If you’ve been looking to try a new hobby in 2024, needle felting might be for you. It’s creative, doesn’t require any special equipment, requires no skill, and is easy to do with just a beginner’s kit.
There are also felting kits to suit every taste and interest, from pretty flowers to cute animals and adorable characters. You can even make some for the kids (which we think would be a great family activity) or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can let your imagination run wild and come up with a design.
Felting expert Gretel Parker writes for Wool Collecting Experts and explains: “In simple terms, wool felting is the process of sculpting unspun wool.” They add: “It’s also known as ‘dry felting’ because, unlike the more familiar ‘wet felting’, it doesn’t require water or soap – you just need a felting needle to tangle the wool. As you push the needle in, the barbs on the needle pull the wool fibres together, and this action compacts the wool as you sculpt.”
Felt products have a long history, dating back around 2,000 years, and folklore points to their humble origins. “The story of how felt was first discovered goes something like this: a shepherd boy lined his sandals with wool to protect his feet from the cold,” explains the Hobbycraft team. “At the end of the day, when he took off his shoes, he found that the wool had felted together. This was probably caused by sweat, the heat from his feet, and the friction of walking.”
Needle felting is a relatively new hobby, and its history is largely industrial. “In the early 1980s, David and Eleanor Stanwood turned needle felting into a craft using barbed needles from industrial felt factories,” the Wool4Ewe team explained. “They passed the technique on to Ayala Talpai, who then popularised it. Needle felting gradually became popular with crafters, doll makers and artisans.”
The clue is in the name! “Felting uses a long, thin needle with several barbs on the tip,” explains Crafty Kit. “When you push the needle into the wool, the barbs tangle the wool fibers, causing the wool to become stiff and shrink in size as you felt it. You can also use a reverse felting needle, where the barbs face the opposite direction, meaning that when you push the needle into the wool, the barbs push the wool fibers apart, creating a wonderful ‘fluffy’ effect.”
In short, no. The needle felting beginner kit includes everything you need to get started with the craft, so you don’t need any previous knowledge or equipment. Of course, some needle felting projects are more challenging than others, but with time and practice, you can create more intricate and detailed designs. For those who are more visual learners, there are plenty of video tutorials on YouTube that you can follow.
This is the perfect needle felting kit for Beatrix Potter fans, and a great choice for more advanced needle felters.
With step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow photos, you’ll learn how to make your own Jemima Puddle Duck. This eco-felting kit includes everything you need to get started: 100% Corriedale felting wool, high-quality German felting needles, glass eyes, pipe cleaners, thick and thin wire, and a recycled foam pad.
This craft kit includes everything you need to create your own felt cow. It even includes a special wool blend that creates realistic, fluffy fur!
This is an advanced needle felting kit – a great project if you’re already a needle felter and are ready to take it to the next level.
The Tranquil Pond Art Kit (designed by Nicky Hickman) depicts an idyllic scene with detailed dragonflies, butterflies and realistic reeds.
To create the base, you will need recycled foam felt pads and needle pebbles to surround the small pond.
This DIY kit is perfect for beginners. It comes with step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow photos that show you how to make a sleeping fox using the materials provided.
You don’t need any prior knowledge to work with this kit, making it the perfect first step into needle felting.
This felt craft kit includes everything you need to make your own Mr. Mole, including wire to create a pair of little glasses! It’s the perfect introduction to needle felting and a great project for beginners.
The Jenny Wren Needle Felting Kit is a great kit for beginner needle felters or those looking to improve their skills.
Kit includes 100% Corriedale wool, felting needles, pipe cleaners, recycled foam sponge, glass eyes, rebar wire and full color instructions.
If you want to make something that you can hang on your wall, this needle felting kit is perfect for you. It’s beginner-friendly and takes about two hours to complete, making it a great activity for a cozy afternoon.
Mrs Tiggy-Winkle Felting Kit, designed under license from Beatrix Potter. Kit includes: 100% Corriedale felted wool, high-quality German felting needles, wool blend felt fabric, glass eyes, hand sewing needle and thread, recycled foam cushion and colourful instructions.
This kit is a great introduction to needle felting and when you’re done you can hoop your design.
This craft kit includes everything you need to create a 2D felt painting, just like painting with wool. Easy-to-follow illustrated instructions guide you through each step.
With step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow photos, you’ll learn how to make a wire skeleton, fill it with felt wool, and add details to bring your bunny to life.
This Peter Rabbit and the Stolen Turnip felting kit is not for beginners, but is a good challenge for “enthusiasts” – those who already have a lot of experience.
The kit includes 100% Corriedale felting wool, high-quality German felting needles, wool blend felt fabric, metal pipe cleaners, glass eyes, recycled foam pads and full-color instructions. Always ready to go.
Is there anything cuter than a hedgehog? For craft and wildlife lovers, this is a creative project worth trying.
For those who want to get involved, the kit includes 100% Corriedale wool, wool blend felt fabric, high quality German felting needles, a 15cm hoop, a recyclable foam mat, chalk and full colour instructions.
©2025 Hearst UK is a trading name of National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London SW1Y 4AJ. Registered in England. All rights reserved.