Should you buy core wool?

If you’re new to needle felting, you may be wondering if you should buy core wool. It depends. If you’re doing 2D needle felting, you’ll probably never use it. But if you’re doing 3D, here’s why you should consider trying it. If you aren’t sure, take a look at my Should you choose 2D or 3D needle felting post?

What is core wool?

• Core wool is wool that is washed, minimally prepared, and usually contains some VM (abbreviation for “vegetable matter” like dried hay, grass or leaf bits).
• It felts easily and quickly. That makes it fantastic for creating the foundation or core of 3D needle felted pieces. You can think of it like an egg. Everything inside the egg would be made of core wool. The eggshell would be made of wool that’s more processed and probably higher quality.
• Since core wool ends up inside your piece and will not be seen, it doesn’t need to be processed as much or as carefully as the fiber on the outside. Thus, core wool should be less expensive than carded batts, roving, top, or locks.

What does it look like?

Most core wool contains a mix of fiber lengths, is carded to some degree, and in a batt or strip. This makes it a pleasure to work with because you can easily tear off a small or large chunk to work with.

Core wool is usually a natural white color. It has a slightly yellow or creamy appearance compared to something like a piece of white printer paper. It can also be darker if the wool used was from sheep with gray, brown, or black wool. Some suppliers produce dyed core wool that comes in a range of colors just like roving and top. Dyed core wool is more expensive because it has to go through the extra processes involved in dying wool.

Should you buy some core wool?

If you are doing 2D needle felting, probably not. If you’re doing 3D, yes, especially if you’re a beginner. Core wool will make your more expensive roving and top coat last longer as you’ll only need them for the outer shell of your pieces. Use the core wool for wrapping armatures, creating your foundation, experimenting with shapes, and trying new techniques.

Should you buy dyed core wool?

I’m going to say no. I’ve bought it and I hardly ever use it. If you’re working on a sculpture that’s a darker tone, you might want to try some of the naturally gray or brown core wool. But your core wool doesn’t need to match your top coat colors. Remember, the core wool is meant to be covered up!

Last Updated on June 22, 2024