What You Need for Needle Felting (Beginner Supplies List)
Lets talk about needle felting supplies for beginners. When you first start researching needle felting, it’s easy to think you need a large kit filled with tools. In reality, beginners only need a few simple supplies to get started…. litterally only three, dont sweat about the other stuff.
This beginner needle felting supplies list covers exactly what you need. This post contains affiliate links*
Essential Needle Felting Supplies
Felting Needles
Felting needles are different from sewing needles. They have small barbs the grab and tangle wool fibers together. A single medium-gauge needle is perfect for beginners. 38 gauge is good if you want to get technical. These ones contain 36, 38, 40 gauge, perfect for a beginner
Wool Roving or Batting
This is the wool you’ll be shaping. Wool roving is smooth and easy to work with, while batting is fluffier and felts quickly. Either option works well for beginners, why not get a bit of both to experiment. Find beginner pack of wool roving here. If you are looking for wool batting, try this one
Felting Surface
A foam pad or felting mat is essential. It protects your needle from breaking and keeps your work surface safe, this also keeps your fingers safe from stabbing yourself. The foam pads do wear out but are so easy to replace, a felting pad lasts a very long time.
Optional (But Helpful) Needle Felting Tools
These tools aren’t necessary, but they can make felting more comfortable:
- Finger guards or leather thimbles
- Multi-needle tools for faster felting
- Fine needles for adding details
- Small scissors, great for snipping off the whispy pieces of wool
What You Don’t Need as a Beginner
Many beginners overspend early. You can skip:
- Large starter kits with many tools
- Expensive wool blends
- Advanced shaping tools
- Armature wire for early projects
Simple shapes are the best way to learn. Learn how to make a perfect sphere here
Can You Start Needle Felting Without a Kit?
Yes. Buying needles, wool, and a foam pad separately is often cheaper than purchasing a kit. Kits are convenient but not required.
Beginner Mistakes When Buying Supplies
A common mistake is buying very fine needles too early or choosing decorative wool that’s difficult to felt.
Check this out 15 Needle Felting Mistakes to Never Make
Final Thoughts
You don’t need much to start needle felting. A few basic supplies are more than enough to learn the craft and decide whether you enjoy it. You can always expand your tools later.
