked spot. Wiggle gently to widen the hole just enough for your chosen whisker material.

Step 4: Prepare and insert whiskers; Cut each whisker to the desired length, usually between 1 and 2 inches. Dip one end in a small amount of clear-drying glue such as tacky glue or fabric glue. Insert into the pre-made hole and hold for a few seconds. You can lightly felt around the base to secure it further if needed.

Step 5: Final adjustments; Trim whiskers to even lengths or leave slight variations for realism. Gently shape or curl them if using wire or fishing line. Brush lightly to fan them out and give a natural spread.

Next steps, have a look at these two videos Fit to be Loved and The Craft Cabin