top of page

              Bringing Wool To Life:

The Creation of a Needle Felted Animal

If you were ever slightly curious on how these adorable woolen animals are created, then look no further! Read below to see how I make my needle felted animals as I take you through the creation process

The Beginning: Building The Armature

Every animal I make starts with a wire armature. The armature is basically the "skeleton" of the felted animal. This wire skeleton gives them the ability to be posed in almost any position; which is why I like to make all my animals this way. 

Before I start an animal, I study pictures of their anatomy and skeletal structure. I try to be as accurate as possible when it comes to porportions. 

Needle Felted Animals
Needle Felted Animals
Needle felted animals
Needle felted animals

Building The Body With Wool

Once the armature is built, I will then start to build up the body by adding wool. The type of wool I use for this step is called "core wool". Core wool can be any color but I mainly use white. True to it's name, "core wool" is used to build the core of a felted sculpture. I always start with this wool due to it's consistency and density, which are perfect for building a solid and sturdy sculpture.

  I add wool to the arms, legs, torso, and head. I then secure these sections of wool together using my felting needles. I keep adding wool until I acheive the overall shape of the animal I am making. I also will shape the nose, mouth, and other facial features with my felting needles at this point as well. 

Adding Color & Detail

Once I have achieved the animal's body & facial shape, I can then move on to the next step, which is to start adding the colored wool. This gives the face and body it's detail. I always start with the head and face first, because that area usually requires the most time and attention. I use reference photos of the animal to accurately apply it's colors and markings. Once I have the facial details complete I can move onto the rest of the body. 

Needle felted animals
Needle felted animals

Finishing Touches & The Final Result

In the final steps, I may add some finishing touches such as whiskers and an artist tag to signature my work. Lastly, I glue in the eyes and whiskers to secure them... and voila! The animal is now complete!

Needle felted animals
Needle Felted Animals
Needle Felted Animals
Needle Felted Animals

Each animal I make is a labor of love; it can be hard sometimes to send them off to their new homes. However, knowing that they may become a cherished gift from a loved one or keepsake to mark an important day, has turned this hobby of mine into something very special. - Danielle S.

Farmhouse Felts Online

  • en_isell_1
  • Facebook Social Icon
  • Twitter Social Icon
  • Pinterest Social Icon
  • Instagram Social Icon
bottom of page