Felting is a versatile and creative craft that has been gaining popularity due to its simplicity and the beautiful results it yields. Whether you're a beginner looking to start a new hobby or an experienced felter seeking high-quality materials, finding the right supplies is crucial. In this guide, we'll explore the best places to buy felting supplies, including both online and brick-and-mortar stores. We'll also provide tips on what to look for when purchasing felting materials to ensure you get the best quality for your projects.
Understanding Felting Supplies
Before diving into where to buy felting supplies, it's essential to understand what these supplies are and their purposes. Felting primarily involves two techniques: needle felting and wet felting. Each technique requires specific tools and materials.
Needle Felting
Needles: Specialized barbed needles, which come in various sizes and shapes, are used to interlock wool fibers.
Felting Wool: Wool roving or batting is commonly used. Merino wool is popular due to its fine texture.
Foam Pad or Felting Mat: This surface protects your work area and provides a firm base for needle felting.
Felting Needles Holders: These can make the process more comfortable and efficient, especially for larger projects.
Wet Felting
Felting Wool: Similar to needle felting, but you can also use pre-felt sheets.
Soap: Gentle soap helps the felting process.
Hot Water: Hot water is essential to mat the fibers together.
Bubble Wrap or Bamboo Mat: Used to roll and agitate the wool fibers.
Online Stores for Felting Supplies
Buying felting supplies online offers the convenience of shopping from home and access to a broader range of products. Here are some of the best online stores for felting supplies:
Etsy
Etsy is a marketplace for handmade and vintage items, making it an excellent place to find unique and high-quality felting supplies. Many sellers on Etsy offer hand-dyed wool, custom felting kits, and specialized tools. You can also find tutorials and patterns to help you with your projects.
Pros:
∙ Wide variety of unique and handmade supplies.
∙ Ability to purchase directly from individual artisans.
∙ Reviews and ratings help ensure product quality.
Cons:
∙ Prices can vary widely.
∙ Shipping costs and times can vary depending on the seller's location.
Amazon
Amazon offers a vast selection of felting supplies, from basic tools to comprehensive kits. It's an excellent option for beginners looking for affordable starter kits or experienced felters needing specific tools. Amazon Prime members can also benefit from fast shipping.
Pros:
∙ Wide selection of products.
∙ Competitive pricing.
∙ Fast and reliable shipping for Prime members.
Cons:
∙ Quality can vary; it's essential to read reviews.
∙ Some specialized items may be harder to find.
Woolery
Woolery is a dedicated online store for fiber arts, including felting. It offers a range of felting wool, needles, and accessories. The website is also a valuable resource for felting tutorials and tips.
Pros:
∙ Specialized store for fiber arts.
∙ High-quality products and materials.
∙ Educational resources available.
Cons:
∙ Prices may be higher compared to general marketplaces.
∙ Limited to fiber arts supplies only.
Living Felt
Living Felt is another specialized store that caters specifically to felting enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of felting wool, tools, and kits. The website also features a blog and tutorials to inspire and guide your projects.
Pros:
∙ Extensive selection of felting supplies.
∙ High-quality wool and tools.
∙ Educational content available.
Cons:
∙ Prices can be on the higher side.
∙ Shipping may take longer, depending on your location.
Brick-and-Mortar Stores for Felting Supplies
While online shopping is convenient, visiting a physical store allows you to see and feel the materials before purchasing. Here are some popular brick-and-mortar stores where you can find felting supplies:
Michaels
Michaels is a well-known craft store chain with locations across the United States and Canada. They offer a variety of felting supplies, including wool roving, needles, and kits. Michaels often has sales and coupons, making it an affordable option for crafters.
Pros:
∙ Convenient locations.
∙ Frequent sales and discounts.
∙ Ability to see and feel materials before purchasing.
Cons:
∙ Selection may vary by store.
∙ Prices can be higher without discounts.
Joann Fabric and Craft Stores
Joann stores offer a wide range of craft supplies, including felting materials. They carry wool roving, felting needles, mats, and kits. Joann also provides classes and workshops, which can be beneficial for beginners.
Pros:
∙ Wide selection of craft supplies.
∙ Classes and workshops available.
∙ Frequent sales and coupons.
Cons:
∙ Selection can vary by location.
∙ Prices can be higher without discounts.
Local Yarn Shops
Many local yarn shops (LYS) carry felting supplies, particularly wool roving and specialty tools. Shopping at a local yarn shop supports small businesses and allows you to get personalized advice and recommendations.
Pros:
∙ Support local businesses.
∙ Personalized service and advice.
∙ High-quality, unique supplies.
Cons:
∙ Selection may be limited.
∙ Prices can be higher than big-box stores.
Tips for Buying Felting Supplies
Regardless of where you buy your felting supplies, here are some tips to ensure you get the best quality materials:
Check Reviews and Ratings
When shopping online, always check reviews and ratings for products and sellers. This helps ensure you're purchasing high-quality items and can provide insight into the seller's reliability.
Compare Prices
Prices for felting supplies can vary widely between stores and sellers. Compare prices to ensure you're getting the best deal. Remember to factor in shipping costs when shopping online.
Look for Sales and Discounts
Craft stores often have sales, coupons, and discount codes. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores to stay informed about upcoming promotions.
Consider Quality
High-quality felting wool and tools can significantly improve your projects. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, investing in good materials will yield better results and a more enjoyable felting experience.
Buy in Bulk
If you plan to do a lot of felting, buying supplies in bulk can save you money in the long run. Many online stores offer discounts for bulk purchases.
Explore Kits
Felting kits can be a great way to start if you're new to the craft. They typically include all the necessary supplies and instructions for a specific project. Kits can also be an affordable way to try out different types of felting without committing to large quantities of materials.
Conclusion
Felting is a rewarding and creative craft that allows you to create beautiful, handmade items. Finding the right felting supplies is essential to ensure your projects turn out well. Whether you prefer the convenience of online shopping or the tactile experience of visiting a physical store, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. By following the tips outlined in this guide and exploring the recommended stores, you'll be well-equipped to find the best felting supplies for your next project. Happy felting!
