Guide Note

Felting is the process of transforming fibers into fabric without weaving. Through a process of matting, pressing and condensing various fibers, felt of virtually any size, shape, color and consistency can be created.

Fast Facts

1. Felt is oldest human created fabric
2. Felt dating to 6500 BC was discovered in Turkey
3. Traditional felting techniques are still employed by nomadic peoples in Central Asia
4. Wool is the most common fiber used in felting
5. Animal fibers were used for traditional felting
6. Modern felts often contain synthetic fibers

Small wool fibers are placed in overlapping layers at 90 degree angles to each other between two layers of a thin medium that will not adhere to the felt. The fibers are immersed in warm water and rolled for about five minutes. The felt is removed from the water and rotated ¹/₄ turn. The rolling and rotating process is repeated until the fibers have bonded to each other to create a piece of felt.