When you pick a tutorial to make, the teacher usually includes a list you’ll need to complete the project. What should you consider before you purchase everything?
What’s on the list?
Skim through the tutorial to make sure that everything you see the instructor use is included in the list. Sometimes things that are necessary like craft glue aren’t. Also look at the tools that are used. Are those included? The teacher might assume that everyone has common items like toothpicks and not put them on the list. But if you don’t bake, you might not have them laying around the house. Finally, make sure the list includes the type of needle felting needles and stabbing surface you need to use.
Does the list include recommended suppliers?
If it does, are they near you? Pricing and shipping can vary wildly. If you live in Japan or the UK, ordering from a shop in the US might not make sense. Comparison shop and look for sales. Also check to see if the teacher offers discount code if you order through them.
Does it include specific brands or colors?
Some projects require specific types of wool. That’s important because not all wool behaves the same. If the piece has a super smooth finish, substituting Romney wool for Merino won’t deliver that. They have different textures and no amount of stabbing will change that.
If the tutorial calls for specific brands of wool like DHG (Dyeing House Gallery) or Felted Sky, it may be because those companies offer the same colors or blends (DHG Maori blends) year round. If they are not available in your area, it might be worthwhile to order these if you can’t find substitutes.
Is the wool preparation listed?
For 2D tutorials, you’ll usually use a carded wool. For 3D, the wool might be carded, combed top, roving, locks or something special like Hamanaka curly felting yarn. It’s important to pay attention to the wool prep. They look and behave very differently. The wrong wool prep can turn an easy tutorial into a nightmare.
Does the list include the amounts you need?
If yes, do you need to convert them? Some suppliers sell wool by grams, some by ounces. Use an online converter if you need to. That will help you order and compare prices. You might also need to convert wire from mm to a gauge. It sounds like a lot of work but having the right amounts and sizes can make completing the tutorial easier and less stressful.
Are you tempted to buy more than you need because of a sales or clearance price?
I bought 100 pipe cleaners 4 years ago because they were on sale. I thought I would use them all the time for needle felting armatures. After I tried them, I realized I don’t like using pipe cleaners. They are flimsy, brittle and have sharp little ends. I prefer bare or cloth wrapped wire. So I still have almost 100 pipe cleaners. If you haven’t tried something, it’s probably not worth buying a large quantity until you know you like using it. That goes double for supplies on sale.
Would a needle felting starter kit work?
Sometimes a needle felting starter kit might be a good value. They aren’t project specific but usually include basic supplies, a few tools, and a variety colors of wool roving in small amounts. Check to see if that might be less expensive than ordering what you need for your tutorial. But make sure that the amount of wool included in the starter kit is enough for your project. If it is, buying a starter kit might mean you end up with some extra colors to play with!
Last Updated on June 22, 2024
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