Introduction to Textiles Colne Library

In our first session we learnt how to make felted beads.  There are two ways to make the beads: a wet method and a dry method.

Wet method
Take a small amount of merino felting wool. ( I get mine from Wingham Wools, see http://www.winghamwoolwork.co.uk/) You can use one colour or mix your colours or add small amounts of knitting yarn. Roll the dry wool in the palm of your hand so that it goes into a ball shape.  Now wet your hands with very warm slightly soapy water and roll the felting wool as fast as you can.  The wool ball should shrink down as you roll.  Dry near a radiator overnight.  These can then be used to make jewellry or sewn onto fabric pieces for embellishment.

Dry Method
You will need a dry felting needle, again you can purchase these online from Wingham Wools.  You will also need a piece of foam about 6 inch square.  Roll some Merino felting wool into a ball in the palm of your hand as above. Place the wool ball onto the foam square and hold carefully. Then using the felting needle begin to stab the wool ball to felt the fibres together. Be careful with the needle as it is razor sharp.  Always point the needle down into the foam square away from your fingers.  Keep turning the felted ball so that all sections of the ball are stabbed.  It may take up to 10 minutes.  Use as above.