Felting is a versatile and creative craft that involves using various fibers, most commonly wool, to create textiles with a unique texture and structure. While wool is the primary material used for felting, different types of wool and animal fibers offer distinct qualities that influence the felting process and the resulting texture and strength of the finished product. In this article, we'll explore how different fibers---from lamb's wool to alpaca---affect the felting experience, texture, durability, and final product.
The Science of Felting
Before diving into the differences between fibers, it's essential to understand the basic process of felting. Felting works through a process of agitating wool fibers, causing them to interlock. This is achieved by applying heat, moisture, and friction to the fibers, often with the aid of special needles or a wet felting technique. The scales on the fibers' surfaces open up when moistened, causing them to tangle together and form a dense, cohesive fabric.
While all fibers can be felted, the effectiveness of the process varies depending on the properties of the fiber itself. The finer the fibers and the more scales they have, the more easily they can interlock during the felting process. Different animal fibers have different scales, lengths, and textures, which all affect the final outcome of the felting project.
Lamb's Wool
Lamb's Wool is one of the most commonly used fibers in felting, particularly in needle felting. It is harvested from a young sheep and is known for its fine texture and softness. Lamb's wool is ideal for creating delicate, soft fabrics and works well for intricate felted designs.
Texture
Lamb's wool tends to be soft and fine, giving it a smooth texture that is easy to manipulate and shape. This softness makes it perfect for creating smooth surfaces or for adding fine details to felting projects like figurines, animals, or delicate floral designs. Because of its fine fibers, it felts quickly and easily, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Strength
Although lamb's wool is soft and easy to work with, its strength is moderate. It is not as durable or resilient as coarser wools, making it more suited for projects that do not undergo heavy wear. For instance, lamb's wool is ideal for decorative pieces like cushions or wall hangings but may not be the best choice for items that need to withstand significant stress, such as rugs or footwear.
Merino Wool
Merino Wool, often considered one of the finest and most popular types of wool for felting, comes from the Merino sheep. Known for its luxurious softness and fine texture, Merino wool has long fibers and is highly sought after for both felting and knitting projects.
Texture
Merino Wool is incredibly soft, with fine fibers that provide a smooth, velvety texture. The wool's fine quality allows it to felt smoothly, creating a dense, soft fabric with a fine finish. This wool is perfect for creating soft, pliable designs, and the fibers are excellent for blending different colors together. Merino Wool felts quite quickly, making it a great choice for both beginners and advanced felters who want a smooth and flawless finish.
Strength
While Merino Wool is soft and pliable, its fine fibers can be less durable than coarser wools. As a result, it may not be ideal for projects that require a great deal of wear and tear, such as heavy-use items like bags or shoes. However, its softness and high-quality finish make it a fantastic choice for accessories, clothing, and wearable art.
Corriedale Wool
Corriedale Wool comes from the Corriedale sheep, a breed that was originally developed by crossing Merino sheep with Lincoln sheep. Corriedale wool is coarser than Merino wool but still soft enough for comfortable wear.
Texture
Corriedale Wool has a medium‑grade texture, offering a balance between softness and strength. The wool fibers are more substantial and have a slight crimp, which makes them ideal for felting projects that require a bit more structure. Corriedale Wool creates a thicker, denser fabric with good texture, making it a good choice for projects like bags, slippers, and hats.
Strength
Corriedale Wool is more durable and resilient compared to Merino wool. Its thicker fibers allow it to withstand more wear, making it a great option for practical felted items that need strength and longevity. Whether you're creating a thick, textured scarf or a sturdy pair of felted slippers, Corriedale Wool provides the necessary structure and resilience.
Alpaca Wool
Alpaca Wool is harvested from alpacas, which are native to South America. Alpaca wool is prized for its warmth, softness, and hypoallergenic properties. Although it is finer than many sheep wools, it is not as widely used in felting due to its unique properties.
Texture
Alpaca Wool has a silky, smooth texture and lacks the typical scales found on sheep wool, which means it is less likely to felt as easily. However, it can still be felted, though it may require more effort and time than wool with more pronounced scales. When felted, Alpaca Wool results in a smooth, glossy finish with a luxurious, soft feel. The resulting fabric tends to be drapey and smooth, making it perfect for projects like shawls, scarves, and other accessories.
Strength
Alpaca Wool is incredibly strong, with fibers that are lighter, softer, and warmer than sheep wool. It is more durable than many sheep wools and can withstand wear and tear better. However, because of its smooth texture and lack of scales, it can be more challenging to felt into dense, sturdy materials. If you're looking for a soft, luxurious finish and don't mind a longer felting process, Alpaca Wool is a great choice for creating lightweight, durable accessories.
Cashmere Wool
Cashmere Wool is a luxury fiber obtained from cashmere goats, primarily found in regions like Mongolia, China, and India. Cashmere is known for its unmatched softness and warmth, making it one of the most sought‑after fibers in the world.
Texture
Cashmere Wool is incredibly fine and soft, making it one of the most luxurious fibers available. When felted, it creates a smooth, delicate fabric with a slight sheen. Cashmere felts more slowly than other fibers due to its fine texture, but the resulting fabric is soft, plush, and has a refined quality.
Strength
Despite its luxurious softness, Cashmere Wool is more delicate and prone to pilling compared to other fibers. It may not be the best choice for items that are subject to heavy use or abrasion. However, for high‑end, delicate felted garments or accessories, cashmere offers unparalleled softness and warmth.
Shetland Wool
Shetland Wool comes from the Shetland sheep, a breed native to the Shetland Islands. This wool is known for its strength, versatility, and distinct texture.
Texture
Shetland Wool has a rough, somewhat wiry texture that results in a dense, firm felt. It is an ideal choice for creating durable, textured pieces that require structure, such as outerwear, blankets, or durable bags. The rough texture allows the fibers to lock together easily during the felting process, making it suitable for wet felting techniques.
Strength
Shetland Wool is incredibly strong and resilient. It holds its shape well and is known for its ability to stand up to wear and tear. The durability of Shetland wool makes it perfect for crafting items that need to last, such as heavy blankets, durable garments, or outdoor accessories.
Conclusion
The type of fiber you choose for felting can drastically change the texture, strength, and overall look of your final piece. From the softness of Merino Wool and Lamb's Wool to the durability and structure of Shetland Wool, each fiber offers unique properties that lend themselves to different types of projects. Whether you're creating lightweight accessories, durable outerwear, or intricate decorative pieces, understanding how the fiber impacts felting will help you achieve the desired results.
Experimenting with different fibers---such as Lamb's Wool, Merino Wool, Alpaca Wool, and Shetland Wool---opens up a world of possibilities for felting projects, each fiber bringing its own qualities to the table. So, next time you pick up your felting needle, consider the characteristics of the fiber you're working with, and enjoy the creative process of transforming raw fibers into beautiful, functional works of art.