First, of course, you’ll need a felting needle and wool. I don’t recommend superfine merino wool, as it can be challenging to felt. Once you have your materials, you’re ready to start. Every felting artist develops their own technique over time, typically by trial and error. Generally, the process begins with creating a base shape, to which the body parts are then added. I usually start by taking a piece of wool and working it with the needle until it takes shape. For added strength, I try to shape both the torso and head from the same piece as a solid base before adding finer details. Limbs are then added as separate pieces. I make the base of the figure in white or a neutral color, then layer other colors to form details like the belly, tail, paws, and fur. If you’d like your creation to be more flexible—so that its limbs can bend and move instead of remaining as a static piece—you can use a wire skeleton as a base and then add the wool around it. There are no strict rules; the key is to ensure the wire structure remains flexible. This approach is especially useful for parts like bird legs or a mouse tail, as it allows these features to hold their shape when adjusted to one side. However, a full wire base isn’t necessary for every project; for instance, many artists only add wire to bird legs, wrapping them in wool and felting over them. Remember, felting offers a lot of versatility, allowing you to add flexibility, sew parts if needed, and personalize based on your preferences and the effect you want to achieve.

Here is an example of how some people make bird legs: first, they create the wire structure and cover the leg section with masking tape for protection. Then, they use nail polish to paint the toes. Finally, they remove the tape and wrap felt wool around the leg; this step allows them to needle felt the leg to the bird’s body.